Most people who are in business know they need a web presence. This means creating a website that will have one, or perhaps all, of the following:
• Design and navigation that will reflect well on the business
(in traditional advertising this would be known as an “image ad”)
• Functionality that will lead to increased sales and profitability
(in traditional advertising this would be known as a “response ad”)
• Analytics that provides information for improved decision-making
(in traditional advertising this is accomplished only sporadically)
Below are two sets of five questions. The first set are the type of questions asked by people who are not experienced in business, sales and marketing. The second set are the tougher, business-minded questions that need to be asked if you want your web design company to help you increase sales and profitability.
Beginner level questions
1) I love yellow; can you make my website yellow?
(Note: of course your website can be yellow. However, if you prize marketing effectiveness ahead of personal aesthetics you'll be open to testing different color combinations with the goal of converting site visitors into customers)
2) XYZ site is fantastic; can you make my website like that?
(Note: we can make your website look like YOU want, the trick is to make your website look and function according to the needs and wants of your customers)
3) I’ve heard Wordpress is good; is that the best choice for me?
(Note: Wordpress is a popular platform but the only way to tell if it is the best choice for you is to perform an analysis of your online marketing needs)
4) Can you optimize my site (do the SEO) when you build it?
(Note: the answer here is “Yes” with the proviso that only 25% of SEO occurs during site construction, 75% is an ongoing effort to build quality “backlinks”)
5) How much do you charge to do a website?
(Note: this is like asking a contractor how much will it be to build a house. A little more information will be needed before can get a realistic cost estimate)
Advanced level questions
A web design company will generally hear the following type of question from an experienced business owner or manager.
1) What keywords should I focus on to drive traffic to my site?
(Note: initial keyword analysis will set direction, testing will improve effectiveness)
2) How can I convert visitors into customers?
(Note: find a company that can map your sales process and tune each phase for maximum sales)
3) Can I take advantage of automated systems?
(Note: this is a critical question, web-enabled sales and marketing automation should be at the very core of your online marketing presence. You need to make an informed decision in this important area. Download the free e-book on the home page of this website)
4) How can I get the biggest bang for my buck?
(Note: the web design company you choose should be fluent in Internet marketing technology and methodology and will put your company’s return on investment (ROI) at the front of the conversation)
5) What is their track record of success?
(Note: a good web design company will have case studies and success stories)
If you are serious about your business, then selecting a web design company is serious business. The profitability, and perhaps even the survival, of your company may depend on getting your web presence right. Don’t take any chances. Call DeepSky Marketing for a free fifty-minute evaluation and consultation today.
