Sunday, February 18, 2007

Creative Web Design In Bristol

There are plenty of creative web design companies in Bristol but at Deckchair we go a step further. Having a successful web site isn't just a matter of design - it's about understanding what your web design, copywriting, functionality and navigation are aiming to achieve and testing each element thoroughly.

Based in the central area of Bristol, Deckchair has been involved in web design since 1998. If you're in our area, please call in and see us. Or have a look at some of our web designs here.

When you are thinking about having a website designed, there are a number of things to consider before you get to the creative web design stage. Firstly pre-planning and thinking through exactly what you need your website to do for your business is critically important. What is the role of the site? Is it to sell, generate enquiries from Bristol or further afield, build your brand or act as an online reference point with lots of information?

Good functionality is a major consideration - your site needs to be user friendly and easy to navigate. You also need to consider the search engines; it is all very well having a beautifully designed website but if nobody can find it, your creative web design isn't reaching its full potential. Only after tackling these issues does the creative aspect come into play. Some Bristol web design companies churn out websites using templates, which means they can look very similar and fail to communicate the unique proposition and personality of a company. A truly creative web design will incorporate all these factors without compromising on usability, navigation or sales effectiveness.

The Deckchair Bristol approach to web design
The following checklist will help you plan your creative web design project. Having clear answers to these questions will help you brief your designer, in Bristol or anywhere else, to give you creative web design that gets positive business results:

What are the main objectives for this website?
For example: Increase sales, help existing customers, advertise new promotions/discounts, promote new services or attract new clients.

What is your target audience?
How can the website be designed to appeal to that target market? What do you know about them in terms of their age, sex, geographic location, income, aspirations, hopes and fears?

What is your USP (Unique Selling Point)?
What makes your company different from your competitors?
How can the creative web design dramatise this message?

What are the key functions needed for your website?
Do you need ecommerce (shopping baskets)?
Do you need a content management system (allows you to update your website yourself)?
How can it be designed to make it as user friendly as possible?

Content
How many pages will you need and what will they contain?
Do you need help with copywriting?
Do you already have pictures of your product or will you need help with photography / picture research to give a professional look?

What is your budget?
How can you use your funds to the best advantage?

What is your deadline?
Have a clear idea of your timescale.

For more detailed advice and help, have a look at our advice section

Our Bristol designers are experienced and knowledgeable in creative web design. We will listen to your individual needs and build you a website that combines creativity and functionality, and it will be tailored to your business needs. We will offer you jargon-free advice and continuous support throughout the design process.

By: Deckchair

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www.deckchair.co.uk/webdesign-bristol.php