10 Step Website Planning Guide

Whether you're planning a 3 page business site or a 50 page e-commerce site, this planning guide can help you get started. If you need help planning your website, please feel free to ask for help.

1. Define the objective of your website: Is it to generate leads for your existing business? Offer information to your customers? Are you starting a new business? Do you want to sell your product or service on the internet? Defining your websites goals will help shape the design, functionality, and marketing for your website.
   
   
2. Define your audience: Will you be selling products to the public? Providing business-to-business services? Offering expertise to other professionals in the field? Who are you not reaching now? Who, besides direct customers, might view or use your site? Competitors? Suppliers? The general public? Design your website from the perspective of your audience; not your organisation. Jot down scenarios in which different types of visitors come to your site and try to think about how you would address each of their needs.
   
   
3. Pinpoint a unique concept: What's your competitive edge? How is your company different? Do you plan to compete on price, quality or service or the uniqueness of your product or ideas? Will you do a better job of marketing than your competition? Can you bring to the table special products, knowledge, contacts, sources? Think about this and plan your site with that in mind.
   
   
4. Research similar websites: See what's out there. Look at similar organisations or businesses, websites dealing with similar services, products or even your supplier's websites. Make lists of content, features, and design elements you like and don't like. This information helps your website designer with their initial design.
   
   
5. Consider website features: This could include special forms, a shopping cart, a content management package or special graphic elements.
   
   
6. Make a budget for your website: A web site should be integrated into your existing and long-term business goals and not considered a one-time marketing expense. Budget for the initial cost of site design and development, but also keep in mind that you'll want to update your site just like you make changes and updates to your business.
   
   
7. Consider your marketing strategy: You'll probably want to coordinate your online and print media design plans. Will you be using print advertising to advertise your site? Sending targeted emails or newsletters?
   
   
8. Decide on and register a domain name: You'll need to find a domain name that is available and pay the annual fee (around $25 a year.) Questions to keep in mind are: is it easy to spell? Does it fit with your company product, service or name? If it's a long name, will it show up well when used in printed advertising? If you are not sure, please consult with your website designer.
   
   
9. Assemble your website content: Inventory the content you already have in printed brochures, flyers or newsletters. Collect graphics or photos you have for logos, signs, posters, products, staff or personnel. Get your product database or other materials you want on your website. If you don’t have this content your website designer will help you.
   
   
10. Set a target date: Set up a schedule of when you plan to review, write or provide your website content. You will need to meet with your website designer to make these decisions and schedule a target date of when you want your website up and running.

Once you feel that you are ready to take the next step, read though the Website Design Checklist which gives you an idea on what comes next. If you feel that you need help with the 10 Step Website Planning Guide, please contact our experienced support team for assistance.

Website Design Resources

How Much Does a Website Cost?
In this article we answer the basics to this question without going into complex designs and major internet marketing methods. How much does a website cost?

10 Step Website Planning Guide
Whether you're planning a 3 page business site or a 50 page e-commerce site, our planning guide can help you get started. 10 Step Website Planning Guide

Website Design Checklist
Once you've planned your website you can use this checklist to help you gather your content and focus your design ideas. Website Design Checklist

Website Design Process
We have provided a comprehensive list of what's involved in our website design process, from your first quote to uploading your website to the Web. Website Design Process

Need Help or Want to Know More? Email: info@designsenseweb.com.au

For help with your internet marketing needs or for more information, please complete the following form. Required fields are marked with "‹". Please remember to select your preferred contact method.

Comment ‹ Name ‹ Phone Email Contact method Please Select Contact Method Phone Email In Person No Preference Please respond today.

We service the following and surrounding locations; Website Design Glen Eira, Website Design Kingston, Website Design Monash, Website Design Port Phillip, & Website Design Bayside.