Many major events (such as expos, conferences, sports tournaments, annual festivals, and so on) require that a website be created specifically for them. In fact, many couples are even opting for a wedding website on which to document details, provide information and record their special day. It is essential that any event be marketed appropriately and with as wide a spread as possible. Therefore, begin the web development process as soon as possible.
An event website should accomplish the following:
- Create a hype around the event, getting people excited to attend
- Provide relevant, true, up-to-date information
- Enable potential delegates or guests to purchase tickets or provide the information necessary for them to do so
- Convey the purpose, aims and goals of the event fairly and accurately
When it comes to designing and coding a website, it is never wise to go with the cheapest company. This industry is full of novices that could, potentially, damage your reputation or overcharge for a very limited number of services and features. Only approach agencies that have 1) a reputable base of existing clients, 2) an acceptable portfolio and 3) contactable references. This will protect you to as large a degree as possible.
Before meeting with your shortlist of possible agencies, establish with your client or event coordinator exactly what you want to achieve with a website. Have a plan of action in place and consider how you will communicate this to the designers and programmers so that they can fulfil your expectations. They will also need to have a keen understanding of your target market, and should be able to formulate strategies on how to focus on this. Honest, open communication is of paramount importance.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. They might use jargon with which you are not familiar but, as long as you are paying them, you have the right to understand what to expect from them. In addition, contacting the references with which they supply you is perfectly acceptable, and will give you the peace of mind and confidence necessary to proceed with a particular company.
The ideal web agency will focus on:
- Maximising your profitability; both in the short-term and the long-term
- Making your website easy to use and navigate as well as quick to load
- Working efficiently to complete your site within a specified, agreed upon time frame
- Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) – ensuring that your site ranks well in the search engines (such as Google, Yahoo! and Bing)
- Professional, modern design techniques
- Considering your needs and working on ways to add value to their product and service
- Working within your specified budget
The key elements to a successful website in terms of what the market and search engines see are:
- Good quality, original content / information
- Original images
- An attractive design
Evaluate your needs and budget carefully to ensure that these areas are not neglected.
