Typically, a meeting between a web design team and a potential client goes something like this: the business owner or executive says a few things about what they might want, then the web designer shows all the great things they can do. Portfolios are shown and budgets are discussed, but the communication tends to be a one-way street. The creative team has a lot to show, so the client sits back and absorbs it.
If you want to get more from your next business web design project, though, I’m going to recommend you do something slightly unconventional: bring written notes to your meeting or consultation. Doing so will help you to stay on track, and to remember to bring up a few important issues.
In particular, here are a few things you might want to make notes about so you can mention them during the appointment…
What You like and Don’t like about Your Current Website
If your web design team doesn’t know what you do and don’t like about your current site, they may duplicate past mistakes. You’ll undoubtedly have some things you want to change, but if there are elements of your site you want to keep, too, then it’s good to mention that early.
What You Have Seen on Other Websites That You’d like to Incorporate
It’s not unusual for business owners and marketers to have seen features, tools, and programming on another website they would like to incorporate into their own. If you have come across something on the web that you think your customers would love, make a note of it so your web designer can get a sense of how it might work into your plans.
Any Programming Features Your Website Has to Have
Perhaps you have something in mind for your next website that you haven’t seen anywhere else at all. If there are custom programming tools, marketing automation features, or other elements of your website that go beyond the simple look and layout of your pages, then it’s good to bring these up during your first meeting.
Where Your Company is Headed
This is perhaps the most important detail of all, and one that a lot of new clients neglect to mention. You absolutely want your creative team to have a sense of where your business is headed and how they can help you to achieve your future goals. Otherwise, how valuable would your website really be?
There are a couple of reasons it’s important to bring these issues up early on in the process, and ideally, during your consultation. First, you want to ensure the creative team you’re about to hire can handle all of your needs and requirements. And second, the better idea your web designer has about the scope of the project, the more accurate they can be with their quotes and timelines, helping to prevent misunderstandings later.
If you’re looking for web design team that can help you get a great online presence and grow your bottom line, call us today to see what we can do for you!