Buying a Website is Exciting Isn’t It?
Doesn’t matter who you are or what you’re interested in there’s bound to be some part of buying a websites that excites. Quick question for you.
Which one of these is the most important element of your website?
- the design bit
- the technical bit
- the marketing bit
Unfortunately there are a lot of people who will choose one of these, but it’s a trick question. These are all the most important bits of your website. Miss out any one and it’s like missing a leg on a three legged stool – doesn’t work very well without a lot of propping up. When you’re buying a website, or helping someone else to get online, then think about all the elements.
I write web content for people – writing words and putting them live too – but recently I’m being drawn into much more technical areas. That’s fine (you don’t achieve Chartered IT Professional without liking technical bits) I’ll help and advise anyone who asks. What isn’t so fine (I find it really disheartening) is that so many people are treated badly by suppliers; IT, design and marketing suppliers. Many people don’t understand what they’re buying when they invest in a website and I don’t agree with ‘buyer beware’!
Here’s my Quick Guide to Buying a Website
- Remember all three elements – design, technical and marketing – you don’t want a two-legged stool. Here are some random thoughts on each element – which I’d be happy to expand on… just ask.
- Design
Design is about a lot more than pretty images and wonderful fonts. Brand matters so the right look and feel to represent your business is important. Design doesn’t stand still, so you’re entering into an ongoing relationship with your designer. Design must take account of best practice when it comes to HCI (human computer interface, interaction, usability – or making sure your visitors can use the website easily). Design should take account of different abilities and devices. - Technical
You need to make sure your website is built on the right platform (gulp! – what? – even if you don’t understand me, I’m still right). You need to know who registered your domain, who hosts your site and you definitely need the access codes. Not convinced, then read this blog post about website access. Websites need to be backed up and it must be possible to recover them in the case of disaster. You must understand any licensing requirements (they are your responsibility). Security is important – you wouldn’t leave your business premises unlocked would you? Speed matters. Technical stuff needs maintenance, so be ready for an ongoing relationship. - Marketing
Your website needs to be found – that means SEO and there’s NO excuse for ignoring good practice completely. There’s more to online marketing than throwing a website live and sitting back and waiting (very little about marketing involves sitting back and waiting) so be prepared for ongoing work (that’s why content management systems are developing and improving so fast). Writing for the online world IS different (yes a lot is the same too, but there are differences). Results must be measured and analysed.
- Design
Understand your contract. What no contract? Then at least understand what you’ve signed up for and in particular, what you own.- Make sure you have everything you need to recover if disaster strikes (e.g. a relationship turning bad, server problems, supplier stops trading, etc.)
I hope it’s obvious I feel strongly about this. I hope more people start to ask the right questions before they buy a website. Maybe I’ll write a checklist… Tell me what you think below.
You might also like:
{ 2 trackbacks }