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Why Do We Have A Website?
Over the next several months we will use this space to talk about designing a website with purpose. Each month we will go into more detail about what we believe are important ideas to consider or decisions to make when designing a website. This information is valuable for someone considering a site for the first time or an organization with an existing online presence. There are three primary functions of a website:
To promote an entity or concepts
To provide information
To sell products or services
Promotion
Many companies originally set up their websites as a means to advertise and promote the products or services they provide. Currently most have expanded their web mission to include providing customer support and selling their goods. Some also are including useful information about their products or area of interest.
Individuals and organizations may set up a website to promote some philosophy, concept or belief. Religious sites and non-profit organizations are examples of such sites. There are also sites by individuals that promote and organize various causes.
Individuals often set up personal web pages to promote themselves. These are vanity sites, where people may include pictures and material about themselves and their families. Sometimes they include a resume if they are looking for a job.
Information
The purpose of many websites is simply to provide information in some area of interest. Some are educational in nature. There are also sites that specialize in news, sports information, medical information and such. Some of these sites may also promote or advertise the sponsoring company, as well as sell products.
Some educational sites, such as those from colleges and universities sell their information and courses.
Selling
The sole purpose of many sites is e-commerce. Some examples of sites that sell things online include Amazon.com, FlagandBanner.com and walmart.com. Even an auction site, such as eBay, is an e-commerce site of sorts.
As you can see, many “commercial” websites have to perform more than one of the functions above and do it without confusing the visitor. Over the next several months we will talk about each of these functions and how they relate to the customer relationship process.
We will also discuss the need to identify the core function you want your site to perform and how to ensure the secondary “jobs” of your site are not hindering its primary purpose.
As always, if you would like to discuss these ideas or any others for that matter… do not hesitate to give us a call!
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