Web Site Planning

Below are some things to consider when designing a web site. 

WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO REACH?

One of the first considerations when designing a web site is who are you trying to reach.  Whether you are designing for a customer, or just for your personal satisfaction, try to look at your potential site from the viewpoint of your visitors.  When designing always keep in my your “target audience:.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YOUR SITE?

Content is what will make or break your web site.  In developing a web site for business, education or recreation you should decide what level of involvement you want to have with your visitors.  Ask yourself these questions… Are you simply presenting information, are you offering a service or product, or are you trying to build a relationship with potential clients or repeat visitors.

If you want visitors to come back time and time again, you have to offer them some incentive.  If your purpose is to educate, keep your site content fresh and credible.  Make your site a reliable resource. If your motivation is business related try and look at the site as a customer would.  Once your site is up and running establish some sort of feedback form to ensure that you are meeting the needs of your visitors.

WHAT ARE YOUR RESOURCES?

A web site can be a major undertaking.  You must decide what expertise you have at your disposal. Do you have the right software for the job?  Will you need training in the software?  The more you offer your visitors the more time you should expect to devote to the building and maintaining of the site.  Take into consideration how much time will be necessary in developing the pages, creating the graphics, testing the site, updating the contents, answering e-mail, troubleshooting any problems, keeping up with the latest and greatest technology… the list goes on.   Do you have the skills and time necessary for these things… if not consider hiring someone to do it for you… in the end it might be more cost effective for you and your business.