So you’ve finally decided to take your business online or update your existing website.  You’re searching for a web design firm and you’re excited to start brainstorming (considering you haven’t spent sleepless nights doing so already). We want to congratulate you on taking the next big step toward expanding your business.

But traveler beware, the path to successful online presence can be a journey; lined with difficult decisions, sharp twists and turns and the lure of a shortcut.  Lucky for you, we are here to assist you through this journey and protect you from the pitfalls.

WebChique Marketing offers a variety of web design and development services as well as social media marketing, search engine optimization, and pay per click marketing.  Whether you are working with us as your website partner or another firm, here are a few suggestions for getting exactly what you want from your website design:

• Address Problems & Focus on  Solutions:  discuss any concerns you have thoroughly with your project manager as soon as they come to your attention.  Don’t just suggest a solution in order to move forward, but collaborate with the website experts you have hired to brainstorm the best possible solution.
• It’s all about user needs and business objectives: don’t fret the details, that’s why you’re hiring a designer.  Instead, focus on the big picture; how will users respond to the design and will it meet my business objectives?
• Always explain (and ask) why: be curious as well as thorough.  If someone does not like your design, politely ask them why.  Don’t hesitate to dig deeper by asking them to explain their feelings and opinions.  Everyone has a unique perspective and understanding your users is the ultimate goal.
• Recognize your own bias: remember, design is highly subjective.  Something you love may repulse someone else.  If ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ then let go of your personal bias and focus on the user.
• If in doubt, test: if the is any uncertainty or hesitation regarding your direction, STOP. There are plenty of ways to gain group feedback.  This will root out any issues that have gone unnoticed and give you the confidence to continue moving forward.
• Remember…nothing is permanent: you are creating digital space in a digital realm. This ain’t your grandpa’s printing press, it’s the internet.
• Listen to the research: it’s easy to become your own worse enemy when designing based on hunches.  Ignore your gut and trust the science and research that have gone into understanding and executing effective web design.
• Resist your urge to copy: NEVER mimic or imitate the competition.  If the objective is to stand out and rise above, blending in will get you no where.
• Context is everything: when it comes to presenting your finished product, be sure to brief the viewer on the context, direction, and purpose of the site.  This will help them understand why particular decisions were made.
• Avoid design by committee: again…design is subjective.  Limit the site’s exposure while testing to avoid wading through a murky pool of mixed opinions.