I have uploaded our new website this evening, knowing full well that it’s not ready. I know it has a couple of glitches. Some things that aren’t quite perfect. But it’s going live anyway.
Why?
Because it will never be perfect.
We’re not printing 10,000 brochures here
Too often clients get wrapped up in wanting everything to be perfect before their new website goes life. And I can totally understand this. But the web is not print. Things can be changed quickly and relatively easily if something isn’t quite right.
From a recent post on Boagworld.com:
All of these factors make us naturally hesitant to commit ourselves and go live. However it is important to remember 2 things. First, until you put your website in front of real users, it is impossible to know whether it is ready or not. Ultimately you have to launch the site and see what reaction you get.
Second, although it is scary to launch a website you do not believe is 100% ready, you must remember that the web is not like print.
It is amazing how many website owners (especially if they come from a marketing background) forget this. Often they’re used to commissioning print material that once sent to the printer cannot be changed. Fortunately, this is not the case when it comes to the web. Once you’ve launched the website it is still possible to change any aspect of it.
So when is the right time?
Again, from the same article:
Is the new website better than the old one?
If the answer to this question is yes, then there is no reason to hold back from going live. If the new website is better then the benefits of launching early are obvious. Not only will users appreciate the improved site, it will also start generating a return on the investment you make to build it. The earlier it is launched, the sooner you can start reaping the rewards.
So I am taking Paul’s advice here and launching this new website a little early.
I know it’s not quite there yet, but:
- If I wait for it to be perfect I’ll be waiting forever
- If I wait for it to be “finished” I’ll be waiting forever
- It’s better than the old one (I hope!)
Websites are never actually finished, as it turns out
One last thing to keep in mind, if you think your website is finished then you have missed an important aspect of the web. Your website should be current and up-to-date, so unless nothing you do ever changes then your website is never actually finished.
It’s a bit like the washing when you think about it!