8 Things to Check Before Getting a Corporate Website

A corporate website is a business's digital showroom and often the first point of contact with customers. Projects that start with "let's just build a site" are delivered late or fail to perform when the right questions aren't asked. Consider these points before you start.

1. Define the purpose of the site

What do you expect from it — calls, quote requests, online sales? With a clear goal, page structure, copy and buttons are built around it. A site without a goal may look good but won't deliver results.

2. Mobile-friendliness is no longer optional

Most visitors arrive on their phones, and Google ranks sites based on their mobile version. Review and test how the site looks on a phone during design.

3. Insist on an admin panel

You shouldn't need a developer every time you change a photo or add an announcement. Ask for an admin panel to update pages, images, blog posts and references yourself.

4. Build the SEO foundation from day one

Every page needs its own title and description, meaningful URLs, a sitemap and structured data. These can be added later, but they are cheaper and more effective when built in from the start.

5. Speed and security

A slow site loses visitors. Image optimisation, an SSL certificate, an up-to-date platform and regular backups should be clearly included in the quote.

6. Keep the domain and hosting in your name

Your business should own its domain and hosting account, so your site is never held hostage if you change providers.

7. Don't neglect the content

Even the best design won't perform with weak copy. Prepare content that explains your services in your customers' language, answers common questions and builds trust — or get help with it.

8. Plan for after launch

Who will handle updates, backups, security and reporting after go-live? Agree on maintenance and support terms up front.

To plan your corporate website, see our web design service or request a free quote.