Websites come in many different forms – from simple template-based sites through to more bespoke technical sites, integrated with third-party applications, or ecommerce platforms.
Whatever the shape or size, any businesses which don’t have well-designed, well-maintained websites could be constantly missing out to their competition.
The internet is so integrated into daily life that people will turn to it for almost everything. Businesses which don’t have a website presence with those all-important ‘buy online’, ‘book online’, ‘enquire now’, ‘get your free quote’ type features will undoubtedly be losing out to those businesses which do.
While they serve their purpose, social media pages are not adequate substitutes for a website either. They don’t have the same SEO functions, are not as credible and are not in the control or ownership of a business.
Websites boost credibility, increase visibility and improve lead generation. But they must be expertly designed and developed to succeed. Potential customers will move on from a bad website very quickly.
Website development is one of our core services at EBY. We have built sites for national and global companies, membership organisations, charities, sole traders, SMEs and more.
Our experience covers a wide variety of sectors too, including emergency services, consumer technology, professional services, retail and healthcare to name just a few.
No matter the business size or sector, our website development service tends to follow a similar process.
It starts with working up a detailed brief with the client about what the site needs to do and achieve. We’ll then carry out in-depth research around the sector, competitors, keyword research and appropriate website options.
Successful websites are underpinned by search engine optimisation (SEO), so we always ensure this is built in to the design. Google algorithms look at around 200 factors when ranking websites so it’s vital that websites are built with these in mind to increase the chances of being placed at the top of the search engine results pages.
Once armed with this information, we’ll develop the structure and wireframe, or site map, present options for design and content and develop the site, followed by testing and launch.
As a website is a business’s shop window, it needs to showcase the branding, vision and all the key messages that will help encourage people to buy.
Our in-house experts can support with branding design and all copywriting requirements too.
It doesn’t end with site launch either. Websites can quickly fall down the rankings if they are not regularly maintained and updated. We host and maintain websites, as well as providing ongoing technical support as needed.
Summary
Websites are at the very heart of a digital strategy and form the foundations for all other online activity. It’s therefore a vital investment for businesses of all sizes. If a website hasn’t been well designed, isn’t secure or user friendly, it can quickly become harmful rather than beneficial, so it’s not an area to cut corners on.
Businesses which invest in decent websites and make sure they are properly maintained on an ongoing basis, will definitely reap the rewards of that investment.
Websites are central to what we do at EBY, and we’ve built dozens of sites in many different styles.
Give us a call or fill out the form below to find out more.