So, you’ve decided to get a website for your business? Great move! In today’s digital world, having a website is like having a 24/7 salesperson—always working, always representing your brand. But before you dive in, there are a few important things to consider.
A poorly planned website can cost you time, money, and potential customers. So, before you say, “Let’s build a website,” here are six key things to think about to ensure your online presence helps your business grow in the long run.
1. Your Website’s Purpose – What’s the Goal?
Not all websites are created equal. Some sell products, some generate leads, and others simply provide information. Ask yourself:
✅ Do I need a simple portfolio site to showcase my work?
✅ Do I want an e-commerce website to sell products?
✅ Am I trying to attract customers and get inquiries?
Why it matters: A clear purpose helps shape the website’s design, features, and functionality. A site without a defined goal will struggle to generate results.
💡 Example: A bakery owner who just wants to showcase products doesn’t need a full e-commerce site—but an online menu and contact form are essential!
2. Who Is Your Target Audience?
Who are you building this website for? Understanding your audience helps you create a site that speaks directly to them.
✅ Are they young tech-savvy users who prefer quick, mobile-friendly access?
✅ Are they professionals looking for in-depth service details?
✅ Do they need multilingual content to accommodate different backgrounds?
Why it matters: If your website doesn’t connect with your audience, they’ll leave fast.
💡 Example: A local travel agency in Cameroon targeting international clients should have an English and French version of their site to maximize reach.
3. Budget – How Much Can You Invest?
Websites come in all shapes, sizes, and price tags. The cost varies from simple one-page sites to complex e-commerce platforms.
✅ What’s your budget for the initial development?
✅ Can you afford ongoing maintenance and updates?
✅ Will you need custom features like booking systems or chatbots?
Why it matters: A cheap website may seem like a bargain, but if it lacks quality, security, and functionality, it could cost you more in lost business.
💡 Example: A startup investing in a low-budget, poorly designed site might struggle with slow loading times and broken features—driving potential customers away.
4. Mobile-Friendliness – Can It Work on Any Device?
More than 60% of internet users browse on their phones. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re already losing customers.
✅ Is the site responsive (adapts to different screen sizes)?
✅ Do the pages load quickly on mobile networks?
✅ Is the navigation simple and touch-friendly?
Why it matters: Google ranks mobile-friendly websites higher in search results. A bad mobile experience can hurt your business in the long run.
💡 Example: A restaurant with a mobile-friendly website lets customers easily check the menu and make reservations on the go!
5. SEO – Will Your Website Be Easy to Find on Google?
A beautiful website is useless if no one can find it. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) ensures that when people search for businesses like yours, your website actually appears.
✅ Have you planned for keyword research to target the right audience?
✅ Will your site have fast loading speeds (Google hates slow sites!)?
✅ Are you using blogging or content marketing to improve rankings?
Why it matters: Without SEO, your website could be invisible—forcing you to rely only on ads or word-of-mouth.
💡 Example: A real estate agent with an SEO-optimized site can rank higher in search results, attracting more potential buyers organically.
6. Who Will Manage & Update Your Website?
A website isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it project. It needs updates, fresh content, and security maintenance.
✅ Do you have time to update it yourself?
✅ Will you hire a web developer for technical support?
✅ Do you need a CMS (Content Management System) like WordPress for easy updates?
Why it matters: A neglected website with outdated information or broken links will drive customers away and hurt your business reputation.
💡 Example: A medical clinic that doesn’t update its website might have outdated consultation hours—causing frustrated patients to go elsewhere!
Final Thoughts – Plan Smart, Grow Big!
Getting a website is an exciting step, but planning ahead is crucial. Think about your goals, audience, budget, mobile experience, SEO, and long-term management to build a site that truly supports your business growth.
At CRISBY Ventures, we help businesses in Cameroon build high-quality, goal-driven websites that attract customers and boost sales. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need a website revamp, we’ve got you covered!
