The web can be a scary place.
If you haven’t really heard about things like Google Analytics, Spotify, SEO or favicons, then you’re in the right place.
Don’t get intimidated. We are in the business and thats why we have to know it.
You’re in the business of something else. And thats what you have to know something else.
This is a super basic cheat sheet for key things that every website should have. (Kind of like a cheat sheet for you to know if your accountant has ticked all the right boxes).
Basic Framework
- domain name – this is the address where you’re going to build your home on
(try and buy .com as well as .com.au – not that you need the both, but if someone else buys its, it will be annoying when people search for you on a search engine (eg. Google)) – if you’re wondering why kishandco.com leads you to a doll store – its because it was already taken - hosting – this is the structure you’re going to store your clothes / pictures / code in
if you’re going to have a lot of videos on your website, make sure your host is going to allow for the extra space you’ll be needing
if you’d like to build your website on something like WordPress – make sure your host is aligned to the right server type - something to build your site on.
If you’re a coder – ignore me (you shouldn’t be reading this anyways!). There are a lot of base systems like WordPress, Joomla, Cargo Collective, Shopify etc – to have your site built on. If you think you don’t need to update it yourself regularly – then talk to your developer and see if they’d rather just build the site without the system. But if you think you’re going to be blogging, adding prices, updating team members and making changes regularly, get the system.
The next level – the home
- navigation -
keep it clean. make sure the “contact us” page is easy to find
talk. don’t brag. we truly recommend copywriters. a lot of our clients feel free to use lowercase (case in point – no pun intended) after a full stop. That is not on when it comes to professional speak. - design -
if you have an ABN and pay your GST and expect potential clients to visit your site (assume they will) – then you really have no excuse not to have a well designed website. You’ll be losing business if you don’t. - details -
keep an eye out for little things like a favicon (top left symbol in a tab)
clear separation of navigation from content
aligning things - functioning -
it is super normal for a page to break or something to go awol on you. when this happens, make sure you have a decent error 404 page for this.
Making it work for you
- expertise -
share resources and show your expertise. doing this on a regular basis will convince viewers of your know how. - a reason to be back & a reason to share -
ideally, your brand should be a topic of conversation. whether that means talking about topical subjects, doing foodie posts, sharing tips in your area of expertise – do it. Media today is about sharing. If I can give you something useful, you’ll be back. And soon, you’ll want to share. Speaking of which, have a look at Coke’s plans for 2020. - invitations -
try and place a call to action (contact details in a humanised form) on every page. as subtle as a footer is good.
making it part of a conversation is super good.
Maintenance
- updates -
expect software updates and expect to pay for them - analyse your website -
we use Google Analytics. How many people? How often? How do they hear about your website? Where are they coming from? How long do they stay for? Which pages make them exit? I can’t emphasise enough as to just how important this is. Do it. Religiously. - search engine optimisation (SEO) – get your website to appear higher when your “keyword” is searched for.
Whats a keyword Kish? Imagine if you’re a florist in Camberwell. Your keywords are likely to be “flowers , Camberwell , floral , bouquet , gift ” etc.
Having the right words is not enough. Having the right keywords is not enough. Make sure your website has the right SEO working for it – especially if you’re looking to grow your business. Let me know if you’re looking for someone really good. It’s in my black book. - content
keep updating your content. a website is a live and kicking thingee. they outdate very fast, keep working on it. sorry to stress you out. - share
never assume that because you’ve built your website, the masses will come. here is a whole other post on how to share your website and actually grow traffic to it.
We do identity (logo or brand) design, stationery design, brochures, tenders, annual reports, folders, presentations, external and internal signage, banners, website design and development, e-newsletters and online advertising – everything you need for your marketing communications.
Some of our latest tips posts and work are linked to below:
Why would you want to work with us?
We are lovely.
We are lovely.
A creative bunch of friendly designers – we work with you to help you grow your business.
We’re not about pretty pictures, we are about successful, movement making design which brings results. A few testimonials.
Talk time?
talk +613 9819 0460
email design@kishandco.co
visit 22 Liddiard St Hawthorn VIC 3122
twitter // instagram @kishandco // facebook
talk +613 9819 0460
email design@kishandco.co
visit 22 Liddiard St Hawthorn VIC 3122
twitter // instagram @kishandco // facebook