Top 6 Things to Ask When Building a Website: A Guide for South Wales Businesses

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Building a website is an exciting step for any business, but it’s also a big decision. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing site, asking the right questions upfront can save you time, money, and headaches.

This guide will walk you through six essential questions to ask when planning your website project. These questions will help you make informed decisions and ensure your new website works as hard as you do.


Why It’s Important to Plan Before You Build

Your website is the digital face of your business. It’s often the first place potential customers go to learn about what you offer. A well-planned website can:

  • Build trust by showcasing your professionalism.
  • Generate inquiries or sales with clear calls to action.
  • Save time by providing answers to common questions.

Before jumping into design or development, make sure you’ve answered these key questions.


1. What is the Purpose of My Website?

The first question to ask is: What do you want your website to achieve? A website isn’t just something you “should have” — it’s a tool to help your business grow.

  • Common goals:
    • Attract new customers.
    • Showcase your products or services.
    • Generate inquiries or leads.
    • Sell products online.
  • Why it matters: The purpose of your website will influence every decision, from design to functionality.

Pro Tip: Be specific about your goals. For example, instead of “get more customers,” aim for “increase online inquiries by 20%.”


2. Who is My Target Audience?

Your website should be built with your ideal customer in mind. Understanding your audience will help you create a site that speaks to their needs and encourages them to take action.

  • Questions to consider:
    • Who are my customers? (Think about age, interests, and online habits.)
    • What problems do they need solving?
    • How can I make their experience on my site seamless?

Example: If you’re a café in Cardiff, your audience might include local residents searching for “best coffee near me” on their phones. A mobile-friendly design and clear directions would be key.


3. What Features Do I Need?

Not all websites are created equal. The features you include should support your goals and make life easier for your customers.

  • Common features to consider:
    • Contact forms or live chat for inquiries.
    • E-commerce functionality for selling products online.
    • A booking system for services like salons or consultants.
    • Integration with social media or email marketing tools.

Pro Tip: It’s easy to get carried away with extras, but focus on features that deliver value to your customers.


4. What Budget Should I Set?

Your budget will play a big role in determining the scope and quality of your website. It’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re willing to invest before you start.

  • Factors that influence cost:
    • The complexity of the design.
    • The number of pages.
    • Features like e-commerce or booking systems.
    • Ongoing costs like hosting and maintenance.
  • Typical costs:
    • A basic, brochure-style website may start around £1,000–£2,000.
    • More complex sites can range from £3,000 upwards.

Pro Tip: Think of your website as an investment, not just a cost. A professional site can pay for itself many times over by generating more leads or sales.


5. Who Will Manage the Website After It’s Built?

Once your website is live, it will need regular updates to stay fresh and secure. Deciding who will handle this from the start can save you hassle later.

  • Options for website management:
    • Manage it yourself: Many platforms like WordPress are user-friendly, but you’ll need time to learn and maintain it.
    • Hire an expert: A digital agency can handle updates, security, and performance, so you can focus on running your business.

Pro Tip: If you’re not tech-savvy or simply don’t have the time, outsourcing website management can be a smart move.


6. How Will I Measure Success?

A great website isn’t just about looking good—it’s about delivering results. Before launching, think about how you’ll track your site’s performance.

  • Key metrics to monitor:
    • Website traffic (How many people are visiting your site?)
    • Conversion rates (How many visitors are taking action, like filling out a form or making a purchase?)
    • Bounce rate (Are visitors leaving without engaging?)
  • Tools to use:
    • Google Analytics: Free and easy to set up.
    • Heatmaps: Tools like Hotjar show where visitors click and scroll.

Pro Tip: Regularly reviewing your metrics will help you spot opportunities for improvement.


Why Work with a Digital Agency?

If all this feels overwhelming, don’t worry—you don’t have to go it alone. A professional digital marketing agency like Activ Digital Marketing can guide you through the process, from planning to launch.

Here’s how we can help:

  • Tailored solutions: We’ll take the time to understand your business and goals.
  • Expert advice: From design to SEO, we know what works for South Wales businesses.
  • Ongoing support: We’re here for the long haul, whether you need updates or advice.

Ready to Build a Website That Works for Your Business?

Building a website is an important step, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. By asking the right questions upfront, you can ensure your new site is a powerful tool for your business.

At Activ Digital Marketing, we’ve helped businesses across South Wales create websites that look great, perform well, and deliver results. Whether you’re upgrading your current site or starting from scratch, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s build something amazing together.

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