As a web design and marketing firm, here at OSC we invest in continuous staff improvement in our niche. We strive to consistently offer our clients the latest approaches paired with competitive pricing.
Along the way we’ve run into all different web development companies and have learned things many consumers are unaware of.
Our goal is to pass information along to our readers so that they can make the most informed decisions. Keep reading for our insider tips on how to save money on your website and marketing.
Tip #1: Pick a firm that’s up-to-date.
While some firms are more comfortable sticking to old ways, others believe it’s important to alter their approaches as the web changes. Web design and marketing has changed a great deal even in the past decade.
Many of the latest techniques will save your business time and money. For web design, mobile-first design, wireframing, and growth-driven design are most efficient. Modern marketing includes all elements of inbound marketing. Which brings us to our next two tips.
Tip #2: Choose inbound over outbound.
Ever since consumers entered the web, purchases have been changing. As technology has advanced, so has the purchase process. Before buying anything, they want to look up reviews and research. They want to make sure they’re making the right choice, and they want to make sure they’re not getting ripped off.
Hard sells and aggressive sales tactics are no longer effective and can actually prove harmful. As traditional “outbound” marketing phases out, a new approach called inbound marketing is taking it’s place. It involves content creation that educates consumers and provides the information they’re searching for.
And guess what? It costs less too. In fact, inbound leads cost 60% less than outbound leads.
You don’t have to sacrifice quality either. Website conversion rates are nearly 6 times higher for content marketing adopters than non-adopters.
Tip #3: Consider growth-driven design (GDD).
If your monthly visitors are from the 1 to 10,000 range, GDD can really maximize your budget. This alternative to traditional web design is focused on conversion and continuous improvement over a 12 month period.
Not only is GDD more effective, your business doesn’t need to come up with a lump sum every 2 years or so for costly website redesigns. Here are some other reasons to consider GDD.
- New design (launch pad site) is launched faster and with a smaller price tag – 50% faster and 50% cheaper, on average.
- Ability to use real data to drive improvements.
- Evolve with your target audience as their behaviour changes.
- Cost in divided up into monthly payments.
- No more complete redesigns, your website will always be updated.
- Return on investment with more conversions and better user experience.
Tip #4: Have a plan.
It’s best to know more than “I need a website” when you contact a web designer. Even if the designer has the best of intentions, you ultimately know the most about your business. If you aren’t sure what you need, it’s possible you’ll end up with the wrong services.
By researching and developing a solid plan or wish list, you’ll be prepared and able to explain clearly what you want. No regrets down the road!
Tip #5: Find a company you mean something to.
Often you receive a higher level of attention from smaller firms with around 5-10 employees. The team knows each client and has a genuine concern for their success.
They know how many clients they can handle at once, so they stick to that and give each project their full attention. Here are some other examples of how smaller firms can provide higher quality and save you money.
- You get to know the owner. It’s no secret that
business owners typically invest the most effort into their job. If a client isn’t happy, it reflects on them personally. They are passionate about the business they’ve built. - They usually cost less. You can often get a steal on marketing and web design. Smaller firms aren’t trying to pull in huge corporations like Walmart. They work with many small businesses and pricing corresponds with that.
- Employees are more engaged. They aren’t lost in a sea of staff and feel they can really make a difference. Whether it’s coding, design, writing, or marketing, they- and only they- are responsible for it.
- Better communication. You don’t have to worry about calling and talking to a different person each time. In a smaller firm, you’re likely to have 1-2 contacts. Your message won’t get lost in translation.
- The team is hand-picked. The owner usually oversees the hiring process or even manages it personally. If an employee is slacking or a client is unimpressed with them- the owner will know about it.
- Less turnover. Employees are more engaged so they want to stick around. They often want to see the business thrive just as much as the owner does. You won’t get halfway through a marketing contract and suddenly be introduced to a replacement.
If you have any marketing or design questions, leave a comment below or contact us here and we’d be happy to chat! Enjoy all that money you’re going to save – don’t forget us when you’re on vacation in Bora Bora.
