One of the most common outsourced tasks among SMEs is web design. Every business needs a website to represent them in the online marketplace. A website looks simple at first glance, but going behind the scenes in building one tells a much more complicated process. There's a key difference between what looks good and what actually works.
Here are top mistakes that SMEs make when
outsourcing web design.
The client is always right.
This is the most common problem that occurs in outsourcing web design. It is understandable that clients need to make sure that the offshore web designer captures their brand and image. But they should not take over the project to reflect their personal taste. Building a website is not just about attracting visitors. It's about converting these visitors into customers. You need an
effective website that appeals to your customers and generates sales.
Fast tracking development.
Many businesses tend to focus on getting things done as fast as possible without thinking about the repercussions. Research your target market instead of rushing the project. Building an effective website is not just about choosing pretty pictures, colours, and fonts. It's about creating online presence that grabs the attention of your demographic.
For example, if you're targeting a younger audience, the website needs to have a responsive layout for mobile phones and tablets. If you’re targeting an older audience, you need large fonts and simple navigation.
Style instead of substance.
Some SMEs focus too much on bedazzling online visitors that they prioritise style over function. If your website is too flashy or busy, it's not user-friendly. This entails more programming that may cause the website to slow down. It can also be confusing for visitors when there's too much going on. You have 30 seconds at most to retain the online visitors’ attention. If they don't find what they need or can't figure out what to do, they'll leave.
No clear message.
An effective website is targeted and driven. It should have a clear message on what's in it for the customer and what they should do next. This is how you can convert visitors to customers.
Over or under budget.
You always get what you pay for. SMEs have limited resources, but don't expect much when you pay too little. On the other hand, expensive design agencies that work with big companies may not have the experience in working with small businesses that are focused on return on investment. Work with a
service provider that caters to your size and industry, but examine portfolios to make sure that you'll get a quality product.
Out-of-date content.
In many cases, websites of small businesses don't have much content. They have simple or limited offerings, so the website doesn't get updated. Customers always expect the latest information on your website so it should contain your latest products and services. If you don't have anything to add, create blog posts. This also helps in improving your rankings in search engines and encourages new and recurring visitors. SMEs can outsource content writing or moderation.
DIY approach.
SMEs often prefer doing things on their own. However, when it’s clear that you don't have skills or knowledge to build an effective website, it's best to leave it to the experts. Online visitors base their mental image of your business through the website, so it’s important to make the best first impression.
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