Creating the base

Planning begins with what you want to achieve and is a process then that identifies ways in which to achieve set objectives. To say that you want to be the best or the top site is a great idea, but what does that mean and what is encompassed in those thoughts? Add to that the method of measurement, e.g. in product sales, number of visits, visibility etc.

This is a crucial phase, as everything from here on in will be as a result of the thoughts and ideas articulated. Fortunately the Internet is a platform that facilitates change and fine-tuning.

Well-planned sites are:

• developed faster,
• achieve their objectives more efficiently and
• generate a better return on investment.

Your web site will essentially do what you want it to do and should be seen as a working tool or employee. The site essentially works for you and needs to generate a return for all the time invested. Don’t fall into the trap of the site running you, where a lot of work and development is put in place but adds no value.

“Visitors to the site must arrive and know that the site will answer their questions.”

The objectives are determined by the purpose of the site. Retail sites will be measured by revenue generated, subscription sites by subscribers etc. Other statistical information collected from your site can be used to identify areas that require tweaking to better meet the main objectives.

With the objectives identified the budget can be determined. Different functionality levels require different levels of development. The level of development and time required result in different site charges. Some charges will be once off while others will be up front and occur only once.

The site driver

It takes more than a good idea to be successful. Web sites are the same and require somebody who understands the value of the site and the means in which to achieve these to drive the process. Often the idea for a site and the subsequent development is not followed up with any tangible processes.

Soon the site becomes dead wood and no longer meets the objectives for which it was created. After time it begins to do more harm than good to the company. To prevent this from happening a person needs to be appointed to drive the site.

Site Updates

Content updates need to be made to show visitors that there is movement on the site and that the site is maintained. The method of update, either in house or out sourced needs to be identified. If in house the site must be created with a content system that will facilitate updates. If more than one person will be required to update the site a solution that allows for different permission settings must be considered.

Feedback from customers will help to determine the areas that require attention and the updates required.

“A well-managed site is reflected in the personality of the site and will ensure a better return on investment.”