What to think about

Considerations for your custom website.

The decisions that shape a site people actually use — I'll walk you through the ones that matter for yours.

Purpose of the Website

Clearly define the goals of the website (e.g., lead generation, e-commerce, portfolio).

Target Audience

Identify the primary audience the website should cater to and what their needs are.

Budget

Set a realistic budget for design, development, and ongoing maintenance costs.

Mobile Responsiveness

Ensure the design will be responsive and function well across all devices (mobile, tablet, desktop).

Content Management System (CMS)

Decide if a CMS (like WordPress or custom CMS) is needed for easy content updates.

User Experience (UX)

Focus on the ease of navigation and overall usability of the website for visitors.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

Ensure the design accommodates on-page SEO best practices, including fast load times and structured data.

Website Speed and Performance

Prioritise fast load times and performance, as it impacts user retention and SEO rankings.

Custom vs. Template Design

Decide whether to opt for a fully custom design or a pre-made template based on needs and budget.

User Experience (UX)

Focus on the ease of navigation and overall usability of the website for visitors.

Branding and Visual Identity

Incorporate any branding elements (logo, color scheme, typography) into the design.

Integration with Third-Party Tools

Consider integration with tools such as CRM systems, marketing platforms, or e-commerce platforms.

Security Features

Ensure the website has basic security measures like SSL certificates, secure payment gateways (for e-commerce), and proper data protection protocols.

Scalability

Plan for future growth, ensuring the website can handle more traffic or additional functionality as the business evolves.

E-commerce Capabilities

For online stores, consider shopping cart functionality, secure payment processing, product management, and order tracking.

Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

Strategically place clear and compelling CTAs (e.g., contact forms, “Buy Now” buttons) to guide users towards desired actions.

Content Strategy

Plan the types of content needed (e.g., blogs, case studies, videos) and whether existing content will need migration to the new website.

Legal Compliance

Ensure the website complies with legal regulations such as GDPR, ADA accessibility standards, and privacy policies.

Analytics and Tracking

Implement tracking tools like Google Analytics to measure user engagement, traffic sources, and conversion rates.

Social Media Integration

Seamlessly integrate social media links or live feeds to encourage social engagement and brand presence.

Support & Maintenance

Ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure the site stays functional and up to date after launch.

Custom Website Design in Edinburgh | Gilded Unicorn