Developing Your Website – 5 Things You Need to Know

Feb 28, 2014

Let’s skip the debate (if there is one) about whether or not you need a web presence and get right down to it.

You need a website.

It could be as simple as a single page, or many pages in a half-dozen main categories.

It’s easy to get started creating

  • A site for your existing business – You have been in business for a while but never got around to a website.
  • A site to launch your exciting new business – You have a great idea for a new business and want a website to showcase it.
  • Non-profit – You want to reach a wider audience, engage people in your cause, increase support.
  • A site to showcase your area of expertise – You have information to share, want to spark conversation, get feedback.

Consider these five areas and make notes for your website plan. Begin with asking yourself, and your organization, these five questions. Taking them one at a time will alleviate that feeling of drowning in your project before you have even begun.

1.)    Purpose – What do you want your website to accomplish?

  1. Sell products
  2. Provide information
  3. Solicit support and contributions
  4. Any or all of the above

2.)    Audience – Who do you want to attract to your website?

  1. Consumers
  2. Contributors
  3. People seeking information on your area of expertise
  4. Members
  5. Any or all of the above

3.)    Content – What does your audience need? How will you meet their needs?

  1. Who are you (your organization)?
  2. What information will show audience you can meet their needs?
  3. What photos and images will best convey your message?
  4. How can users find you, contact you?

4.)    Appearance and Feel – What feeling do you want Internet users to have when they visit your site? Trusting, patriotic, calm, happy, luxurious? Colors, fonts, and images all contribute to your business image. Check out sites you like on the Internet. Copy and save the URL (web address) for you and your web developer ot refer to later.

5.)    Schedule – when do you want to launch your site?

Don’t panic! This is a lot to think about. Review this list a few times, then take it a step at a time. Plan your website one segment at a time. Find out how to approach each topic in related posts.