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Things to Know Before Starting A Website

Before starting your website, you should have a few solid thoughts on how your website will look and function since you'll want it to appeal to your target market. It is important to consider the following items before starting your website:

What is the main purpose for your website? What product or service are you offering? Why is your website needed? What do you have that they (your potential customers) can't get from the competition? Why should these potential customers visit your website and give YOU THEIR business? What can you do for them that the next business can't give them? Be very specific with this information as this will be the key to your success.

You'll also want to identify the key market that you are trying to draw to your website. What specific target market are you trying to reach? You'll want to consider the key factors for your specific niche. There are so many groups that you could target to, so try to narrow it down to a few of the major demographic groups. You probably should, at the very least, consider the main demographical characteristics, such as: location, age, gender, income level, education level, etc.

What specific pieces of information are you going to add to this website? You'll want to figure out how your information will be arranged on each page. Do you have a general 'style' or 'look' that you would like to imitate? You'll want a website that expressly conveys your business but you'll also want it to look aesthetically pleasing to the eye. For a listing of colors and codes, look at our Hex Codes and Color Chart page. Keep this handy as you speak with your web-designer. You, also, wouldn't want to have a website that looked crowded and overwhelming to your visitors. You'll want a website that has the ability to draw your readers in for more information.

You will want a website that has functionality and is easy to navigate for your readers so they can find exactly what they're looking for. Nothing is more frustrating than visiting a website that has non-functioning links or outdated information. When people visit a site like this, they usually head straight away from the site.

When thinking about the appeal, do you have several websites that you can show as an example of 'good' websites and what you consider to be 'bad' websites? This will help your designer to get a good idea as to the kind of website that you're looking for. You might want to consider exactly what it is (and make a list) as to what you like and dislike about each website on your list. Your designer should work with you to figure out what appeals to you and what doesn't.

Do you already have a domain name? If not, you'll need to get one. Your web designer will be able to help you with this.

Will you be hosting your own website or will your web designer? This will be a factor in the types of websites you can have and the specific applications that your hosting service can handle. If you are going to have a complex website or web page, you'll want to be sure to check this out so you know if your hosting company/plan is capable of carrying out all of the applications used in your website or web page. You don't want to have someone design a site for you and then find out later that there will be complications and your site won't be able to function properly.

What information will need to be updated? - And how often will it need to be updated? Who is going to manage the changes to your website? Are you going to be able to perform the updates to your site or will you need continuous help? This is very important to figure the cost BEFORE getting yourself into a 'deal'. Sometimes, the more expensive upfront costs are a much better savings in the long run. It's always best to get references for web design because you'll have to be comfortable with your decision.

Do you have an existing logo that you want to use? If not, many web designers also handle logo design, or they can subcontract it to a graphic artist.

Learn How To Start A Website