Web Site Planning Guide

 
..want a web site but 
not sure where to begin?

The intended purpose of this page is to assist potential new clients in quantifying the scope of their proposed web site. It may help to clarify ideas and develop original plans. Undoubtedly you will have specific needs and ideas not covered by this generic guide. These should be noted and taken into account during consultation.

Our experience in building web sites since 1997 has shown us that although graphical designs vary greatly, the actual content of most commercial websites share many common features. Here is a "check list" of those features to help you formulate your own requirements. 

Let us know which of these ideas are appropriate for you and we will be well on the way to planning and costing your new website.

ü Cover Page
Useful as the first page or "title page" of a web site. Often very graphical and is the equivalent of the "front door" to your web site. It generally contains the hidden keywords and meta tags that search engines like to find.
ü Navigation Menu
Often fixed to the left side of the screen to enable convenient navigation to various sections of your web site.
ü Introduction Page
Welcome message and general information about your business. Also an excellent page for "spot specials", features etc.
ü Contacts Page
Details of who and how to contact your business. Address, phone, email, location map, key personnel etc. Even a feedback form.
ü Business Profile Page
An overview of your business. Background of owners, history, strategic partnerships, areas of expertise, mission statement etc.
ü Reciprocal Links Page
A great marketing tool. To get other sites to link to your web site, you really must be able to return the favour. Build an online community.
ü Helpful Advice Page
This is a very open book. Tips, how to's, FAQ's, technical references etc. Whatever best suits your customer's needs and interests.
ü Testimonials Page
Favourable 3rd party comments, awards or recognitions received, success stories etc that might add to your business reputation.
ü Resource Library Page
Your existing brochures, advertisements, manuals, logos, art work etc can be put on-line and be conveniently made available to your customers for download.
ü Distribution Channel
Manufacturers and distributors might like to support their distribution channel by listing the contact details of their dealers in order to boost sales.
ü Policies and Procedures
A page to detail all the "fine print". Warranty details, returns policies, privacy statement, guarantees etc. This page can prevent many misunderstandings as well as improve customer confidence in your business.
ü Product Group Index List
Index of products within a single group with a short description of each. How many of these "group" pages will you need?
ü Product Details Pages
Each page features a single product in full detail. Start with one for each major product and we can build from there if you like. How many should we start with?
ü Static Price List
A static page listing products and prices in a table form OR a link to a PDF file created from your existing price list.
ü Static Order Form
A simple order form that can be printed by the customer, completed then faxed back OR a simple email form if few products are involved.
ü On-Line Catalogue
Database driven web application for visitors to run searches for products and browse your inventory. Searches can be made based on keywords, categories, stock codes etc. Ideal for larger inventories of product.
ü On-Line Shopping
The natural extension to an on-line catalogue. Not only can visitors browse your products but also place orders while they are keen to buy. Calculates freight rates, handling charges, GST if applicable etc as well as handling credit card details if required. This facility can open up entirely new markets you have previously not tapped.
ü Customer Mailing List Manager
A mailing list application to allow you to easily manage customer emails addresses. Special offers, newsletters etc can then be sent only to those that have specifically requested you to. This is an "opt-in" system where the customer adds or removes himself from the mailing list via your website. This is NOT SPAMMING. Our Contact Us page has an example for you to try.
ü Strategic Search Engine Friendly Pages
Targeted web pages designed to provide search engines (AltaVista, Yahoo, Google etc) with detailed indexing information in order to improve search results and resulting visitors to your web site. Includes search engine submission process.

"improve YOUR bottom line - with a WebStart web design"

 

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