Stage One: Planning your website
So you have decided you want a website or perhaps you want to update an old one. Where do you start? Hopefully the following information will work as a guideline for you.
Before contacting a web designer have an idea of what you want your web site to look like and what you expect it to accomplish (ie:increase sales, provide information). It doesn't have to be anything complex, a rough draft will do nicely. Jot down your ideas and a web consultant can help you with the planning stages.
This is a list of questions you should try to answer as you prepare your draft. First determine your vision then outline your ideas.
- What type of web site will it be?
Business
E-commerce
Informative
Personal
Will it be accessible for disabled according to ADA. - What do you want to accomplish?
Provide Information
Sell a product or service
Entertain
Discussion
Research - What different sorts of content will be incorporated?
What Subjects do you want
Group pieces of information into logical sections with one point per page.
How often will content change?
What is the nature of the content?
Does it solve a problem or conceived problem?
Does it provide info or products the visitor is looking for?
Is it direct - straight to the point?
How much technology (Consider load time)
Flash Graphics Multimedia
Shopping Cart
Database
Will it be user friendly - Look and Feel
Color scheme
Text
Font
Style
Size
Color
Is it easy to read?
Company logo
Brainstorm a few words to describe the look you want
Professional
Colorful
Stylish
Smart
Elegant etc. - How much is it likely to grow (this is very commonly underestimated)?
- What services will you need?
Domain name registration
Should be easy to remember and easy to type
Domain name should be as close to your business name as possible.
Domain name transfer
Hosting
Maintenance
Marketing Resources
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
- What is your budget?