As with many things, good web design begins with careful planning and attention to detail. Before you even commit a line of code to your site, you should think hard about the type of website that will best suit your company and its goals. The answers to these five simple questions should help you get a much better idea of what your finished website will look like and aid in its design.
#1 - What is the primary purpose of the website?
Are you establishing a website as a source of information for interested web users? Do you wish to showcase what your company does and its expertise in doing so? Or is the main purpose of your website to funnel web users towards buying a product they want or need? The main purpose of your website will have important implications for its structure, navigation layout and overall design, so it's essential to be clear on this from the start.
#2 - Who will its core users be?
Are you trying to appeal to and accommodate young business professionals? Teenagers? The older generation? Whoever it is, be sure to create a design that will speak to them and fulfil their needs.
#3 - What colour scheme best suits your image and purpose?
Don't underestimate how important the psychological impact of colour is on your visitors. Your colour scheme should be planned out beforehand and remain consistent throughout the entire site. Think about the image you wish to project - i.e. slick and modern, friendly and welcoming, or offbeat and unique.
#4 - What extra features will help users get the most out of your site?
There's no point in including snazzy, technologically impressive bells and whistles if they're not needed. Decide what features will actually help users to get what they want from your site. For example, if you have lots of products, be sure to include a comprehensive search tool. If your business is involved in or hosting a variety of events, provide an interactive calendar, and so forth.
#5 - How often and to what extent do you plan to update your website?
Including a regularly updated blog on your website is usually a straightforward matter, and should be relatively easy for even those with little technical knowhow to operate. But if you need to update larger chunks of your site, to accommodate new product ranges for example, you should plan ahead to ensure that you or a member of your team will be able to do so without too much fuss.
When you're ready to take the plunge and invest in a website, it's always a good idea to speak with several web design agencies before you commit. Find a team that speaks your language, understands your business and one that you feel confident can deliver in time and in budget.
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