Let’s start by answering – what’s web design, then explain why website design for small business is so important. What does it actually mean to be a website designer?
What’s web design?
So let’s answer that question, what’s web design? So many platforms are available now, from WordPress to Wix, SquareSpace, Shopify and many others. These effectively allow novice website or marketing professionals. Or even those who have no experience in these fields – to create a website.
How entrepreneurial, you might say! However we would say this is quite concerning. So many people can pitch themselves to others as website designers, or simply create their own websites. Although there is a fatal flaw in all of this. Let us explain in more detail.
From a professional point of view, we would say website design is all about user experience. This covers creativity, technical capabilities and functionality. Simply put there is so much more that goes into strong website design beyond the aesthetic.
There’s nothing wrong with being able to go into a platform such as the ones we’ve listed and start creating your own website. The key factor that’s missing is the foundational knowledge. Knowing what a good website and what good web design truly is. Read here why WordPress should not be overlooked to learn more. This includes user experience through to technical knowledge. Ensuring that your website is being set up in the best way possible. This means that you’re becoming discoverable online i.e. search engines are able to effectively navigate (crawl) your website.
Website design must take into consideration user experience. Who do you want to visit your website. What is the first impression you want them to have. Too often people design websites trying to communicate their message and what is important to them as a business. Too few companies take into consideration in their web design what the user experience is. They don’t consider how to make sure that people will convert to a lead or to a sale.
So, why is website design for small business so important?
Small businesses often need to be cautious of capital in the early stages. They need to think about all sorts of finances. It’s become very easy for websites to fall down the priority list in terms of investment. Why would you fork out a large amount of money for a website? Especially when so many platforms are available which help you to create your own website! And usually within minutes or hours and for such a low cost.
The thing is we really do get this. We really do understand small businesses priorities. However a number of clients will come to us with problems stemming from easy web design. Often they’ve been created a website by someone who has called themselves a website designer, but is actually lacking the foundational and technical digital knowledge. What has resulted in? Well most of those websites, and all of the marketing collateral within them, has been completely wasted. Google has not been able to find, crawl and index the pages. So that website is not being shown in search results!
For a very reasonable price a website can be designed and published by yourself or by a website designer. That’s true.
What’s also true however, is that without the foundational knowledge, the strategy and the technical digital capabilities, you will face issues. People know this who have extensive experience in a website design and development company. All that will happen is later down the line you will start to see the limitations of your existing website. You might also realise that your marketing has been ineffective for the duration that your website has been live – tragic!
This might actually have a far greater financial impact on your business. It’s better to invest in having your website made in the first place, with a professional website design and development company. Remember, it’s so much more than just the aesthetics in this digital age.
A website is essential for any business. It is often the case that a website is the first thing people see when wanting information on your business/services. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, so it is important to make the first impression count!
Get in touch today to see how Red Sentence can help you with your website.
