The process that goes into creating a website can be very organic and alive. Certain web design elements might seem right at the beginning of a project that needs tweaking by the end. What you originally imagined in your mind doesn’t always end up being the end product. However, that doesn’t mean you can jump into a project with a fuzzy vision of what the end will look like. Knowing the answers to the following questions will help make sure you end up with a website that fits your needs:
1. Can you describe your target audience (i.e., average age, special interests, income level, education level)?
Understanding who you are designing for can make a huge difference in the type of website that is created. An older audience will need very simple navigation, while if you’re designing for teens, everything will need to be innovative and intense to keep them interested.
2. What is the core purpose of your website? Is it entertainment, sales, brand recognition, improving internal communication, reducing customer service calls, increase perspective client base?
Your site’s content will depend heavily on the answer to this question. Creating a site to entertain is very different than creating a site for perspective clients.
3. What is the primary message you wish to convey?
This is very hard for some people to answer, and we suggest you put much thought into it. Is it one of creativity? Power? Expertise?
4. What kind of interactivity will your site need?
Website interactivity allows viewers to engage with your website rather than just read it. Starbucks does a great job with its site, as does the Harry Potter site. Look at these successful sites and decide if you would like something so interactive as well.
5. What are a few examples of sites you like and why?
Knowing which sites you like and why will help you determine what you want to see on your site. If you enjoy the toned-down look of a minimalist site or are obsessed with the rotating photos of a flashy site, that can help decide which way you’d like your site to look.
These are only a few of the crucial questions you want to ask yourself and convey to your web designer before designing your website. Take the time to really think about them, and you’ll reap the benefits.