Look at you, all excited to harness the power of WordPress.
But whether your website reaches its full potential depends on how effectively you collaborate with your WordPress web design agency.
Agencies have their processes and expertise, while business owners bring their vision and goals.
Here’s how to find the perfect balance and create something magnificent together:
(Headway/unsplash)
Communicate Your Brand Clearly
Your brand has a story, and your website should tell it. Start by explaining your brand’s feel and tone. Is it bold and modern, or classic and understated?
Don’t just hand over a logo—describe the personality behind it. Show examples of what you like and what you don’t, even if they’re from different industries.
The more your design team understands your brand’s character, the better they can capture it on your site.
Define the Project Scope and Goals
Start by clarifying what your website needs to accomplish. Are you focusing on e-commerce, lead generation, or showcasing a portfolio? Knowing the main features and target audience is crucial.
You can document these details in a project brief. Share it with your WordPress web design company to ensure everyone is aligned from the beginning.
It’s also a good idea to discuss how you’ll measure success. Clear goals and expectations help prevent misunderstandings down the road.
Create a “Do Not” List
Instead of just a wish list of what you want on your website, create a “Do Not” list. This can include design elements you dislike, features that didn’t work well in the past, or color schemes that clash with your brand.
Sharing this list with your agency gives them a clearer understanding of boundaries and helps them avoid going down paths that won’t align with your vision.
Prepare Visual References
If you have a particular design style in mind, create an archive of visual inspiration in Google Drive, Dropbox, or even pins on Pinterest. Collect examples of designs, colors, or layouts that resonate with you and share them with your design agency.
This visual guide can help bridge the gap between what you envision and what the agency creates, ensuring everyone is on the same page from the start.
Be Open to Suggestions
Your design agency brings expertise that can streamline your project. While you have a vision, be open to their suggestions.
Sometimes, the best ideas come from a collaborative process where both parties bring their knowledge to the table. If they propose a different approach, consider it thoughtfully.
Being flexible allows your project to benefit from the experience and creativity of your design team. It can lead to innovative solutions you might not have considered.
Share Work and Feedback Regularly
Don’t wait until the end to share your thoughts. Give feedback as the project progresses to avoid big changes later.
Be clear with your feedback. Instead of saying, “I don’t like this,” say, “Let’s make the buttons stand out more.” Specific comments lead to better results.
You can also request the agency to provide regular checkpoints or previews. It’s a proactive way to catch issues early and ensure that the project is heading in the right direction.
Centralize Communication
Instead of juggling emails, texts, and different messaging apps, consider using a centralized platform for all project communication. Tools like Slack or Asana can keep everything in one place, making it easier to track progress and refer back to previous discussions.
You can set up dedicated channels or boards for design, development, and content. Let everyone know where to find the latest updates and contribute their input.
Rotate Feedback Roles
If you have a team involved in the project, consider rotating who provides feedback at different stages. Each team member may have a unique perspective—some might focus on aesthetics, while others might prioritize functionality.
Rotating feedback roles ensures that every aspect of the website is thoroughly reviewed from different angles, providing the agency with comprehensive input and preventing tunnel vision in the design process.
Track All Changes
When you request changes, make sure to document them. Write them down or take a screenshot in your project management tool.
Having a record means everyone knows exactly what was decided. It helps prevent misunderstandings about what’s been agreed on.
Be Patient with the Creative Process
Design work isn’t always a straight line. There will be revisions, and sometimes, the creative process takes longer than expected.
Be patient and trust the expertise of your design team. Rushed decisions can lead to subpar results. If changes are needed, give the team the time they need to implement them effectively.
Encourage Post-Launch Support
Once the website is live, your collaboration with the design agency shouldn’t end. Encourage ongoing support for updates, troubleshooting, and potential future enhancements.
Establishing a post-launch plan with your agency ensures that your website remains up-to-date, secure, and aligned with your evolving business needs. It also makes it easier to implement new features as your business grows.
Conclusion
As you begin a collaboration with your custom web design company, these strategies will help the agency better understand your mission and vision. Stop working in isolation and start approaching the project as a partnership; it’s the key to creating a website that truly reflects your brand and drives your business forward.