What do I need in a website?

This is an important question to ask yourself when designing your first site or having your current site updated. If you already have a site and are thinking about having a new one built then you probably already know some of the things you want and the things you dislike about your old site. Here are some tips you should think about when getting ready for the new site.

1. Are you going to be updating the site on a regular basis? This is important in that it will help you decide whether or not you may need a content management system (CMS). Content management allows you to control and update much of the content on your site. This is a great option if you are willing to update your own site. If you don’t want to update or don’t need to update then skip on t the next question. If you are still here then there are lots of options available for you. Wordpress and Blogger have come a long way towards offering great sites that are easily managed and don’t just cater to bloggers. I can completely redesign either into the look you want. Need more than that? Well, the next level up is Joomla which is another open source content management system with tons of options available.

2. What features do you want to include in your site? Think about all of the available options out there. Take a look at some of your favorite sites and see what they include. Is it video? Music? Message board? Blog? Store? All of these can be included in a site and they can all work together to provide your customers a great experience on the web.

3. What do you want your site to look like? Do you already have branding and a color scheme in place? Do you want it to have a sleek and modern look or a retro vintage feel? The ideal site should mimic the feel of your business. If a customer visits your site on the web and then visits your store front, they should tie in together to create one unified look.

4. How much do you want to spend? This will effect what you get and if you are open with your budget limitations from the beginning then you can be given a more honest answer as to what is available to you.

So start looking at some other sites and the web and figure out your likes and dislikes when it comes to the web browsing experience. Think of the experience from a customer’s standpoint and view. After all it is for the customer and all the bells and whistles in the world will not bring you in business if your site does not offer them what they need or is a frustrating experience.