When meeting clients for the first time, I ask a number of questions in order to determine what value a website is to that client. Here are some of the questions I ask.
"Why do you want a website?"
The response varies from a detailed answer, to "Because I should". Interestingly many people don't understand how a website can help them in their business, they just know everyone is doing it!
For me the clients who don't realise the potential are some of the most exciting. There is a world of opportunity just waiting for them.
At it's heart, a website is a communication tool. It is a way of communicating with your customers and potential customers. You may want to communicate your opening hours and location, so that means you need to include that information on your website.
"How do you currently communicate with your clients?"
If you are going to add another communication method to your mix, you need to know how you are currently communicating with your clients and how a website fits in with that. Many clients have no proactive methods for communicating with their clients and so a website is an excellent starting point.
What is your goal for the business?
Everyone has different goals that they want from their business. These can even include goals they don't want other staff to know about such as getting the business ready to sell. It is important to know the end game before starting so the website plan supports the overall business goals.
What do you need right now?
As well as knowing where you want to get to, you also need to know what you actually need right now. The long-terms needs of a business and website needs to be balanced with achieving the immediate business goals. For example if you need to increase sales immediately, and there is an online market waiting for you, an e-commerce solution is one of the first things that should be implemented.
There is no one size fits all.
At WebMadeSimple we don't believe that one size fits all. We know that every client has individual needs and varying requirements. There are however common needs for all small businesses. Because of this we have developed our modular system so that we can combine the relevant modules to give you a solution that is tailored for you, without having to pay for a bespoke website.
If you would like to find out how a website can help your business, please contact us today on 09 950 3385 or via email.