6 April 2009
If you're thinking about getting a website presence then here's a few ideas to help you think about what you are looking to achieve online.

There will come a time when all businesses will 'get' the web and the need for an online presence so how do you go about getting one?

When you have made the decision to get an online identity there are a few points you should consider.

Why do you want the site?

The first question you need to ask yourself is why you want the site in the first place. Are you looking to sell online or is your sole aim to get each visitor to contact you for more information? Don't be encouraged to take a hefty site if you have any doubt it will not suit your purpose.

Who created the content?

Most web design agencies will happily take care of creating the content of your site for you. For this there will normally be the extra charge of a copywriter and possibly a photographer if you don't already have images that can be used. Utilising a service like this is great if you know you want a site but don't have the time to devote to it. Its also a great way of getting your content targeted for the search engines by using a web specific copywriter.

How does your website grow?

If you have plans to expand in the next year or so it is worth bearing this in mind prior to the first build of your site. Could the site be built now and expanded using the same design and navigation to accommodate. To take a larger site now may seem more like an excessive step but could save your company a greater expense later.

Who's going to be looking?

Giving thought to who will be looking at your site and who it's aimed at will help both you and your designer get an idea of the style of site that you want, will it be aimed at teenagers maybe in a magazine or manga art style or will it be corporate clients where maybe a simple classy design would be more suitable?

What's it to look like?

Look everywhere for ideas, bookmark anything you like online and really think about why you like them, take in flyers, book jackets...anything that has a design you enjoy. Consider why. Is it the colours, layout, logos or images? Maybe there is an eye catching animation and you would like something similar?