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MyBusiness Magazine
August 2002

Hot Chilli's Creative Director, Paul Wilson, features in "MyBusiness" Magazine this month. He has some pragmatic advice for designing and marketing a business website.

(excerpts from) Lost in Cyberspace
By Katrina Clifford

Don't believe the hype - getting your business online isn't a hit-and-miss affair. Katrina Clifford delves into the world of website design and marketing.

Paul Wilson, Creative Director of design group, Hot Chilli, recommends that SMEs take time out before getting caught up in the crush to consider the why and wherefore of their website. What is the purpose of going online? What do you want your website to achieve? What image should it project of your business? What will appeal most to your customers?

Mr Wilson says: "Priority number one should be your customers because your website needs to be tailored towards them. Customers will give up if they can't find what they're looking for - which isn't so much a reflection on the business as a reflection of the way the website has been designed".

"It's important that SMEs do their homework before selecting a design company and sometimes the best way to do that is to get your hands a little dirty by undertaking a basic Internet course."

"Many design groups think that if they create a site that looks good then that's the job done. Any web design company worth their salt though will provide free quotes and advice before they begin designing the site."

"The value-add offered by Hot Chilli is that we have our own e-commerce websites up and running so we know what works and what doesn't when it comes to functionality."

Full article available in MyBusiness Magazine - August 2002

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