Any website project, regardless of size will need to address several distinct areas of specialty, as well as the steps necessary to launch a website, in order to have a chance at success. It would be easier to just start making web pages, adding some images and text, and then linking several of these together as you go, but an overall vision and process will limit you.
So what does the small business owner need to consider when creating a website (or hiring someone to create their website)? The first is to become familiar with the process of website creation.
The Process
- Initiation (Inception)
- Planning / Design (Elaboration)
- Execution / Development (Construction)
- Close-out / Transition (Launch)
Initiation (or inception) is the phase where you consider whether or not a website is worth doing and where you start thinking about what may want on the website. A good idea at this point is to survey competitors’ websites for ideas. Make sure to look at websites that are from businesses of a similar size, similar location, etc. Awareness of this information will help you create information that is better than your competition.
The planning/design (or elaboration) phase is where you will create an outline of the actual website. It can be as simple as writing down pages that you will want to include. A home page, product or service pages, information about your company and a page with contact information and a form to submit to request more information are the basics. More can be added as needed, but try to include all of the pages that you will want now. It will be easier to build the pages (and the navigation) now, as opposed to later on.
The execution/development (also called construction) of the website is where your outline and ideas are fleshed out in graphics and web pages. This phase can include storyboards, wireframes, clickable prototypes, visual mockups and web page creation (HTML). This is the longest phase of creating the website. It can include several rounds of the above steps before a final version is settled upon.
Close-out/transition (the launch) is where the final bugs are weeded out and the website is launched to the public. At this point you should have a well-designed, well thought out website that is ready to be viewed. Now comes the work of getting the word out about the website. The phrase “If you build it, they will come” does not apply here. The advertising/marketing of your site will be key. Techniques, such as search engine optimization, email marketing and pay-per-click campaigns, should be given serious consideration.
Attention to the above is just a basic overview of what you should consider in your website project. If what you just read seems confusing, then the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach may not be the ideal solution (though it may be cheaper). Locating a web design firm to handle this project is not difficult; a search of “web designer” or “website designer” in your area on any of the major search engines will give you a good starting point. Make sure to see exmaples of their work and get some references, if you need, before signing up. Good luck with your website project!
About the Author
This article is contributed by David Zoffer – CEO of UltraWarp Web Design. David runs several other websites as well, including WDWRatings.com andPrecisePages.com.