Why do you even need it?
Is website crucial for Tech Startup? Yes, even though some people state that you can go without it, even simple landing page will make your life easier - possibility of showing your message to the world, checked by early-stage users, being validated by investors, quickly indexed by search engines. Website is marketing tool, that is necessary for any company, especially in the tech sector. And you do not have to build it on your own. You can outsource it, and take care of your main product, to progress even faster. That’s the best from those two worlds.
What to show?
If you decide to make website, good for you, excellent decision! However, remember that the quality of the website should reflect the quality of your business - should be high! It’s not only about look, also about content. Do not forget about SEO, you want to be visible in the future!
Show the user what problem you solve. Make sure that any user that is entering the page, knows what your business is about, and how you can help him. Else, he will most likely leave. Make sure to answer as many questions as possible, while not being too pushy.
Make sure to stick to SEO best practices - utilize HTML 5.0 structure properly, make sure to write copy, that will spread the message to your users (make it users-first!), but will also help you with search engine rankings. Create content that will be helpful for your users, by providing them answers (e.g. via blog posts, and by allowing them to find your page in search engine.
Create unforgettable experience, by leveraging beautiful UI. Design it upfront, make sure that it matches esthetics of your brand, the design should “play in one team” with content of the website. Utilize micro-interactions and smooth animations, to make user feel natural and satisfied.
Website creation is not only about showing some information about your business to users. It’s about providing value upfront, by showing and offering the best what you can give them, and informing them about conditions to use your product/service.
Make it in-house or outsource?
Well, as you know, providing excellent digital experience is not easy. Should you take care of the website on your own? Well, it depends. If you have team of designer and developer, go for it. They will reuse the tech stack you use for your product, they will make it 100% yours. However, as it is in early-stage startups, they might have other, much more important things to do. You might need not only landing page, but also many sub pages, integration with CMS, blog implementation, or even more. In such a case, or in many others I suggest you to outsource it. Why? Because you do not only let you/your people work on most important things you have on your plate. You also outsource it to team of experts, that specialize in that, they have to personalize it to your needs, you almost have guarantee that it will fit your requirements, while saving you some time and money, on potential hiring for that job. So if possible, it might make sense to outsource the website, and have time for the main product, and be sure that it will be delivered in pre-defined shape, that fits your requirements in 100%!
Conclusions
Early-stage startups are super busy, which comes out of their nature. Website creation is more that just creating another piece of software. It’s about communication with your users, and providing them value upfront. That’s why I think you should ask for web design & development help, and potentially free-up your time and boost results!