The components of a website are a simple concept when taken individually. When you group all the parts together things tend to get more complex. It’s like a big puzzle with one piece working with the other and all the pieces working together.
Trinity Web Media considers all four components of the website equally when it comes to web development. Again, like a jigsaw puzzle, each piece relies on the other and are depended on one another to finish the project.
Four Components of a Website
Goals: In real world situations, what does success mean to your business? What factors are important to move the needle? When it comes to WordPress development, we always say, “Almost anyone can make a site look good, but no everyone can make a website work for the business?” The first obstacle to getting things to work for the business is knowing what success looks like. (Hint: There are only four goals for any website.)
Once you know what success looks like, we can measure the metrics and make sure we are moving in the right direction. I can’t say it enough when it comes to goals: Review, Refine, Repeat.
Content: Creating a strong content plan is crucial for success. Many of your goals hinge on executing a content marketing strategy and having cornerstone content on your site. Content is key when it comes to SEO and gaining visibility for your site. Good web content is informative, helpful and to the point. Leave the salesy stuff for salespeple, your website is a fine-tuned marketing machine that will feed leads to sales.
Content is where the rubber meets the road in all digital marketing and web development. Weak content on a great looking site will not work. Too often we see the cart before the horse on this component of your site.
Functionality: Web functionality is how the site works. Think of WordPress functionality as the engine that powers WordPress sites. Sometimes, web functionality is the cool, slick, bells and whistles of the site. While these things are important to the overall project, do not get caught up chasing the next shiny object.
When it comes to web functionality we recommend testing on all devices and making sure you are not impeding your audience from working towards your goals. The cool stuff is very easy to get caught up in — so don’t. Like, seriously, don’t.
Website Design: Your site needs to look good, but not at all cost. This component is listed last, because to me as a WordPress Developer it is the least important. If functionality is the car’s engine, design is the car’s paint.
I hate to minimize design, and I mean no disrespect to all my designer friends. If you are using WordPress, 85% of all people use a pre-designed theme where more often than not that design is prefect for your project. Trust a pre-selected themes design and typography, and in the beginning of your WordPress site’s evolution let the other three components drive the bus until you need something more complex.
These four components of websites are the the cornerstone to your business’ success. They work hand in hand and together. When beginning a web project make sure you have an outline or idea of each piece individually and how they fit together. Success is yours.
[Not sure if you know, but Trinity Web Media has its own podcast called The New Marketing Show. The New Marketing Show talks about how effective marketing solves business problems, give it a listen and let us know what you think. — Thanks.]
While I’ve known Greg for years from our time together in the marketing scene, I’ve only recently had the chance to work with Trinity Web Media on a client project. Not only was the team professional and their work spot on, they were amazingly quick to respond and required very little hand-holding along the way. I chalk that up to their past experience and a deep understanding of best-in-class services.
I have hired Greg and the Trinity team multiple times for work on my own websites, and have also hired them to work on behalf of multiple clients. He is simply a pleasure to work with, in every respect. Smart but without the giant ego of some developers, Trinity Web Media works with his clients to achieve their vision in the best way possible — with careful attention to their interests, and thoughtful recommendations based on his expertise. • Susan Baier – Founding Marketing Strategist – Audience Audit