Whether this is your first web site or you are thinking about a web site makeover there are some essential steps that should be taken.
- Develop a Web Strategy - what is the web site's purpose? Do you have specific goals for the web site? What customer needs do you expect to fulfill?
- Organizing the Content - what content will the web site need to fulfill your objectives and your customer's needs? This takes brainstorming, writing down notes and ideas, visiting other similar web sites. Finally, a flowchart or diagram should be created showing how the web site and pages will be organized and how it will all flow together.
- Content Gathering - although this may seem obvious, it usually takes considerable effort and time. Who will:
- write the copy
- gather the necessary graphics
- research the keywords that are needed for each web page
- Web Site Design - now it's time to do the actual web site design. Page content and the design should make it clear and easy to follow for the web visitors. The menu links and internal page links must have good "link scent" so users know what they will find if they click on a link.
- Test, Launch and Maintain - once the design is completed it is important to test the web site for usability and to find dead links and any misspellings. If possible, have some targeted users go through the web site while you observe them and take notes about any problems or confusion they may have while browsing the web site. Last, the web site needs to be maintained and continuous updated to keep your audience's attention and interest.