Web Site Planning
Probably you feel about web site planning like i did. I wanted to jump straight to design, without any plans about my website. But web site planning, as I figured it out later, is too important to be left out. Why you would ask? Here a are the reasons:
- You will save time maintaining your site
- Your site will be easier to use.
- You will get more traffic
- You will feel better.
So lets start at the beginning.
Planning a website is mainly two things: managing your project and managing website design. The first one will make your life easier and the last one will make life of your visitors easier.
Now you are gonna need some tools. I promise they wont be expensive and you will not have to leave comfort of your home to get them. Now get yourself a pencil and some paper.
Why can`t I do it in my word processor? Believe me, the good old pencil is the best tool for planning. Try it!
Now lets get to business!
Web Site Planning Step 1: Site Goals
Why do you want to make a website? Really. Before you start doing anything else answer yourself these questions (write them on a piece of paper):
- What is the purpose of your website?
- Who will visit your website?
- What will they gain?
- What is in it for you?
Work trough these questions until you have a clear idea what you want. It might help if you surf around the web and look for examples. Now you are looking at websites with different eyes. Try to analyze sites you think are great, and see what elements they have that make them so good.
Now that you have these answers write a one sentence summary of your project. If you cant make it in one sentence spend some more time on questions above.
I should be like this:
The aim of my website (Flying Carpets) is to provide great information about carpets to people from United Kingdom and recommend them carpet stores i trust.
…and should include a goal of your website.