Web Design is no different. There are features and apps and content management and blogging and social media and, if we’re not careful, we’ll careen from one to the next without ever stopping to ask “Why?”
Why add a new feature to your website?
Why update the design?
Why social media?
Why add an “under construction” page?
Why create an app?
Why enter into a new social media website?
If you’re about to do anything to your brand’s website, social media or online presence, be sure you know the “Why?”
Some good reasons to move forward:
- This feature will bring value to my customers
- This information will help customers make a decision
- This action will build positive relationships with my audience
- This update will strengthen our brand
Some reasons to pass on a project:
- There is some white space we’d like to fill
- Everybody else has this feature/app/presence
- We aren’t ready to launch, but should put something online
- This is how we’ve always done it
The Effects of “I don’t know why,” Syndrome
Maybe you’re too busy to be troubled with “Why?” Maybe you’ve always done things a certain way. Whatever the case may be, if you don’t stop to evaluate the “Why?” you may be left with:
- Indecision
- Uncertainty
- Desire to chase flashy objects and features
- Erratic projects, initiatives and work
- Difficulty explaining the project/initiative
- Low return on investment
- Loss of business
You’d never get into your car if you didn’t have a destination. Otherwise, how would you ever know if you’ve arrived? The same is true of web projects. Are you meeting goals you’ve set? How will you ever know unless you first set the goals?
The “Why?” of web design is more important then the “How?” because logistics can always be worked out later.
If you’re at a point where you need to nail down your “Why?” block off a time to commit to brainstorming by yourself or those most vested in the initiative. At the end of the session, you’ll know full well if it’s an initiative you should continue with or if you’re simply chasing windmills.
We’d prefer you leave that to the works of fiction.
