Websmithian provides website designer services for businesses and organizations in and around Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, and the HRM.
Having owned a thriving IT business in Edmonton for over 27 years, I decided to sell and now operate my solo venture, Websmithian. Designing websites is my passion, and I’ve been honing this skill for my own projects for more than twenty years. The websites I create are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also boast rapid loading times, seamless smartphone compatibility, and enhanced visibility on search engines like Google and Bing.
Website Designer Priorities
Typically, clients have a clear set of design priorities when they seek my services. They are looking for a new or updated website and usually have their concerns arranged in a specific order of importance:
- Visual. They aim for their website to have an appealing design that positively represents the company, brand, or organization.
- Functional. They want the new website to work properly.
- Responsive. They desire their website’s content to be responsive, adapting seamlessly to the screen of the device on which it is displayed, be it a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
- Speed. Users expect a website’s inherent media—such as text, graphics, animations, and videos—to load swiftly on their devices, regardless of whether the content is delivered wirelessly or through a wired connection.
- Visibility. They aim to make their website easily discoverable by those searching for it.
I would argue that the order of those priorities should be reversed. Many people think that the visual display on the user’s screen is the most important aspect, with other factors coming afterward. I strongly disagree. But why?
Consider the same list again, this time in reverse order and with a few explanations:
- Visibility. What is the value of a website if it remains unseen? If a Google search with specific terms fails to list your site, then what is the benefit of having a site that is fast, responsive, functional, and visually appealing?
A beautiful jewel that’s buried in the ground can’t be appreciated. - Speed. If your website is found, yet takes longer to show up on the user’s screen than their patience can stand, what’s the point of it being responsive, functional, and good looking?!
Slow and steady may have won it for the tortoise – but it doesn’t in the internet race. - Responsive. If your website is found and displayed nice and quickly on the user’s screen, yet the content doesn’t flow properly or isn’t easy to read or digest, why would anyone care if it looks good or not?!
It’s like trying to read beautifully written prose that doesn’t have proper punctuation. Frustrating. - Visual. If your website has been found relatively easily, has popped up quickly on the user’s screen, and has adapted its content to that screen, then – and only then – are we going to care just how good it looks!
The Status Quo of Other Website Designers
Most website designers today believe their primary duty is to satisfy their clients, adhering to the adage “the customer is always right.” They often suggest that a visually appealing website, which aligns with your brand and incorporates your corporate colors, will be most effective. However, the focus should not solely be on pleasing you, but rather on serving your customers—both existing and potential ones that your website aims to attract.
Prioritizing the needs and concerns of visitors is essential when attracting them to your website. Is it easy for them to locate us? Once they do, can they effortlessly find the information they require? Moreover, if you expect them to take action, does the website engage them and make the process seamless?
Website Designer Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, and the rest of the HRM
So, what do business owners and organization leaders in these areas ask themselves when they need a new or renovated website? I would expect it’s typically something like:
‘Who can we get to make us a new, flashy, state-of-the-art website?’
Unfortunately, they then answer that inappropriate question with one of the following answers:
- ‘I’ll design and build it myself. After all, I know my business or organization better than anybody.’
Indeed, nowadays, almost anyone with basic computer skills can use platforms like Weebly, Wix, or WordPress to assemble a decent website. It may even look quite attractive and function well. However, they often underestimate the amount of time and resources required to master the website design tool at hand. They will also need to learn how to create and resize graphics, and how to integrate all elements to achieve a cohesive look and smooth functionality. This is not a simple task and can be incredibly time-consuming. - ‘I’ll give my employee the task of designing and building the website.’
Indeed, if the individual lacks extensive experience and complete knowledge in website development, you are essentially compensating them to acquire a skill they may only utilize once. Moreover, should that employee depart, you could find yourself in a bind. Therefore, it might be prudent to allocate this task to two employees as a precaution. - ‘I’ll give the job to my niece, Denise! He knows lots about computers.’
While Denise may be highly knowledgeable about computers, computing, and modifying them for gaming, it remains unclear whether she has experience in designing and building a website. - ‘I think my next-door-neighbour’s kid has designed a couple of websites before, like for her church group or hip hop band. She could make us a new website.’
Indeed, she might be able to create the website. However, considerations such as loading speed, search engine visibility, and mobile compatibility may not be her focus. Additionally, if the website encounters issues or requires maintenance in the future, her newfound passion for becoming a hip hop superstar could take precedence.
Website design is part art, part science. It’s both practical and creative. It requires someone with both a logical mind and an eye for design.
It’s my passion and I’d love to help you design your next website.
