You're probably expecting some basic information on html coding, page layout, graphic design tips... the typical basic Web design primer. You might want to dive right in and finish your Website tonight! As with many aspects of work and life, rushing in without proper planning can have disasterous consequences. Lack of planning often leads to failure.

There are many reasons for wanting a Website. Among them are:

• To take advantage of the global marketplace that is the Internet, and sell products.
• To show that your business venture is legitimate.
• To make information more readily available to customers.
• To migrate businesses processes online.

Knowing the answer to the question "Why do I want a Website?" is the first step - the first answer to a long list of questions that need to be addressed if the Website is to be a success.

When designing a Website for a client, I always ask the following questions, or variations on them. I don't always get all of the answers, and even when I do, I'm not always allowed to address them in the design. However knowing as many of the answers as possible is a big step towards the goal of a successful project. Documenting the answers in a creative brief or similar document is also helpul in keeping focus on the goals.

Questions:

• Who will be visiting the Website and what will they gain by doing so?
• What specific actions do you want visitors to take when visiting your Website?
• How will visitors find your Website? If they use a search engine, what terms will they type in to find your company?
• What is your market niche?
• What is your position or desired position in that niche?
• Who are your competitors? Do they have a Website, and if so, how would they answer these questions?
• What do you want to accomplish in this business venture? Where do you see it being in 5 years? How can the Website help you achieve that?
• What business processes will the Website be a part of, and how can it improve efficiency? Which processes do you want to move completely online, which do you want to move partially online, and which do you want to keep offline?
• Do you currently have a branding strategy? What is it? What do you want a visitor to come away thinking about your company, products and services?
• How will the Website be used in your overall strategy to promote your products and services?
• What montly budget are you willing to allocate to the promotion of your Website so that it satisfactorily achieves its goals?

Armed with this information you are much more likely to stay on target, all the way to your goal of a successful Website.