There are a million and one web designers out there. Some promise the world for $900. Others charge $100K and still hand you something that doesn’t move the needle.
Sure, the designers themselves are partly to blame, but here’s where most businesses get it wrong: they jump straight into hiring a web designer without stopping to plan the most important parts. They skip the strategy, they choose a domain name on the fly; they even sign up for cheap hosting.
And then they wonder why their website doesn’t work, doesn’t convert, or worse, doesn’t even get seen.
The truth is, you can spend $900 or $90,000 on a website, and still end up with something that doesn’t grow your business if the foundations aren’t right.
At Netplanet Digital, we’ve spent years helping Aussie businesses build websites that actually do what they’re meant to do, which is bring in leads, build trust, and grow. We know that success doesn’t start with design. It starts with the plan behind it.
This guide is your no-nonsense blueprint. It’s made for business owners who want to do it right from the start. We’ll take you through the key decisions you need to make so your site not only looks great but performs, ranks, and grows with your business.
Define Your Industry Category and Business Goals
Before jumping into layouts, colour palettes or fancy design features, the smart move is to get crystal clear on what your website is actually meant to do. You should focus on goals that you can actually measure. For example, you could be focused on bringing in more leads, building trust with your audience, showcasing your services, or giving your brand a stronger presence online.
Once your goals are clear, the rest of the puzzle falls into place, starting with your target audience. Who are you building this site for? Understanding who your ideal customers are, how they think, what they’re looking for, and how they behave online will shape everything from the tone of your content to the features you include.
Business Logo and Slogan
Once your direction and audience are locked in, it’s time to polish your branding, because let’s face it, no matter how great your service is, people judge with their eyes first. Start with a sharp tagline that captures the essence of your brand in just a few words, something memorable that quickly tells people what you’re about.
Pair that with a professional logo that holds its own online and looks great across all devices, not just on your business card.
If you’re still finding your voice or don’t have a strong visual identity yet, we can help with that too. At Netplanet Digital, our branding and graphic design services are tailored to help Australian businesses stand out from the crowd, build trust, and make a lasting impression right from the first click.
Competitor Analysis
You should also take a moment to look sideways at your competition. Not to copy them, but to learn from what they’re doing right, where they’re falling short, and how your business can do it better. Look at everything from colour schemes and layouts to the content they feature and the imagery they use.
By understanding what resonates with your audience (and what misses the mark), you can make sure your site stands out for all the right reasons.
If possible, make a list of both direct and indirect competitors. What are they doing well? Where are they dropping the ball? Look for the gaps they’re missing, those are the opportunities you can grab.
Of course, don’t just mimic what works, instead, you should innovate. Take note of best practices, like clean design elements, and then add your own flair to make sure your website doesn’t just function well, but also stands out in a crowded digital space.
And if you need a hand pulling all this together, that’s exactly what we do at our digital marketing agency. We help Australian businesses dig into their market, understand their audience, and build websites that are better than what their competitors have.
Design Preferences
Your website’s colours are the very first thing people notice, even before they read a single word. And just like a firm handshake, the right colour palette can build instant trust.
Don’t just follow colour trends for the sake of it, either. What works for a fashion label might not work for a law firm. Choose colours that reflect your values and speak directly to your customers. Also, consistency is key. If your homepage is modern and clean but your contact page looks like it came from a different decade, visitors will notice, and not in a good way.
Sticking with a clear, consistent colour palette across every page helps build recognition, professionalism, and trust. It also makes your site easier on the eyes, and as we know, people stay longer on sites that look and feel good.
Content Creation Plan
Your content is the voice of your business. It tells your visitors who you are, what you do, and why they should care. Here’s how to plan the different aspects of content for your website:
Textual content
The written content on your website should be clear, concise, and purposeful. This is the place to communicate your core offerings, what sets you apart, and why visitors should choose you.
Effective landing pages are key to turning website visitors into loyal customers. You can learn how to design them with our guide on creating landing pages that convert with tips for Aussies.
Aside from the landing page, all other text on your website should be written with one goal in mind: conversion. Every word should push your reader toward taking the next step, whether that’s contacting you, booking a service, or making a purchase.
Visual content
Images are a powerful part of your website’s content; they can either enhance or detract from the experience. The right visuals can build trust, highlight your products, and even show off your company culture.
It’s tempting to rely on stock photos, but authentic visuals work best. They make your site feel personal and grounded. High-quality images of your team, your workspace, or your products can set you apart from the competition.
If you decide to use stock photos, make sure they’re high-quality and relevant. Always double-check that your images are sharp and clear because nothing makes a site look more amateur than pixelated or blurry visuals. When in doubt, work with a digital marketing agency to source the right images that match your brand’s vibe.
Website features and functionality
What do you need your website to do? This is where you map out the features that will make your site functional and easy to use.
