Common myths about working with web agencies

MYTH 5. IT IS POSSIBLE TO MAKE A WEBSITE IN A WEEK OR TWO

Sometimes you meet clients who need a website “here and now”. Again, in theory, it is possible – to take ready-made templates and build a website on the website builder really does not take much time.

But then the client gets a website:

• with a poor and unoriginal design;
• with a minimum of features limited to template solutions;
• largely unsuitable for SEO-promotion;
• does not stand out against the background of thousands of other sites;
• with the inability to change anything in the functionality and structure, that is inflexible in the setting.

In most cases – not solving the problems of your business, and therefore – useless.

You should also consider the depth of study: design, functionality, structure, integration with third-party services, etc. All of these elements increase the timing of site development, and if they are neglected, the result is unlikely to please.

Therefore, in theory, the site can be made quickly, but in practice it is likely to be useless (except for small promotional pages to collect advertising traffic).

MYTH 6. WEB STUDIOS UNREASONABLY INFLATE THEIR PRICES

Above we have already touched on pricing in web studios, here we will add it. The cost of any project undertaken by a studio depends on the number of hours which should be spent on this project by different specialists: manager, developer, layout maker, designer, copywriter, editor, marketer, etc.

Each project has its own peculiarities, which is why web studios, as a rule, cannot draw up a universal price list for their services. The amount of work is measured in hours – the cost per hour depends on the experience and expertise of the studio and its employees. The cost also includes office costs and non-production staff (manager, salesperson, director).

Not very complicated website development project – with a unique design, comfortable CMS, well-designed structure (so it does not have to be redone from scratch if you want to change or add something) – such a project takes from 350 hours.

MYTH 7. IT IS BETTER TO CHOOSE WEB STUDIOS IN YOUR CITY

This myth is held mostly by customers with a more conservative way of thinking, who do not fully trust the remote format of cooperation and find it ineffective. However, practice shows that the quality of web-studios work does not fall, if you organize the process correctly.

We at ATNA work both remotely and in person – when you need to talk to the client in person, to immerse yourself in the peculiarities of their business to offer an effective solution.

One of the advantages of choosing a studio from another region is the opportunity to save money.

MYTH 8. WEB-STUDIO WILL BRING TRAFFIC TO THE SITE

Some customers who turn to web-studios, expect that together with the development of the site studio will immediately provide the site interested visitors, who instantly increase sales. Of course, some web studios are multi-functional and provide a whole range of services, including marketing and advertising.

However, by default, website promotion is not included in its development, nor is filling it up. Completion and updating usually falls to the site owner, not the studio, unless otherwise specified in the terms of reference.

MYTH 9. WRITING CONTENT FOR A WEBSITE IS A SIMPLE TASK

Many people, when developing a website, put off writing content for later. This is because they think that creating content is easy, that it can be trusted to an inexpensive copywriter. This is a huge mistake. Website content is what attracts customers in the first place. Content should always be planned first, not put off for later.

Here’s why:

• Content marketing gives you a clear understanding of your target audience and competitors. It also allows you to identify key features and benefits, price range and other relevant elements.
• Impressive content is difficult and time-consuming to create. You shouldn’t think that a hired copywriter will make good text on the first try. He will need time, so don’t hope for a miracle.
• Website content should be keyword optimised, well-written and have a strong call to action. This is not something you can skimp on.
• Having a content strategy in place is just as important as a sitemap.

MYTH 10. THE MORE COMPLICATED THE WEBSITE, THE BETTER

Many people think that by “bolting on” more features to the site, they will attract more customers. On the contrary, you may end up confusing them, as they will not understand what you are offering.

How can more features hurt you, you ask? We answer:

Website clarity is reduced when you add unnecessary options. This, in turn, can cause your customers to leave your site and go to a competitor.

The simpler the better. The simplest design is enough to give your customer a clear idea of what you offer, how it works and how it can help them.

MYTH 11. ONCE WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT IS OVER IT IS TIME TO REST

A website and further work on it are often forgotten for a long time. You should keep in mind that developing your website is an ongoing process. If you think that launching a website is a difficult task, then remember – this is just the beginning!

Update your website constantly, evaluate it, optimise it and make adjustments to the content and layout.

Another important factor to consider is security. Hacking attempts are usually automated. Hacker bots look for vulnerabilities in websites. A survey showed that 41% of hacks were caused by vulnerabilities in hosting platforms.

Experts recommend minimising attacks:

• Choose a reputable provider. Get dedicated hosting if possible.
• Back up your data periodically.
• Use strong logins and passwords. Avoid using “admin” as a username.
• Use a two-step authentication process.
• Limit the number of login attempts.