Website Design Brief | What Do You Want Your Website To Achieve
The following information is here to simply help you determine what it is you want to achieve from your new website and how to get that idea across to your web design agency. Please bear in mind that this is only a basic guide and that you should tailor this structure to be as specific and detailed to your company and requirements as possible.
Your Company
This section is an introduction to your company. It should outline who you are and what you do. It should make a statement about your company values and the objectives of your brand as a whole and should not be limited to current strategies.
Your Old Web Strategy
If you already have a website you will have valuable information, even if it is that your current website has not been effective. It might be that you are happy with some aspects of the website, but feel it is limited and lacks aspects such as search engine optimisation that could massively benefit your company. If you have not had any previous websites, focus on why you need a website.
Your New Web Strategy
What are your goals and objectives for the your company? Make sure that any goals are clear and achievable. Digital strategies are highly tailored, and what might work for one company, may be inappropriate for another. Have an idea as to the available features, but focus on your larger target based upon market demographics.
Market Demographics
Establish your geographic target area and total target population. Demographically, who is your typical customer, why do they use you, and what would encourage others to use your business? Study the market needs. What do you sell, what services are provided, how competitive are you, what are you greatest assets? These questions will help to guide the website’s development so that it is as targeted and cost-effective as possible.
Market Growth
What are your market trends, and more importantly, where is the market heading? Be aware of your competitors, make the most of your opportunities and recognising possible threats. Portray your strengths and weaknesses within the general market and follow industry specific buying patterns. Do competitors conduct offer periods? Do they dramatically increase purchases? Are products bought on impulse or out of necessity? Be clear on plans for expansion and brand awareness.
Budget and Timescale
The budget that you have for your marketing strategy is very important, as it will impact upon the solution that is best for your requirements. When do you expect to have the website running, and do you plan to expand the website after it has launched? Does it have a singular objective or is it a long-term program?
Mission Statement
Your website must raise awareness and boost sales. Try to discern realistic objectives in quantifiable ways. How many more sales do you expect to make as a result of the website? How much extra turnover will this bring to the company in real terms and as a percentage? This must justify the expenditure on marketing, whether for a website or other medium. What is the competitive edge to which your campaigns will be focused? What other forms of marketing are you looking at using and how does a website tie into these strategies?
Conclusion
Who is going to be the main point of contact from your company? Is there anybody that should be contacted for specific enquiries? What do you expect to be presented with by a web design company and in what format? This could include where and when face-to-face meetings will take place and ideas, concepts and designs you would initially like as part of the website pitch.
