Do You Need A Website
Not to long ago I recieved this message on my Facebook page: "I want to make a website myself, how is this possible?"
This is an interesting question but it begs a bigger question, "Why do you want a website?"
When I recieve a request for a website I always begin by asking a few questions. These questions help me better understand the client, their percieved need and their actual need for a web presence. These questions can take various forms but can be generally categorized into these three segments:
1. What is the intention of your site?
2. Who is the audience for your site?
3. What are the goals of your site?
1. What is the intention of your website?
This question is of utmost importance and can be clarified by asking a set of similar questions such as:
- Why do you want a website?
- How will having a website benefit you/your company?
2. Who is the target audience for your website?
This is also a valuable question. You basically need to identify who your website is for and who will be viewing it? Another reason this question is important is that it is the foundation on which your website will be built. If your target audience is young then your design will take on a different appearance than if your audience is older.
I was recently contacted by a consulting company operating in Varanasi, India if I would consider making them a website. This is one of the first questions I asked (stated as, "Who is your website for?") The reason I asked is because in Varnasi, India there are still very few internet users and if they want to target business men in the city then they should invest in a different form of advertising. There are many reasons to have a website but your starting point is identifying who your website's audience will be!
3. What are the goals of your website?
I like to rephrase this question by asking, "What do you want your website to do for you?" This is a great question because it helps clarify your expectations of the website right from the start. This is important in laying out a site structure and considering designs. If you want your website to advertise your product then the emphasis will be on popular products/pictures/descriptions. Do you want to sell stuff? then we need an eCommerce solution. Is your site just to provide basic info and an online business card? Then we can tackle this information in a one page, attractive design.
Do You Need A Website? Start by asking yourself the questions above. If after thinking through the answers you still feel like a website is a good idea for you then Contact Us so we can discuss a budget and get going on a design.
