5 myths for why building your web project will be easier than you thought

January 27, 2010

Here are some common misconceptions about building web projects that have delayed our clients in their aims to create their online dreams:

1. I have to decide on the perfect design for my site.

Contrary to what some (and many web designers) believe, a very pretty site is often not successful. The reason for this is that a pretty site can be distracting. People rarely surf the web to satisfy artistic pleasure. When they are looking to purchase a product or service, the informational content of the site is the number one priority that will sell your items. The number two priority is ease of finding that content. In terms of aesthetic design, the design should focus on ease of reading and ease of navigation not on the “pretty” factor. Think of it like a frame for a piece of artwork. If the frame is too ornate and elaborate it distracts the viewer from the piece of artwork that should be the center of focus. Likewise, if your web design is too ornate, elaborate or even beautiful, then it will likely distract the visitor. With so much information on the web, visitors would rather move to a different site than be distracted. So the advice we give is: Keep It Simple!

We’ll show you the ins and outs of marketable web design. We’ll work with you on colors. If you don’t have a logo or images, we’ll help you with these pieces. Call us today to setup your free consultation.

2. I have to save up for this. Its going to cost a lot.

Web projects even 2 or 3 years ago used to cost $5,000 – 10,000 for a nicely designed site. Fortunately, technology has continued to advance rapidly (even exponentially, still). One of the great benefits of this advance has been declines in the cost of implementation of web design, e-commerce and custom software. Proven, quality open source (free) web frameworks allow you get a solid, advanced software project out for under $3,000, sometimes even under $1,000. Websites are also easier and faster to design and implement. We can design a clean, professional site for you for as little as $350. Custom websites are priced at $750 and $1550 depending on your needs. This is a far cry from the expenses of even a few years ago. If a web company quotes you a price much higher than this, chances are they are not using up to date techniques, or they are over designing your site, or they’re just plain charging you too much. Call us for a free consultation on starting your web site today.

For individuals such as artists, musicians, actors, and free lancers, we offer special deals where you can pay for your site over the course of several months to a year. This type of financing helps you get your practice going right now without breaking your bank. Talk to us about monthly payment plans and we’ll work with you to get your website up and running today.

3. I have to write all the copy first.

When you are writing a brochure or pamphlet for your business, you have to write, proof and finalize all the copy before going to print. A website, blog, e-commerce or any form of web project, is always a work in progress. There are many reasons for this, the biggest reason being: “because you can.” The web is a unique form of marketing and publication because it is never finalized. You can always update it. With easily accessible marketing tools, you can get near instant feedback on how your visitors are responding.

Even implementing a marketing technique called “A/B Testing” is easier than ever with the web. With A/B Testing you write two or more versions of the same text. Some viewers see one version, other viewers see another version. You then measure how many contact you or buy your products from which version. The version of text with the highest selling rate is the version you finalize. This technique is expensive in printed materials, but on the web it costs only your time.

We advise our clients not to write all the copy up front. If you can talk for more than a few minutes about your web project, you already have enough copy in your head to “bootstrap” your site and get it running. Once up and running, you or us will tweak the text, add new pages, and move images around. We can do this service for you based on your direction or we’ll show you how to do it yourself. Contact us today to find out how much copy you should be writing up front.

4. I have to write my marketing plan. I’ve never advertised online and have to do my research and learning first.

Marketing and Business Plans are important. And if you’re planning on writing one, you are a step ahead of many. Our list of ToDo items that we give you when you contract with us will be geared towards filling out the sections of your own Business Plan. Some of our clients hesitate to begin their project until they have completed their business plan first. If you have a solid sense of what your web project, we encourage you to begin the process before completing your business plan. We advise this step because while you are an expert in your domain, many of clients do not know the ins and outs of web technology and e-commerce. We (or another firm) do understand many of the issues that surround online marketing and e-commerce. Since your business will be on the web, we encourage you to leverage our (or another firm’s) experience when putting your business plan together.

For our clients we use a Business Plan template found on the Score.org website. If you have your own template we would be happy to tailor our introductory material for your template. We’ll help you fill out your business plan so your web project is a success.

Well, what if during the creation of the business plan I find out my idea is not feasible? Do I have to pay for my website?

Great question. No. You only pay for what we deliver to you. If all you use of our services is help vetting out a business plan, then you only pay for that piece of the project. If this is the case, we hope during the process we gave you so much valuable information that you’ll easily be able to brain storm up a new web project.

5. I have so many things on my plate right now. I’ve always wanted to do this web project, but it’ll have to wait another 6 months.

Well this is a tough one. All we can do is help you with your priorities. If your web project has a viable chance of making you more money, than we encourage you to at least begin the informational vetting process of your project. Find out if it really is feasible, how long it will take and how much it will cost you. If you know more about your project, you may shift its priority if you could easily generate new prospects for your business or open a new channel for selling your existing products and services. Knowledge is key and with our consultation it may even be free.

We are sensitive of our clients competing demands and work with in your schedule. Call us for more information on your project. We’ll fit into your schedule.

Related Articles