You’ll also need to think about the core features your site will need to include:
- Content Management System (CMS) for easy updates
- Blog or news sections to engage and educate your audience
- Image or project galleries to showcase your work
- Testimonials to build credibility
- FAQ pages to answer common questions
- E-commerce capabilities for selling products online
- Booking systems for service-based businesses
- User accounts or memberships for customers who need ongoing access
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Integration to keep track of leads and clients
The right features will help your site serve your audience in the best way possible, without complicating things.
Website Pages Layouts
When planning your website’s homepage and services pages, it helps to share examples you like. This gives your designer and developer a better idea of what you’re after and makes it easier to create layouts that reflect your brand and speak to your audience.
See our previous post: Creating Landing Pages That Convert with Tips for Aussie Businesses
The more thought you put into what you want, the smoother the process – and the better the end result.
Plan Your Sitemap and Website Structure
A sitemap is a detailed map of your website’s structure that helps you organise everything. Think of it as your digital blueprint; it’s how you’ll ensure all the important pages are in the right place and easy for your visitors to navigate.
The essential pages you’ll need are the Home, About Us, Services/Products, and Contact pages. These are the foundation of any small business website, but you might also need additional pages based on your specific needs, like Testimonials, Blog, or FAQ.
By preparing a sitemap before you meet with your digital marketing agency or web development team, you’ll save time and give them a clearer idea of what you want. They can help refine your ideas, suggest improvements, and bring your vision to life more efficiently.
And while you’re creating your sitemap, think about how users will move through your site. You want your visitors to have a smooth, easy experience navigating your pages. No one likes wasting time trying to find basic information like contact details, services, or product offerings. You should organise your content in a way that makes sense to your target audience.
Social Media Profiles
If you want your website to actually be seen, building a solid online presence goes beyond just having a site. Social media profiles are a must-have, and they’re free tools you can use to boost your reach.
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Google Business Profile are essential for getting noticed in today’s crowded online space. These platforms give your business a face, making it easier for potential customers to find and engage with you.
But then again, having these profiles isn’t enough. You need to connect them to your website, making sure your social channels and website are working together. By doing so, you’re not just putting yourself out there, you’re actually creating a network that pulls people in from different directions.
Business Details
Aside from professional website design, these are two primary elements necessary to build the groundwork for your business’ success both online and offline:
Business name and ABN/ACN
Registering your business name and securing your ABN/ACN adds credibility to your business in the eyes of customers, clients, and third-party vendors.
We’re talking about registering your business name and securing an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN). This is the backbone of your business’s legal standing, and it’s essential for your domain registration. Without these, you won’t be able to get a domain name that matches your business.
Domain name, hosting, and business email
To secure your online real estate, you need to have a domain name. You should also remember to choose the right domain name before someone else does. Good domains get snapped up quickly. Even if you’re not launching your site tomorrow, it’s smart to lock in your name early and keep it safe. It’s a small move with a big payoff.
Your domain name is your online home address. It needs to be easy to remember, simple to type, and ideally, match your business name. If you’re targeting Australian customers, locking in a .com.au or .au domain helps build instant trust.
Pro tip: Avoid complicated spellings, hyphens, or anything that makes people go “wait, how do you spell that again?” Keep it clean, clear, and on brand.
Once you’ve got your domain locked in, make sure you’re backing it up with reliable hosting services. You want your website to be accessible and fast, no matter when your customers visit. A slow or down website is a turn-off, and that’s the last thing you want when trying to make a solid impression.
And lastly, set up a professional business email. Imagine contacting a business and getting an email from “yourbusiness123@gmail.com.” Not ideal, right? Instead, go for something like “info@yourbusiness.com.au.” This gives your business a polished, trustworthy look and adds to your professionalism. Plus, it’s a simple way to ensure all your communication is on-brand.
What About Domain Name Registration and Hosting Setup?
If you’re starting from scratch and don’t have a domain name or hosting service yet, don’t worry!
Top-rated digital marketing companies like Netplanet Digital are here to lend a hand. From helping you choose the perfect domain name that reflects your business identity to setting up a hosting service that guarantees your website is fast and always accessible, you’ll have reliable assistance to make an informed decision.
Questions to Ask Your Web Designer or Developer
When hiring a dedicated developer or digital marketing agency, there are a few questions that you must ask to ensure you are entrusting a capable and compatible tech partner:
- Have you built websites for businesses similar to mine?
- What is your development process and timeline?
- What do you need from me before and during the project?
- Will the website be built so I can update it myself easily?
- Do I own the finished website and all its parts?
- What about after launch – do you offer maintenance or support?
At Netplanet Digital, we understand that the technical side of things can be daunting, but we’re here to make it easy. With our guidance, you’ll have a solid online foundation backed by professional website design experts.
We’ll walk you through how to build a high-performing business website, from picking the best domain name to avoiding dodgy hosting, creating solid content (not filler), and building a site that’s fast, mobile-friendly and built to grow.
Don’t fall into the trap of “quick and cheap.” That road usually ends in costly do-overs. Contact us today; let’s build it right from the start.
