One of our mantras here at COLEwebdev, stated various ways is essentially “start small”. Often people will come to us and lay out their extensive wish list. While we’re happy to make anyone’s web dream come true, often times items on that list don’t make sense to build immediately. Unlike our predecessor Print, the Web is a flexible, pliable, evolving medium. Once something is printed, it’s set forever but with the web, we can make upgrades! This mantra sounds obvious but where it’s applied can result in savings and a better overall product.
Some small tips when considering building a new website:
- Start with a minimally viable product. That might mean a splash page for your new business, or a simple shopping solution for your retail shop. Once you gain traction (visits, sales etc.) you can then expand and improve.
- Don’t let perfect ruin good. A cousin of “start small”, the costs involved in making something 100% vs 90% can be significant. Go with good, and if you see traction (see above) go for better.
- Don’t try to create a masterpiece. Technology moves fast, trying to build something both big and long-lasting is risky. Build light and lean.
- Don’t be afraid to start over. If you are building light and lean, you can easily raze and rebuild if you find the market changing or not responding.
- If you do end up building something big, protect your investment by doing maintenance!
- Your partner matters more than the technology. This is where we as people come in. A reliable web partner with whom you work well, is more important than their toolset.
When you focus on small you improve:
- Upfront Costs
- Carrying Costs
- Speed
- Flexibility
- Technical Debt
With a website your work is never done. This is a good thing! There’s always something more you can do to improve the content, design, speed, layout, delivery, and experience. Focus on creating small and then improving what is important and working. Leave behind the baggage that is slowing you down and emptying your wallet.
