‘I’d like a new website, but I don’t want people to be able to find it on Google’.
When was the last time you heard these words?
I’m pretty sure no one has said this – EVER!
Which is why what I’m about to say will seem very odd. It’s one of my pet hates. And it makes me really frustrated. 😡
There are LOTS of web developers and agencies out there who DON’T factor search engine optimisation into their project quotes.
Worse than this, there are LOTS of web developers and agencies out there who DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT SEO when they are building a website! 🤬
Over the last 12 months I’ve picked up several web development projects for clients who are struggling to get their websites finished.
If you’ve read any of my other posts, you’ll know that this is often because they haven’t knocked over their first ‘brand domino’ (their archetype) and are struggling to generate content that is meaningful with the right tone of voice and purpose.
So the call with the client goes something like this:
📞
Client: We can’t seem to get the website finished – we’re stuck.
Me: Can I see the original briefing document and get a copy of your brand pack?
Client: I can send you the brief but there’s not much in it and what’s a brand pack?
Me: Your brand pack is the bible that should contain everything to do with your brand. Not just logos and colours but your vision, purpose, values, archetypes etc.
Client: We don’t have one of those
[Website project takes a hiatus for a couple of weeks whilst we pin all of this down]
📞
Me: Great, we’ve now got your brand pack established. I’ll call the web guy / girl to chat about getting the content completed.
Me to Web Developer: Where’s the SEO plan?
Web Developer: We don’t do SEO, we only build websites.
Me: Bangs head on table
Before you jump to correct me, I’m well aware that SEO is a specialist skill. I’m also aware that web development is an entirely different skill.
But in the same way that a house builder wouldn’t expect an electrician to install a bathroom, they would at least expect the electrician and the plumber to have a conversation about where the light switches might go!
Ask yourself these 3 questions if you’re planning on a new website:
- Can you afford an agency that’s big enough to have all the different ‘trades’ under one roof? [I know some good ones, inbox me if you’d like their names!]
- If the answer is yes, do you have enough knowledge in-house to ask the right questions at the beginning of the project and get a detailed brief nailed down?
- If the answer is no, do you have enough knowledge in-house to co-ordinate multiple different ‘trades’?
If you’ve answered ‘no’ to any of these questions, you need to send me a message.
I can help you to avoid costly mistakes and get your brief nailed down right at the start (to include SEO).
Because no one wants a website that can’t be found on Google.
And without an amazing website that everybody can find, how will we increase your brand’s value (and revenue)?