Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some common questions about web designWhat do I need to consider when planning my website?
The following is a list of things to consider before contacting me about designing a website. Not all will be applicable, but it should give you an idea of what is helpful to me.
Corporate Identity: Company name, address, logo, etc.
Domain Names and Hosting: Do you have a domain name? If not, what domain name would you like? Do you have web hosting?
What does your company do?
Competitors: Are there any websites that you would consider your ‘competition’? How are they your ‘competition’?
Favourite Sites: Please list websites you like. Include the URL, what you like about each site, and what you would improve upon.
Least favourite sites: Please list websites you don’t like, Include the URL. What don’t you like about these sites? What redeeming qualities do they have?
Products / Services: List the top ten products / services you provide.
Selling points: Why are your products or your services better than your competition (both online competitors from question 3, and offline competition).
User goals: Why do you think people will visit your site? When people don’t know you exist, why would they find you or happen upon your site? Why would they come back? If they do know you, why would they take the time to visit your site?
Technical: How technically savvy is your average visitor?
Accessibility and Usability: Will web visitors have any special needs? (Eyesight, language, mobility, reading level?)
Site Purpose: What do you want the visitor to do when they get to your site? What are your goals for the web site in terms of visitor actions? What do you think your site visitor should accomplish on your site?
Site Goals: What are your goals for the web site in terms of you company goals? How is your site supposed to help your business? What is the purpose of your site?
Site Analytics: What are your goals for the web site in terms of popularity? What type of exposure do you anticipate your website should achieve?
Site Features: What features do you think your website should include? (Content management, calendar, forum, login, price comparison chart, contact form, anything?)
Site No Nos: Do you have any definite remarks on what you do not want to have on your website? (Flash, splash page, the colour pink?)
Contact details.
Don't Be Shy
If I didn't answer all of your questions, feel free to drop me a line anytime.