Mascot Website Development Blog

24 Feb 2020 – Where to Start by Sam Malins -pinned

Clients often know they want a new website but don’t know where to start.

We like to begin by learning what you want in a website. Our first aim is to determine what the site’s supposed to do for your business and then what it will look like. Here is a long list of things to think about for your new website.

It’s good to first start thinking about the why…

– Why do you want to have a new website?
– What is it about your current site you want to change or what is the outcome if you don’t have a new website?

Then write down some details about yourself…

– How would you describe your organisation?
– Is there anything about you and your background that sets you apart (niche)?

Think about your customers and how you could reach them…

– How would you best describe your customers? Age, income, interests, gender, the type of computer or devices they’re likely to use, are they good with computers etc?
– Why do you believe site visitors should do business with you rather than with a competitor?
– What 3 or 4 searches would you ideally like to come up for when people Google, Bing etc?
– How would you reach your potential customers online and spread word to them about your business other than through search engines.

Who will be involved in this…

– Who are the decision makers on this project?
– What staff will you involve and what will their roles be with this?
– How much time will they be able to spend on your website?
– Who’s responsible for updating it or responsible for responding to customer enquiries?

Start planning your content…

– Where is the website content coming from?
– Is it ready in its current state to use?

Do some research and plan how you would like your website to look and what you would like your site to do for you…

– Find four or five other sites that you like and write down what things you like about them and why you like them?
– Who are your competitors and have you researched them online to see what you like or don’t like about what they’re doing online?
– Is there anything that you want your website to do for you to make your business easier. Or is there something you’d like to provide for your customers to benefit them?

It’s also a good idea to think about how much and when…

– What is your budget?
– What is your deadline for going live with the site?

Now is also a good idea to think about when you’re live how would you encourage repeat business and keep your website content fresh? Do you plan on having an ongoing budget for upkeep?

I’d recommend writing down your answers and ideas for these and give it to your web designer. For us here, it can really help with making sure we’re the right fit for you and provide us with ideas about the focus of the design and content of your site.

Ngā mihi.

27 Feb 2020 – We need you by Sam Malins

In the past our organisation has grown mainly by word of mouth to over 13 countries. I’m not talking about likes and shares but the kind where lovely munchkins go out and spread our name.

Word of mouth is important to me, because I believe it reflects on who we are and it holds us accountable to do the best job possible. We like to form friendships with our clients and it means a lot to hear they trust us enough to recommend us to their friends. It gives you a boost and we all love it ❤️

Word of mouth is also a two-way street and we always try to make sure that we reciprocate and reward those that have given us a helping hand.

So, if you have any pal’s buddies, friends or associates who are thinking about adding a website to their business or updating their existing one then drop us a quick note and we will follow up and send you a nice gift*.

Thank you to everyone who has helped us out and recommended us to your mates in the past.
Whakawhetai ki a koe.