Beginning a web project can be a daunting task. There are many unknowns and even more possibilities. So how can you narrow down the many options? What do you focus on and what do you ignore?
We’ve outlined a list of some things to discuss before beginning the process of building your new business website.
1. Goals
Why do you need a website? Asking this question can help you decipher what exactly you’d like to accomplish through your website. Typically, your goals will help define your call to action, your site structure, the content, and which metrics you’ll measure to gauge success.
2. Audience
Who are you trying to serve? It’s helpful to picture the typical person who will be visiting your business website. The brand voice throughout should not only speak to that user but the site should be laid out in a way that allows that person to find relevant information with ease. Think of what that person will expect from your website.
3. Site Map
Brainstorm which pages you’d like to have on your site. A rough outline can help your design team create a thorough site map for your review. This is what we call the sitemap—it’s your roadmap for developing the right pages and features for your website.
4. Features
Do you have any features in mind you’d like included on your new site? This could be a search bar, social media feeds, animations, infographics, or embedded maps. Discuss these features prior to the design phase to ensure a strategy is in place for executing these features.
5. Content
What will your website say? One of the most important elements of a website is the content. These are the words that the people (and robots) will read to determine the value of your site.
If you feel comfortable writing your own copy, great! If you would rather leave the writing to a copywriter who is experienced in writing for the web, we’ll need to get them involved at the onset of the project.
6. Competitors
Who is your website competing against? Be sure to review other websites within your industry. Take note of what they do well and where they fall short. Use this knowledge to your advantage when planning your new site. Don’t copy them directly, but you can learn from their structure and content. Even if it’s just to find out how to stand out.
7. Style
What websites inspire you? Create a list of other websites that resonate with you—whether they are within your industry or not. Think outside the web too—you can get inspiration from the world around you! Look at advertisements, direct mail, emails, billboards, magazines, and more to gain ideas for your website’s style.
So before you dive into your website redesign, consider these topics to help organize your thoughts. Looking for some guidance? We’d be more than happy to meet with you to discuss your web project!
