Wednesday, January 21, 2015

The planning stage of any website launch

The planning stage of any website launch is crucial. That’s why Entrepreneur held a special Google Hangout last week to outline the details you should consider to keep your site on track. Here are some of the key tips our experts shared to help you get started.

Consider domains carefully and strategically. You might already know to choose a domain that’s easy to spell, has no dashes and is simple to remember. But Ryan Cieslak, eBusiness Product Marketing Director at 1&1 Internet, Inc. reminds you to consider the new domains becoming available, such as .nyc and .restaurant. He says that while adoption for these new domains hasn’t been established yet, he suggests you secure both a .com and one of these newer domains so your site will be well positioned should one of the newer domains get traction.  

Don’t neglect your brand. Get focused and understand what’s most important for customers to know about your company. Consider not just who you are and what you do, but what sets you apart, says Karen Leland, president of Sterling Marketing Group, a marketing and brand-strategy firm. “I find a lot of people don’t do that and don’t prepare that,” leading to sites that must be redone shortly thereafter.  

Know how your site will be used. Think carefully about your platform, how your customers will be driven to your site and how they’ll use it. Ezra Firestone, an ecommerce expert and the founder of SmartMarketer, points out that touch-based Internet consumption is growing. He says, “The way that our sites are being built are more for people to engage with their fingers, finger-friendly interfaces,” leading to long, swipe-able and scrollable pages. Keeping in mind how people will use your site will ensure that it provides the best experience.