Do you put together a plan for your website?

- by Timothy Caron

Hey Guy’s and Gal’s

In this article I would like to talk about “Planning Your Website.”

Many times we overlook the aspect of planning, especially if we are new to the internet. And when we fail to plan, it usually ends up with little or no success for our hard work.

When we design our own websites, we sometimes forget to take into consideration this most important step, of laying the foundation, that will offer our visitors and future customers an easy to use, and enjoyable experience.

Below are some basic steps and guidelines to consider when planning your website.

1. Purpose

What are your dreams and aspirations. What are your goals? Write them out clearly.

__ To gain a favorable impression of the company or organization.
__ To develop a qualified list of prospects
__ To sell products directly taking credit card information over the Internet
__ To encourage potential customers to contact us by phone or mail to consummate a sale.
__ To make available product information and price lists to distributors.
__ To make available product information and price lists to customers.
__ To strengthen brand identification.

2. What is your sites organization?

__ Welcome Menu
__ About Your Company
__ Products & Services
__ FAQ (Frequently ASked Questions
__ Contact Us
__ Response or Order Forms
__ Total Number of pages

3. What is Your Domain Name?

__ Does it portray your products brand?

4. Header Graphic?

This is also very important, it must also represent your brand, and include proper colors, additional images, and a Typeface that will be easy to read.

Your colors must also be pleasing to the eye.

5. Colors and Accents.

For the most part, a standard background color that is seen on most websites is white, but that does not have to be the color you choose. But you must take into consideration the readability. Putting Red text on a Black background can be very difficult on the eyes, and in some cases will make your visitors run for the hills.

6. Your Navigation System

Your navigation is also key. Not having a clear and visible navigation will also make your visitors run for the hills.

Having your navigation under your header image is standard, but you can also have a sub-menu in your sidebars or even in your footer at the very bottom of your website.

There are many other elements that you need to take into consideration. But I’m sure you can understand the importance of what we have covered so far.

A good website designer will ask these question, so they can fully understand your thoughts and ideas. Without these crucial elements in place, you can be sure of failure.

If you have anything to add, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Until next time, have a wonderful day,