Set realistic requirements for yourself and the web agency when you need a new website

Set realistic demands on yourself

That's why it's important that you thoroughly familiarise yourself with your wishes and needs before you and the web agency begin the development phase. Below are some of the considerations and preparations you need to make before the project starts. Make sure to make a note of what is missing and when these tasks can be completed. This ensures a better flow during the development phase. 

Here are some of the considerations you need to make: 

• The system:

It's important to have analysed which system you want the new site to be built in. This ensures that you get the right web agencies and cut out the others.

• User experience:

What is the primary purpose of the website and how should this be reflected in the user experience? Should there be a specific focus on usability or navigation? Desired interactive elements (e.g. forms, chatbots, dynamic content elements).

• Design elements:

Preferred colour scheme and brand colours. Typography preferences (fonts, sizes, etc.). Any existing design elements to incorporate.

• Content

Do you have all content ready for the new site, such as text, images, videos? And is it possible to customise the design of the new site from all media? When can this be ready?

• Technical features:

Is there a need for specific functionalities such as a contact form, a booking system or third-party tools that need to interact with the new site?

• Third-party integrations

Integrating booking systems, calendars and event listings can add extra costs to website development. Prices vary depending on the chosen solution and the complexity of the integration. Make sure to write down which external systems are used today and which will be incorporated into the new site or shop.

• Cookies and Marketing

Is there an existing marketing setup that needs to be moved to the new site, and is there a cookie pop up that makes the site compliant? Do you need to think long-term in terms of new marketing platforms and tracking in general? 

• Hosting and maintenance agreement:
  Who will be responsible for hosting the new site and what agreements are in place with the existing setup? It's important to get this part right to ensure a good collaboration and a good agreement on hosting and maintenance of the site.

If everything is in order during preparation, a launch deadline can be set more easily and both development and launch will go much more smoothly. 

Make demands on the web agency

As a customer, it's important that you make demands on your web agency. You need to let them know if something is slipping in one direction or another. Developing a new website can be a big project and there are many things to keep track of. 

Tip! It's a good idea to agree on a minimum number of face-to-face meetings to be included in the agreement. Face-to-face meetings minimise the risk of misunderstandings and ensure better collaboration.