These days, having a well-performing website is usually the cornerstone of a business’ marketing plan. Not only can a website attract the attention of relevant audiences, but it can help to sell a service or product much more efficiently.
However, launching a new website and maintaining it can be challenging for organisations like non-profits, housing associations and charities as they may not have the knowledge of where to start and how best to start developing a new website.
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, launching a new website is a significant undertaking that demands careful planning and strategic execution. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the world of web development, having a roadmap can be the key to a successful and seamless project.
The Nvisage team has many years of experience in launching and delivering successful website projects. In this blog, we’ll share a step-by-step guide to embarking on a new website project and ensuring its success.
1. Before Launching A New Website
Before you get started on your new website project, you will need to decide on which website development company you want to work with. It is often best to work with a company that already has experience in the sector that you are in. Make sure you seek our reviews and ratings online to find a team that is trustworthy and reliable.
2. Define Your Objectives and Goals:
Before you set sail, you need a destination. You can’t just have a website for the sake of ‘having a website’, it needs to have a purpose. Clearly define the purpose of your website and establish realistic goals. Are you looking to sell products, showcase your portfolio, provide information, or build a community? Understanding your objectives will shape every aspect of your project, from design to content strategy.
3. Research and Inspiration:
Just as a ship needs a carefully plotted course, your website project requires thorough research and planning. Analyse your target audience, study competitors, and identify industry trends.
Create a roadmap that outlines the features and functionality your website needs to achieve its goals. This will serve as your compass, guiding you through the development process.
4. Know Your Audience:
Understanding your target audience is fundamental to creating a website that resonates with users. Conduct research to identify your audience’s needs, preferences, and pain points. Tailor your website to cater to their expectations, ensuring a user-centric design that enhances the overall experience.
5. Choose the Right Platform:
Selecting the right platform is like choosing the right vessel for your journey. Consider your technical proficiency, budget, and the specific requirements of your project. Different Content Management Systems (CMS) have various features like user-friendly interfaces and extensive plugin options. Work with your design team to ensure you get the best fit.
6. Design and User Experience:
Aesthetics matter, but so does functionality. Invest time in creating a visually appealing and user-friendly design. Ensure that your website is responsive, meaning it looks good and functions well on various devices.
7. Content is King:
Compelling content is the lifeblood of your website. Develop a content strategy that aligns with your goals and resonates with your audience. Quality, relevance, and consistency are key. Whether it’s engaging copy, striking images, or informative videos, your content should captivate and retain visitors.
8. Wireframing and Prototyping:
Create wireframes to map out the structure and layout of your website. Prototyping tools can help visualise user interactions and provide a tangible preview of the user experience. This step allows for early feedback and adjustments before progressing to development.
9. Design for UX and UI:
Craft a visually appealing design with a focus on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI). Ensure intuitive navigation, responsive design for various devices, and a visually cohesive interface. User experience (UX) is paramount, as visitors should easily navigate your site and find what they’re looking for without frustration.
10. SEO:
Just as a ship needs to be visible on the vast ocean, your website must be discoverable on the internet. Implementing Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) best practices is essential. Conduct keyword research, optimise meta tags, and focus on creating high-quality, shareable content to improve your website’s search engine rankings.
11. Testing and Optimisation:
Before setting sail, ensure your ship is seaworthy. Test your website thoroughly for functionality, performance, and compatibility across different browsers and devices. Pay attention to loading times, broken links, and overall user experience.
12. Launch and Promotion:
With your ship ready, it’s time to launch. Announce your website to the world through social media, email newsletters, and any other channels relevant to your audience. Encourage feedback and be prepared to make adjustments based on user responses.
13. Analytics and Iteration:
Regularly update and optimise your site to keep it sailing smoothly. Set up analytics tools to track user behaviour and website performance. Regularly analyse the data to make informed decisions for ongoing improvements. Recognise that websites are dynamic entities; embrace the cycle of continuous improvement to stay ahead of evolving user expectations.
Helping our clients plot their path through the sometimes-uncharted seas of website development can be tricky but very rewarding when we get it right. We hope you have found Nvisage’s guide on how to develop a new website useful.
Embarking on a new website project is a thrilling endeavour that requires careful planning and execution. By defining your goals, conducting thorough research, and prioritising user experience and content quality, we’re confident that you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the exciting and ever-evolving waters of the digital landscape.
May your website project set sail with confidence, and may it chart a course for success in the vast online ocean.