The internet is indispensable, in fact, it's almost thinking for itself. That's why as a starter, you also need a good website. In this article, you'll find the information you need to prevent getting lost in the woods or, simply put, not finding a tree at all.
Some terms before you continue reading:
CMS | This allows users to easily manage and update web pages without in-depth technical knowledge. Some CMS systems can be self-installed (like WordPress), and some come in the form of SaaS (Squarespace).
SaaS | (Software as a Service) Software on the internet that you can use on a subscription basis.
Web developer/web agency | A company that specializes in developing websites. In this article, a distinction is made between a developer & agency for clarity. However, in practice, these terms are often used interchangeably.
Before you start.
What is your need?
Because a website costs money, thoughtful choices are essential. For some businesses, it's an extensive business card or digital brochure, while others need more complex features, such as integrations with other systems (web applications). Focusing on your needs helps with budgeting.
Your Domain Name
Before you start, you need a domain name; buying a domain name is like buying an address for your house. SaaS CMS platforms like Squarespace or Wix also always offer the option to purchase a domain name through them. If you're not using a SaaS CMS, you can buy your domain from a hosting provider.
Ensure your brand identity is ready
A strong website is consistent in style and use. Moreover, you want each page to evoke the right association with your company. By having a brand identity ready, you safeguard your style and can work consistently.
Structure and content
Think about the desired pages and navigation for your website; it's similar to doors connecting rooms (pages). Keep your content clear and concise, especially since people browse sites quickly before clicking further. You need to capture their attention with short, concise content before getting them to read more. The justification for this paragraph is that it's a blog; otherwise, it would have been too long for a website.
The major costs in creating a website lie in development and design. You can choose to outsource only the development or design. Perhaps you are comfortable with CMS systems and prefer to allocate your budget to someone with an eye for design. It may also be that you have a complete design in mind but would rather leave the development to someone who doesn't make their computer smoke every week.
Do it quickly yourself or delegate everything? It all depends on your needs. The chart below provides insight into how costs can accumulate, depending on who develops the website.
Do it yourself
Creating a website yourself with Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress is usually the most cost-effective solution. You choose a template that allows you to build pages in a user-friendly way. Hosting is usually taken care of by the (SaaS) CMS, so besides your periodic payment, you don't have to worry much. If you opt for a CMS without hosting like WordPress, the hosting provider usually provides a user-friendly environment where you can install WordPress with a few clicks and get started.
Outsourcing development
Building a website takes time, and not everyone has an affinity for information technology. Additionally, the freedom to create something unique with standard templates from CMS providers is limited. Would you prefer to outsource this task?
When you let someone else develop your website, you hand over all technical aspects. What is important to keep on your agenda is determining the structure and content, things that companies usually don't do for you.
It goes without saying that when outsourcing website development, you need a substantially higher budget than if you develop it yourself. If you cut all corners, you might get by with around a thousand euros. However, a decent professional website will quickly approach 3,000 euros or more.
Freelancer
On websites like Fiverr, you'll find a wide range of freelancers who can develop a website for you at a relatively low budget. The quality can vary greatly from one freelancer to another, so take your time to choose a good one. One of the crucial points to pay attention to is communication. Make sure you have someone with whom you can communicate clearly and concisely. It's worth spending a bit more money on this.
However, every website requires maintenance to some extent. If you're a rapidly growing business, and your webpage is an essential part of your workflow and/or customer journey, assume that your website needs to grow with you. Therefore, it's handy that the party hosting and managing your website is accessible. You want to be able to react quickly if things are not working correctly, and a website that is down for too long could cost you several customers. In that scenario, it's better not to go for a freelancer.
Web Developer
A web developer not only develops your website but also takes care of all surrounding aspects. They manage your hosting, set up your email box, etc. Some web developers can also handle design, something for which you might otherwise need a web agency.
There's also the option to work with a separate web developer and designer.
When you choose this direction, don't hesitate to reach out to Blijnder. This is the expertise where Blijnder excels.
Web Agency
For the full package, you go to a web agency. A good agency looks beyond just the technology, takes the time to create a suitable design before delving into the technology, and can help with SEO optimization and/or the overall structure and content.
Final note
A crucial last point is testing your website on multiple screens. Let some people from your environment use your website and see if they navigate through it easily. After a few weeks, you might be so deeply involved that it becomes impossible to test whether everything works smoothly.
CMS platforms: Wix, WordPress & Squarespace
Freelancers: Fiverr, Upwork & Freelancer
Designers: Jobien Kleingeld & Erik Richters
Web Agencies: Lyfter, Schot & Webfluencer
This blog was first posted in Dutch on the StartSmartHW community.