Web Design - Getting Started
If this is the first time you've ever thought about a website, don't worry. Your Baloogi designer will always be at hand to answers any queries you may have.
There are a number of things you will discuss during your initial consultation, so you may appreciate a 'heads up' before you meet.
- Roughly, how will your site be structured?
- How will you name the main pages (eg. home, about us)?
- What information would you like each main page to contain?
- Do you have a particular colour scheme or style in mind?
- Do you need your site to be interactive in any way?
- Do you have photos, logos or branding themes ready?
You may already have a website, in which case your designer will advise you on how it might be improved. This could involve changing the site layout or appearance, making your site more easily found by search engines (and thereby increasing your traffic), or adding functionality to the site, through online payment facilities or booking forms, for example.
The Design Process
Once we're clear about your requirements, we'll send a detailed quote, which will include an agreed start and completion date. Please note that though we require a 50% deposit, this is fully refundable if you are not 100% satisfied with our work.
During this time you will be able to view the progress of your website online, via a temporary domain, and make as many changes as you wish.
Once the completion date has arrived, if you are not 100% satisfied with your site, you can simply walk away from the deal without losing a penny!
We're sure, however, that you'll be delighted with your new website, which we'll transfer to your own domain the instant that the completion payment is received!
Design Hints and Tips
Your homepage should have all the important information 'above the crease', that is on the screen with having to scroll downwards. The 'golden rule' in homepage content is that anyone should know exactly what your site is all about within 4 seconds!
The quality of your text content can affect your search engine rankings (yes, really!) as well as encourage your visitors to explore your site. If you need a quick lesson in how to write engaging copy, we recommend you check out the excellent Copyblogger online.
Although Baloogi place no limit on the amount of information you can include on a single page, don't be tempted to make pages too large. Visitors can quickly become bored of scrolling down and may miss vital information 'hidden' at the bottom. And never force them to scroll sideways!
