Some people, initially think that building a web site means simply saving a microsoft word document and photos, into internet-ready code. This is a dangerous train of thought. This will produce raw data. It takes time, experience and skill to turn your content into a usable website that can affect the bottom line of your business or organization.

You really should take some time to sort out these prerequisites for a well planned site. Ask yourself, “When I look at my website, would I do business with me?” Define your target audience, search out web sites that illustrate characteristics you’d like to have on your site, choose photographs and compose text.

Initial Planning After you define your basic audience and choose a basic layout and strategy, your designer should explore your competitors websites and then suggest additions or modifications to the initial plan for the site.

Structure Development Your designer should create an easy to navigate web site with an effective menu system and search capability. However, a site with a very large amount of information, an online store or catalog for example, requires a database and Customer Management System. This makes it easy to retrieve data and add new data. (Once your site goes into this category, prices will go up.)

Aesthetics The designer should create sample pages or “mock-ups”. This will give you a basic look-and-feel of your new site. A lot of thought should go into the design and layout. This should suit the nature of your company and the preferences of your visitors. You should communicate your ideas to your designer and be able to make any modifications needed to get the right fit.

The Code The designer now becomes the programmer. Your “programmer” now takes the design ideas and makes the transformation from your approved art work and creates the layout for the actual pages. This process is really “building” the site. This is where your designer makes the buttons click, and the search input, find information and the forms, functional.

Compatibility Testing, 1,2,3. Not everyone uses a PC with Microsoft Internet Explorer. Current statistics show that number in now below 50%. Many visitors to your site use many different operating platforms and software. The designer must check that the site looks and functions the same in all environments. No exceptions.

Search Engine Registration This takes place after the site is launched. Your designer should take the steps necessary to optimize your site for the search engines. Each of your pages should have keywords and descriptions formatted for the search engines.

Project Management An experienced designer will teach you to manage your site. It’s the old adage, “Teach a person to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.” This is somewhat true with a decent website. You should be able to do your own updates, without the need to track down the “web person” for a simple typo or edit and without the need for programming knowledge.

Communication Your designer must keep you updated during the entire process. Designers should obtain enough perspective and experience to understand the your needs. Recommendations for coding, accessibility, search engine ranking, and e-marketing change at a very fast pace; it is your designer’s responsibility to know his/her trade.

While the target is an attractive, functional website, it is paramount, that the journey be enjoyable. The designer’s methods and personal conduct should be compatible with you. Remember, the best deal is the one you’re happy with.