Set Website Goals to Make it a Good Investment

When talking about websites, I always mention that having a website doesn’t have to be just about having a spot on the internet where your business presentation lives. It’s more about making a good business move—a kind of investment that can pay off if you do it right.

Say you’re about to start a new website project. You’re probably thinking about all the stuff you want on it. Let’s take a moment to consider something event more important. The real magic starts before we get into colors or page layouts or functionality. It’s about nailing down what you want your website to achieve.

This article is going to show different reasons businesses build websites—whether it’s getting more leads, selling products online, or just making your brand look good, each type of website has its own goal to achieve.

The Importance of Goal-Oriented Website Strategy

Let’s start with a simple yet powerful question: “What’s my website’s main goal?” Knowing the answer to this can steer your whole project in the right direction.

Doing this means everything about your site—from the words on your pages to how easy it is for visitors to navigate—gets lined up with what you want to achieve. This isn’t just smart; it’s essential for businesses looking to grow. It’s about making sure your website does exactly what you need it to, without wasting time or money on stuff that doesn’t help you get there.

For businesses aiming to expand and make a mark, having a clear plan for their website is not just nice to have. It’s a way of making your efforts and investments lead to real business growth.

Types of Websites Categorized by Strategic Goals

When it comes to your new website (or a new version of your website), the first step isn’t about choosing a direction on a whim. It’s about understanding exactly what you need your website to do for you. Through this understanding, you uncover the type of results you’re aiming for—be it more sales, more leads, or more authority in your field. And from there, it becomes clear which type of website will best serve those goals. Let’s explore the different categories based on what you need.

Lead Generation Websites

These sites are all about getting you valuable contacts—potential clients who are interested in what you’ve got to offer. The main idea here is to create a space that encourages visitors to leave their information, usually through a valuable offer. The success of these websites is measured by how many leads they can generate and how many of those leads turn into actual customers.

E-commerce Websites

If you have something to sell directly, an e-commerce website is like your digital storefront. It’s where you display your products, describe them, and make it easy for customers to make a purchase. The main goals here are sales volume, customer satisfaction, and repeat business. You know you’re doing well when your sales numbers are climbing, and your customers keep coming back for more.

Sales Support Websites

Think of these websites as your digital sales assistants. They’re there to present your company in the best light, support your actual sales team by providing detailed product or service info, and convince potential clients that you’re the right choice. It’s less about direct sales and more about making a strong impression, building credibility, and smoothing the path for your sales team. Success for these sites is seen in the quality of inquiries and the ease with which your sales team can close deals.

Educational Websites

Educational websites aim to inform, teach, and establish your authority in your niche. They’re packed with articles, courses, tutorials, and resources that not only help your audience but also showcase your expertise. You’re on the right track if your site becomes a go-to resource for your niche, attracting more visitors and encouraging them to stay, learn, and eventually trust you enough to do business with you.

Community Websites

Designed for engagement, these websites are where your community gathers. They’re about building a space for your users, customers, or members to connect, share, promote themselves and participate in discussions. Whether it’s for a professional association, a hobby group, or a customer support community, the aim is to foster interaction and loyalty. Success here is all about active participation, growing membership, and a buzzing online community.

Conclusion

Remember, diving into a website project isn’t just about having the slickest design. It’s about making sure your site is set up from the get-go to meet your specific goals, whether that’s pulling in leads, selling products, boosting your brand, sharing knowledge, or building a community (or some other goal not mentioned here).

This might mean taking a step back before you dive in, figuring out exactly what you need, and then planning your website around those goals. But trust me, this approach pays off. It means every part of your site will be pulling in the same direction, working hard to get you where you want to be.

Don’t rush into building a website without nailing down your goals first.