The myth
Once upon a time, when the internet was just going mainstream, a website renovation would take months and cost a fortune. And so it was that small businesses began to retreat from the arduous and expensive task of refreshing their websites.
This reluctance grew and festered over time, such that a 2013 survey showed that 49% of American small businesses had never renovated their websites, with the same number finding incorrect listings for their business online.
While there was no evidence of such a survey having been conducted in Australia, a glance at the internet landscape would suggest a similar trend to be rife, with the devastating side effect of small businesses losing valuable leads.
But then came hope… hope in the shape of Anamorphic who would prove themselves to be a knight in shining armour to small businesses across Melbourne!
The reality
If you’ve been following our blogs you’ll be aware that:
Yet, the truth is that many SMEs are plodding along with outdated websites. It’s okay – we understand the process can feel overwhelming and you have budgets to think about. However, the reality is that renovating or refreshing your website is not actually as hard as you think.
Sure, the process will take a little time. And you will be required to outline your strategic goals and core values to the web designer before they start. But, if you choose the right web design partner the journey can be smooth, quick, cheap and painless – even if the site gets a complete makeover!
Happily ever after
Our own experience has shown us that it is possible to get a beautiful and functional website online within a week. We should caution that the exact timeline will depend entirely upon the scope of the project – the more bells and whistles, the longer it will take.
And while Pantene long lamented that it won’t happen overnight, but it will happen, we have found that our customers have reaped quick results from website overhauls.
In one case, an e-commerce client came to us with an original and basic site, with no search engine exposure, frames and a complicated checkout process. We redeveloped the site, implementing a simplified checkout process and the client’s sales improved 1,000%, allowing them to quickly recoup the makeover costs.
The importance of choosing the right partner
Marriage. Tennis. Business. Web design.
All require you to pair with the right partner if you are to have any chance of success.
If you’ve ever built a house, you’ll understand just how difficult balancing numerous contractors can be. So to our mind, that partner needs to carry you through the whole journey, not just the design component.
This sentiment is echoed by Whittington Consulting who warn that:
“Getting too many people involved can delay or derail a website redesign significantly. Don’t let your website turn into a ‘design by committee’ project.”
The most cost and time efficient way to manage a website renovation then is to work with one partner who can select and implement:
- The right content management or e-commerce platform for your business;
- The right hosting partner;
- Deal with the technicalities of migrating existing business processes as needed to deal with the new features or your website, including the social media and email marketing channel;
- A consistent personality across your print and online media
Additionally, your web designer will also be responsible for optimising, testing and delivering your site, meaning you can focus your energy on your business.
Should your business consider a redesign?
If your website is outdated and failing to produce results, it may be time to consider partnering with a web designer for a renovation.
While the process used to be expensive and could see you offline for a considerable period, advances in technology have made the process relatively quick, cheap and painless.
In our experience, we have found that handling all aspects from design to functionality has allowed our small business clients to enjoy an affordable, and professional service, not plagued by the delays inherent in hiring multiple contractors.
Interested? Still have questions?
Get in touch with the BaseHost team
1300 621 888 Email Us
