Web Site Design

deep thoughts...

When beginning the web site creation process, here are some things to think about before meeting with the designer:

• What are my goals for the site? Selling? Informational? Customer support? Awareness building?
  
• Who is my target market? What do they like? What are their values & habits?
  
• What short (2-3 word) phrases would the visitor type in to search for your site? List as many as you can. (& ask your friends!)
  
• For ecommerce sites: what marketing has worked well in the past?
  
• Do you have a domain name? If not, do you have a name in mind?
  
• What other sites have you admired? Write down a few favorites.
  
• What colors do you envision? Images? Layout? Try sketching your ideas on paper.
  
• Do you have a logo? If not, what might it look like? What is the feeling?
  
• What images come to mind? Will you create/provide them, or will they be created by the designer? Add them to your sketch.
  
• How do you see the site layout? How many pages, and how do they work together?
  
• Do you plan to accept credit cards on the site? Do you have a merchant account?

Things to bring:

• Site access info: Sign-In Information, username, password (if you already have a site).
• Your notes (from above) on site layout, logo, graphics, & relevant print advertising materials, if applicable.