Good PR starts with a good website

These days, every business has to have a website, a website is often the first point of contact between a future client and yourself, and, rightly or wrongly, it can make a difference on how you are perceived by them.
A website is so important to branding that many PR people include it as part of the initial branding, along with the press kit.
But theirs is a world of difference between having a website and having a good, useful website that engages your client and supports your brand. You don’t want to spend good money on a website only to have it end up looking crappy and less functional.
If you’re in a business that needs a good website, then you need to be as specific and as intimate with your Web designer as you are with your hairstylist for the women and your mechanic for the men.
So, here are some bullets points of what to do when dealing with a Web designer
1. Provide examples of websites you like to the designer as a basis of discussion.
However, discussion means both sides have a say. You may think a fancy elaborate introduction page creates drama and tells your story, but much of the time it just gives the viewer a warning that the site is going to suck and to click away as quickly as possible.
2. Have a budget in mind and ask your designer exactly what can be done with that budget. If you don’t have a lot of money, then be realistic about what can be done or be willing to spend more to have what you do need implemented.
3. Think of how your customers will use the site and make it easy for them.
A good website is designed for the person who is going to be using it and deciding whether or not to hire the company based on the ease of use. So make it easy to navigate. They’ll appreciate it.
5. Listen to your Web designer’s suggestions. They can help you make the site user-friendly and look great. http://www.taramichelleinteriors.com/
6. Make sure your designer is experienced and knows how much work it will take. A good website should take about a week. The reason it takes longer is often because the designer is inexperienced and needs to spend the time combing the internet looking for answers from more experienced Web designers.
7. Make sure you (or if you’re outsourcing this for another client) organize the content and actually write it. Some folks assume the web designer writes the content. Also, make sure the content is organized in one PDF or Word Document and clearly explains the website. http://www.whitehouse.gov/
8. Make sure to provide the designer with the best pictures possible.
9. Trust your designer. If you don’t trust them, don’t use them. If you have questions, ask them over and over until they explain in language you can understand.
10. Like PR, good web design inspires emotions. Don’t look at the web design as merely technical.
Share links to good websites you have seen locally…