4 Reasons It Takes So Long To Build A New Website

When I began working in internet marketing about ten years ago, I could help my clients get a new website whipped up in a week or two – easy peasy. Technology has advanced greatly since then, right? So it would be natural for you to assume that building a website today would be easier and faster. But it’s the polar opposite. It takes longer than ever to correctly build a new website.

I’m not a website developer or designer, but I act as a website project manager for many of my clients. I find the right designer and developer to fit their needs and budget. Then I create content that will connect with my their ideal clients and customers. Finally, I act as a hand-holder throughout the process.

Some businesses want a new site designed and built in just a few weeks. And if that’s you, I certainly understand that you want to get it done. But, a dynamic website that can be found, speaks directly to your ideal clients (and converts) can’t happen fast.

4 Reasons It Takes So Long To Build A New Website

1. You Need Compelling Content – You and your competitors are going after the same audience so your website content and messaging must do an better job of immediately connecting with your ideal clients and customers. Great content takes time and thought – and can’t be left ’til last. Some of you can create compelling content yourself, but for those of you who get nauseous just thinking about it…reach out for help (I’m a good choice!).

2. You Want Great Design – Your visitors’ experience, your branding, and your messaging all need to be consistent in order to connect with your ideal clients and customers visually, emotionally, and intellectually. The best designers approach their job not just as creators of pretty pictures, but as marketers; partnered with you to create the best representation of your business.

3. SEO Can’t Be Ignored – Your site must be built with best practices for SEO – so Google can actually find it! Here again is where hiring the right designer comes into play. Some understand SEO, but unfortunately, many don’t. Be sure to ask questions before you sign a contract, such as, “When you build a new website, how do you ensure Google will be able to find it?”).

4. It’s Gotta Be A Great Mobile Experience – Your new website must load fast and be super easy to navigate on a mobile device. If it doesn’t, even your site’s desktop visibility will be negatively impacted. Google rates websites based upon mobile performance, not on desktop. I’ve worked on some projects where we created a separate version of the site just for mobile. This added a slight additional cost but it is worth it because more than 70% of the visitors were using a phone.

When you decide to build a new website, it’s similar to hiring a team to build a custom home. There are a myriad of decisions to make when you’re having a home built – and you, as the homeowner – go into it knowing you’ll have to be patient. It can feel like eons have gone by between when the first brick is laid to when you host your first dinner party. The house must look great on the outside and function perfectly on the inside. The same goes for your website.
 
And, just as a homeowner needs know how to use the new dishwasher and air conditioner, you need to know how to make basic changes to text and images on your site – without the need to make an emergency call to your designer. One of my favorite designers makes little how-to videos for my clients, so they never are stumped.

The bottom line is: if you’re going to build a new website, patience will pay off. Your website is an integral part of doing business. It has to stand in for you when you’re not there. It must be a great user experience for your brand. And, your ideal clients and customers must be able to find it. You want to be proud of your website (and not hate it!).

Would you like a free website analysis? Make an appointment with me below:

Thanks for reading!

Two more things:

1. To find out the percentage of your website visitors who view your site on a phone, check your Google Analytics under Mobile. If you don’t have Google Analytics and you have a WordPress site, here are some instructions on how to install it yourself. If that seems daunting, ask your designer/developer to do it for you.
2. Starting a new business and just need a temporary online placeholder? I recommend Squarespace.