I've Decided To Get A Website...Now What?

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail

I'm sure you've heard that quaint saying before, and just as it is true in many other things in life, it is also true for websites. Planning is the key to a successful web site genesis. Below are five questions that you should work through before getting in to the actual site design phase. The answers to these questions will shape how a site designer will proceed with your project.

1. Why do I want a website?

Having a specific purpose is very critical. Not only does it keep the project focused, but it sets the tone for the site and determines the answers to the next questions. Think about what you are offering to the public or to your specific audience. What message are you trying to convey? What product or service are you offering?

2. What are my immediate goals for the site?

You undoubtedly have some particular points that you want to lead with...certain products or ideas that are the crux or your desire for this site. Lead with these, and prioritize your goals. Your webmaster will design your site to focus on your immediate goals as well as your long term goals. If immediately you don't want to offer visitors to purchase your product directly online, there can be elements in place to make transition to this sort of site.

3. What are my long term goals for the site?

This one is important for deciding between some design solutions. Strategies and design elements can be developed to make the growth easier. For instance, if down the line you want to incorporate a forum into your site, the original design can be developed so that the infusion of a forum would go smoothly and easily adapt to layout of the original site.

4. What web related strategies will I use to achieve these goals?

On this part you will want to work with an experienced webmaster. One who is knowledgable and can explain your options clearly. Understand that the internet is a dynamic ever-changing arena, and what was hot today may not work so well tomorrow...So be careful when choosing bells and whistles.

5. How will I measure the success of your site?

Site visitors? Sales? Search Engine ranking? Talk to your webmaster about what you want to see. He can explain what you can do to monitor your site's success.

In conclusion

All in all, you don't have to take these questions seriously, and you still may end up with a nice website. But working though these will probably save you some time, money, and quite possibly a great deal of headaches for both you and your webmaster.