Website Creation

The Process

  • STEP 1: Concept
    What is your idea? What is your vision for the website?
    The first step in creating a website is getting clear on what your vision is for that website. There are over 182 million websites! How is yours different? What is your better mouse trap? What is the purpose of the site?
  • STEP 2: Content
    What is posted on the site? What type of material will be there? Where will the content come from: you or somebody else?
    Determining your content is the second critical step. On the net, CONTENT IS KING and keeping it fresh and original is of the utmost importance.
  • STEP 3: Domain
    What is the name of your site? Will the name be totally original like Google or will it simply say what it is?
    A name is important from a marketing standpoint and for professional reasons as well. Picking the right name is a critical and often times, overlooked process.
  • STEP 4: Design
    What will the site look like? What colors? What layout?
    The design, in no small part, will be based on steps 1 to 3 and should look professional no matter what you decide the purpose is. A cheap-looking design does not instill confidence in anyone or anything. Appearance matters.
  • STEP 5: Graphics
    What type of imagery do you want on your site? Will you have photos, art work, or logos?
    You don't need a lot of graphics, but the ones you do have should tie into your overall theme and concept. At the very least, they need to be professional and look sharp.
  • STEP 6: Functionality
    Will the website need to do anything? Is it a static or dynamic site? Will there be forms, surveys, or questionnaires?
    By this step, you should already have an idea about this, but it is important to remember that people like interactivity. There is nothing wrong with a website just sitting there giving out information, but nowadays, people expect your site TO DO SOMETHING. What does yours do?
  • STEP 7: Databases
    Will your website need a database? How complicated will it be?
    More than likely, if you want you website to DO SOMETHING, it will need a database. This is not a huge problem, but one that requires additional work and planning and is a process all its own.
  • STEP 8: Software / Tools
    Do you plan on building the site yourself or hiring someone? If you are going to build it yourself, what type of software will you use? Can you get by with free, open-source programs or should you buy  commercial applications? How much money do you want to spend?
    If you are going to build your own site, it is helpful to know that there is a range of possibilities---all the way from free, template-based programs to expensive commercial programs. Whether the software is free or expensive, it can take a long time to learn certain programs. Spending time researching the options is time well spent.
  • STEP 9: Bells and Whistles
    Is there anything special you want your website to do? Slideshows, multi-media presentations, fancy drop-down boxes? Audio?
    These are items your website does not have to have, but are some times NICE TO HAVE.
  • STEP 10: Hosting
    Which hosting service will you use? What type of server will you need: Linux or Windows? How much is your budget?
    Finding a host for your website is a HUGE and often complicated issue. There are many services available and each one has its pros and cons. Especially for a beginner, making an uninformed choice can have enormous implications later and become a source of frustration, wasted money, and lost time.
  • STEP 11: Marketing
    How do you plan on marketing on your site? What keywords will your site need and use?
    Even if you have the best website in the world, if you don't market it, how are people going to know to visit. There is little point in having a site if there is no plan for marketing. You should plan your site with marketing in mind.
  • STEP 12: Maintenance
    Who will keep your site up and running? How do you plan on updating the content? How often? How much can be automated?
    Websites can be easy to get up and running, but keeping them current and fresh takes time. You need to consider how your site will be maintained over time. What seems like a small commitment initially can become huge as time goes by.