Whether you own a Pittsburgh-area business or manage a local non-profit, your website is your calling card to the world. Most organizations need a professional skilled in Pittsburgh web design and web development.
But where do you begin? The following guide brings you up to speed on the basics so you will be ready to plan your web design and web development.
What Is Web Design? And What is Involved?
We previously shared insight into how to find the right web designer. In addition to finding the right designer, a savvy manager needs to know about the various aspects of web design and web development. As an owner or manager, you are invested in your organization's success. You want to be a skilled participant in your website design.
1. Planning Your Website
Before you begin, you need a plan. What is your goal for your website? Some goals include:
To keep your community informed about your organization
To educate people on your idea or cause
To attract customers or clients to your local business
To sell your product to people from around the world?
To raise funds for your not-for-profit organization?
Your goals are important since a website designed to sell products internationally is different than a website designed to attract local clients for your service.
2. Content Creation
Without useful content, your website is useless. If you want to attract visitors, you need quality content that answers consumer's questions. You may answer questions as simple as "what is my closest plumber, and are they open? A good content strategy helps ensure your website is useful and that it also meets your goals. You may be able to create your content in-house, or you may need to hire a writer or online video producer. HubSpot offers tips on how to create an effective content strategy.
3. Design and Development
This is the part most people think of when they think of website design. Design and development refer to both the technical and the aesthetic design. Sometimes one designer might handle both and other times a specialized team is a better choice.
4. Search Engine & Social Media Optimization
On-page Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and social media optimization ideally happens from the design stage onward. A search and social media savvy designer structures your website in a way that makes your SEO easier. The designer might also coordinate your social media profiles with your website from both a branding and a technical perspective.
5. Building the Site
Your design team uses best practices to build your website. A good developer knows about the user interface, making your website mobile-friendly, and current security practices. Also, pay attention to your website load time as sometimes a talented, but inexperienced designer creates a beautiful design that loads too slowly. Your visitors will leave if your website doesn't load quickly (especially if they use their phone to find your business).
6. Launching Your Website
Once you launch, you need to get the word out about your website. Successful brands promote and update their website regularly. Designing and launching your website are just the first steps.
Are you looking for a team skilled in Pittsburgh web design? Let Red Lab Media build your dream business or nonprofit organization website.