Creating a new website is a very exciting and slightly terrifying adventure. You might not know what to expect or how to accomplish everything, and of course you will want your new website to be perfect just as you imagine. Let us reassure you – once you cross that finish line, it will all be worth it.
However, there are things you might be doing (unknowingly, of course!) that will make crossing the finish line take much longer than planned. Here are 7 things that will set you back on your mission to create a new website.
- Not enough pictures/bad picture quality
One element great websites have in common that is sure to capture your attention is photography. Getting the perfect photography for your website takes time. If you don’t already have an arsenal of high quality photography, consider how this will affect your desired timeline of completion for your new website. Another big roadblock: Too many low quality pictures. Nothing is worse than going to a website and seeing poor quality images scattered throughout. Make sure you are prepared in the photography department as you start creating your new site.
- No video content
Video will account for 80% of global internet traffic by 2019! To stay relevant and attract people to your website, consider creating video content before you launch your new site. While it’s not required, if you have a plan for where and how you want to feature videos before you start your site design, you can save a lot of time going back to add this.
- A lack of relevant and trending recipes
Fresh produce brands: if you don’t have relevant, trending recipes, you’re not giving your audience a reason to come to your site! Relevant, on trend recipes will be a great addition to your new website. Check out Google’s 2016 Menu if you are looking to see what is hot in the foodie world this year!
- No nutritional info
Health and nutrition is at the top of most consumer’s minds, even when they are buying fresh fruit & vegetables. That’s why it’s important to have nutritional information available to accompany your recipes along with the product nutrition labels straight from your packaged produce. Nutrition information makes a great addition to a new website!
- Not mobile-friendly
40% of people will choose another result if the website is not mobile-friendly. This is pretty self-explanatory. You are missing out on a HUGE opportunity and audience if your new website is not mobile friendly.
- Missing social media links/icons
This year, 78% of the U.S. population has some sort of social network profile. Don’t forget, when creating your website to have an area where your social media/links and icons are visible. Your dedicated consumers will want to follow you on your social accounts, and this could create an increase in sales and loyalty to your brand!
- A mix of language for the trade and consumer – no clear audience definition and/or separation
Before you even start creating content for a new website, you need to know whether you are speaking to the trade or consumers. Without a clear purpose and audience definition, you will confuse and potentially lose website visitors. Make sure to define your audience and priorities with your entire team before you begin your new website.
Remember, the preparation for a new website is just as important as the website itself. Make a list of items, including these, that are important to include on your website and start determining a plan to have these created sooner rather than later. If you come over prepared, you can make your creation of your new website as smooth and as timely as possible.
