Everyone should enjoy their design
process. It is our goal at Back40 Design Group to establish lasting
relationships with our clients. After you’re ready to start your project, you’ll
begin working with a designer towards the development of your website. Before
beginning the design or redesign process, here are some simple things to think
about:
1. Evaluate Your Company
Developing
clear descriptions of your company and your company’s vision will help your
designer create a website relevant to your visitors. Ask yourself:
· Who are we?
· How do we want to be
perceived?
· Where are we going?
· Who is our target audience?
· What specific goals are we
trying to obtain with our website?
2. Don’t Take It Personal
In
general, your website look and feel should not be created based on you or your
designer’s likes or dislikes. Remember your design is for your customers,
clients, perspective clients, students, volunteers, staff, and anyone else who
may make up your target audience. Of course being objective about design is a
hard thing to do, but if you try to think about your design from the user and
visitors perspective your website design will benefit.
3. Consider Your Logo
Your
logo is the foundation and driving concept behind your brand image. If you feel
your logo isn’t portraying your company in the correct light or you’re unsure
of the quality, you should talk to your designer before beginning. If you feel
your logo is at its best then be sure to locate your logo files.
4. Browse the Web
Create
a list of websites you like and dislike. This will help you discuss your
preferences for your company’s own website with your designer. Remember…it is
not as much about personal taste. Focus on elements of the websites you view
and write down likes and dislikes along with the website addresses. For
example:
· pictures really grab my
attention http://www.ironhorsecb.com/
· background feels industrial
and focuses my eye on the content http://matrixok.com/
· big button makes it easy to
make contact http://vitalsignsok.com/
· large phone number is very
helpful http://restoreplasticsurgery.com/
5. Be open
Not
only should you be open to new ideas and designs, but open up with your
designer. Just like in any relationship it takes both parties to create a great
team. If you’re able to openly communicate about the concepts in steps 1-4 your
design process will be much more efficient and fun!
