Keys to planning a successful web site include:

Define the goals of your site

• Who are you trying to reach?
• What message are you trying to send?
• What is your budget for the site development?
• What is your budget for site maintenance?

Develop the actual content of the web site

• What does your site need to say?
• What images are needed to clarify or enhance your text?
• Is your site content clear, informative, and current?
• What would compel visitors to return to your site?
• Maintaining your website
• How much do you need to say about your company?
• What marketing materials do you already have that can be used?

Decide on the actual layout of the web site

• How many pages are needed?
• What would each page include?
• How do you want the information to flow?
• What sort of a look do you envision for your site?

Decide on graphic needs for your web site

• Do you have a logo already?
• Do you have pictues or do you need them taken for you?
• Do you want stock photos for your site?
• What is the difference between types of photography?
• Do you want to convey an idea or sell a product with video?
• Do you need advertising items such as; flyers and business cards to match?

Reserve your unique domain name

• What is a domain name?
• Is your company name available?
• Is your web site name easy to remember?
• Can your customers find you?

Budget your web site

• Can your web site be set up in phases if your budget is limited?
• What information is the most important right now?
• What information can be added later?
• Will stock graphics work for now?
• Do you want to invest in original graphics for your site?

Set up your e-commerce site (online store)

• What is an e-commerce site?
• Do you have products to sell online?
• Are you set up to take credit cards?
• How many products do you have to sell?
• Do you need a picture with your item descriptions?

Market your web site

• How are you going to let your customers know you have a site?
• How are you going to attract new customers to your site?
• Is your URL (Universal Resource Locator), the address which directs people to your site, included on your brochures, business cards, etc.?
• How can you use search engines to your best advantage (META tags)?