planning
We are often asked, "How do I get started to build my web site?" The answer is planning before you build. While it may appear obvious, it's easy to lose sight and dive in before thinking through the objectives. Constructing a web site without a plan is like a homebuilder working without blueprints.
Serve a Purpose
On the web, the operative word is "purpose." Identifying your audience and determining the information they seek is key to a successful web site.
Goals
State your web site goals. You may already have company strategic goals and your web site should be in line. Do you want to sell, inform, reinforce branding, identity or recruit? What do you want visitors to your site to remember when they stop by? Your web site compliments traditional marketing media so make sure it supports all other efforts.
Get Started
Define your content and start writing or in most cases, re-writing!
Gather any existing printed or electronic materials you think may be useful and review for accuracy, meaning and purpose. Refine materials as needed. Copies of strategic plans or similar documents are very beneficial in the process.
Write your ideas down, brainstorm. Share your thoughts and by all means, ask questions.
