Websites - Getting to the Details
Many artists start their creating process by building the frame for the canvas that will eventually display their work of art. The canvas will be stretched over the assembled wood pieces and then will be gessoed and sanded and finally be painted upon. Building a Website can be like putting together a painting. But, before you can start putting together the pieces, you have to figure out the Big Picture.
First, you need to figure out the Focus of the Website.
What is the purpose? Do you want to provide information, promote a service, sell a product? Is it a general statement about your business or is it centered on a specialized department or service. You will need to gather information and do research. You need a solid understanding of the company, department, service or product. Many things need to be taken into consideration when developing the look and feel of your site.
Next, you need to state the goals. What are your business goals and dreams and how can the Website help you achieve those goals. What do you hope to accomplish by building this Website? Two of the more common goals are either to make money or share information.
Specifics or details come next with a list of exact items and topics you want covered on the Website. A list of main topics and then sub-topics should be developed keeping in mind that these will be used to create your “Pages” for the site. This list of “Pages” should be placed in order of importance. This is a guide for content and is essential to developing a consistent, easy to understand navigational system. The customer must be a predominant consideration while designing the site. These are the people who will be learning about your service or buying your product. A good user interface creates an easy to navigate Website.
Now for the “guts” of the site! The content for each Page or Section needs to be developed. Here is where you get into the deep details of your mission. It is where you write the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of your business or service. As part of the design and content phase, it is also important to create elements such as the company logo or colors to help strengthen the identity of your company on the website. You will also have to figure out who your target audience is A site aimed at Grocery stores, for example, will look much different than one meant for a Realtor.
Finally, the visual design can now be explored. Content and interaction are drawn so that they can be melded together and create a flow of information and interconnection.
When the final approval of the site is reached, all of the individual graphic and content elements from the model or worksheet should be used to create the actual, functional site.
And last but not least - Register a Domain Name. Find a Host. Upload and...Launch!
We guarantee we’ll provide you with a website you will be proud of, that reflects your professionalism, pride, and hard work you put into your business.
