10 top tips when starting a new website design project

28 December 2024
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Written by wattage

Make a great first impression with your new website

Your website is often the first thing potential customers see. A well-thought-out design grabs attention, keeps visitors interested, and encourages them to stick around.

Show off your brand and business

Your website should reflect who you are. Use colors, fonts, and images that match your brand’s personality and show visitors they’ve come to the right place.

Pick a website platform that works for you

Platforms like WordPress are easy to use, flexible, and perfect for most businesses. With loads of themes and plugins, you can create a site that does exactly what you need. Here at Wattage, we use WordPress web design as our platform/content management system of choice for our clients… don’t worry, we talk you through how to use it and ensure there’s nothing too technical;!

Don’t DIY if you can help it

We understand that it’s tempting to choose a DIY website builder like Wix, but we know from experience that working with a professional web designer can save you time and effort from the start. They’ll bring the skills and creativity needed to build a site that looks amazing and works like a charm. We have had many clients who have spent numerous hours/days/(months even!) trying to build their own website, only to find that it doesn’t achieve the results they wanted so have trusted us to build a bespoke website for their business.

Agree pricing from the start, keeping your website budget clear

Nobody likes hidden costs. Agree on a fixed price so you can budget properly and avoid unexpected surprises down the line. Talk through what your project involves and what you will get. We do this by providing fixed-price quotations and outlining the full project spec in a website design proposal document.

Speed and performance matter

No we aren’t talking about Formula 1… but the same principles apply to your new website design project. A fast, easy-to-navigate site is a must. Slow loading times and clunky layouts can put people off, so focus on making your site quick and smooth. Make sure your website designer is considering speed from the start, otherwise it could get very tricky down the line to try and retrospectively speed up your new website.

Work with a website designer who gets you

A dedicated designer can make all the difference. They’ll understand your goals, communicate clearly, and create a site that truly reflects your business. As well as working well together, it is essential that your website design company of choice take the time to understand your business so they can offer advice on how you can grow online.

Get a website design package that fits your needs and future growth

Web design packages often include extras like hosting, SEO, and maintenance. Find one that suits your budget, and don’t be afraid to ask for custom tweaks. It is important that your website design project is bespoke to your business goals and there are options for your website to grow at the same time as your business. We have all seen outdated websites which really don’t do the business any justice, so don’t become one of those.

Think about your target audience and ideal customer

Your site should be designed with your audience in mind. Whether it’s clean and professional or bold and trendy, make sure it speaks their language. We recommend writing down who your ‘perfect customer’ would be, from gender/age/interests/occupation/location. From this, we can then use this ideal customer persona to develop everything from colour scheme to layout choices. Whilst this may sound a bit over the top, it’s crucial that your new website is perfectly suited for those you want to attract online.

Keep things running smoothly with website maintenance plans

Building a website is just the start. Regular updates, security checks, and performance tweaks are essential to keep your site in top shape! Read more about our website maintenance plans. Or if you choose a pay monthly website package, then we include all your maintenance at no extra cost!

Follow these tips, and you’ll have a website that not only looks the part but also helps grow your business.

Need a website designer for your business?

Would you like some website design advice for your business? Then get in touch and we could be happy to offer a no-obligation chat about the best options for you to consider.

Thanks for reading 🙂

Wattage Media website design team

Project sitemap by Wattage Media on a whiteboard
We start with the basics, literally pen and paper before building your digital masterpiece!

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We have a passion for providing great web and design solutions in a friendly, simple way to help our clients grow a strong brand online and in print.

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