Steps to planning a new website or redesigning an existing website

A well thought-out web design plan will result in a long-term successful and meaningful website for your business.

The purpose of this article is to help you ask the right questions when you are building a new website or redesigning your current website. All webmasters and web design companies are not created equal. Knowing the following information will help you steer clear of the many website problems you’ve heard your friends and associates talk about.

Here is a sample outline to get you started.

I. Create a Website Summary

a. Our company is a veteran-owned small business with 20 employees located in Anywhere, USA. We have provide technology security services and consulting to commercial businesses and the military since 1989.

II. Create a Website Goals Statement

a. Our company seeks to have a new website that communicates our services to existing and prospective clients; to acquire new business queries via search engines and social media sites.

b. The website must be built so it can be updated or maintained in-house.

c. We require a dynamic or database page where job openings can be posted and allow users to submit resumes online to be stored in a secure database.

d. Our deadline for launch is Feb 2, 2010.

NOTE: Existing databases

You’ll need to define any existing database pages you already have along with any specific requirements or changes needed.

You should be able to provide information for what type of database you are using such as MySQL Php or SQL 2008 .NET as well as any passwords or FTP access to your website contractor/company.

NOTE: New databases

You’ll need to define very specific requirements in regards to:
~ How it will be used and the click-through flow often referred to as the front-end.
~ Define any confirmation screens, emails and other interactive details.
~ Detail what control you need to have in the administrative section often referred to as the back-end.

For example
Our new database will collect resumes submitted online where we may go online to view or print. Data fields to be collected along with resumes include: first/ last name, address, phone and email. This should be printable as well.

The more information and steps you are able to provide insures a speedy and accurate web development price quote.

III. Creative Notes and Assets

a. We have a company logo and photos for use in the new website.

b. We will provide some copy or content for the new website, but we are interested in having the help of a copy writer who specializes in website copy writing.

c. We will provide any new photos needed for the website.

d. We will submit a website sitemap indicating the addition of 10 new pages.

IV. Technical Notes and Assets

a. Our website is hosted with XYZ.com and open to moving our hosting plan.

b. Our website is Windows based and currently has 40 live pages with multiple video and document links.

c. Our current database is in MS Access and we would like to convert this to SQL 2008.

d. Currently only one person keeps our website up to date using Dreamweaver.

V. Create a Website Requirements List

a. Our website must be fast loading and viewable in current browsers and operating systems to include IE 7.0, IE 8.0, Fire Fox and Safari.

b. We request guidance, recommendations and cost options for Content Management Systems (CMS) or non-CMS website development.

c. We want a cutting edge design best viewed @ 1024 screen resolutions. We will provide some links to websites we like along with our comments.

d. We would like to have search engine optimization so our pages show up well in Google for local, regional or national searches.

e. We will provide a list of our competition as well as a list of 20 search terms we would like to appear for in Google.

f. We are open to some Flash or Java Script animation on our home page.

V. Create a Website Wish List Options

a. We request guidance and recommendations for some Social Media applications to be integrated into our website such as Facebook or Twitter.

b. We are looking to sell some of our products online and want to make sure the website is scalable and can accommodate this. Please provide some cost options for this.

a. We request guidance and recommendations for some sort of PPC campaign in Google Adwords.