Man, my first website mistakes were many, too many for a blog post. So here are some of the highlights, which maybe will be helpful to you.
Let’s start at the beginning of the process as that’s where I made my first, fundamental website mistake. And not for this first time. I didn’t do my research.
Luckily my first website was for me so I just had to cope with annoying myself rather than a client!
Now, I recommend to all my clients to do their research. AND to research everything – not just their competitors but market research as well.
What do your clients want and need?
Think about the future – what do you want the website to do now, in the near future and in a couple of years. You don’t have to do it all in one go – incremental steps. You can add a blog later, email marketing later but research and plan as much as you can at the beginning of the process.
One of the things I wish I had known when doing my first website is that copywriting is hard.
And many, many websites down the line I still think it is hard. It is a skill that is worth paying for but if you are starting out and don’t have the funds then I’d recommend not doing it solely on your own.
Either make sure you hire a web designer who will guide you. Or if you are designing your own site then search for a copywriter who has an affordable online course. And follow all their advice. It can be difficult finding the right fit because they need to speak your language so you can learn from them as well as teach copywriting which is going to speak to your clients.
But do take your time because as they say ‘content is king’ and your copy is a huge part of this.
The main thing I wish I had known about SEO is that you don’t have to be a master at it before doing it.
The key is to find a simple beginners’ guide online and get yourself a plan together.
AND do it from the very beginning.
Because if you put it off, you’ll just have to redo the work you’ve already done.
Or even worse – you’ll never get round to doing it!
Some final musings on what I wish I’d known, all those years ago when I did my first ever website.
· Keep control – don’t rely too heavily on someone else
· Get someone else to read it before going live
· As the wise people say – done is better than perfect
I’ve obviously been listening to Ooh La La – by The Faces whilst writing this post.
