Five Questions To Ask Before Creating Your Website

So you've decided to take a big step and establish an online presence, or maybe you're curious and still wondering if it's right for you. It's an exciting time, even if it can be daunting. Creating a website is no small task, nor is it something to be taken lightly. To help make this process easier here are five questions you should ask yourself that can help provide some clarity.

Who is your user?

Everything in web design goes back to the most important person, the user. Humans are a diverse group of unique individuals. Each of these individuals have their own needs and wants to be fulfilled. Your website can help actualize these desires. The key is to figure out what your users will come to you for, and why. Most importantly, all websites must be made with proper accessibility in mind. Many of your users may have special requirements to be able to use your website.

What are your goals?

Now that you know your user base and have considered accessibility, the next step is to lay out your goals. Whether it's simply to improve name recognition, directly sell products, or any manor of other uses. The internet is wide open, providing a vast array of opportunities in your speciality. Similarly, from endless possibilities, your website can be custom made to put the focus exactly where it's needed. Remember, you are as unique as the users you seek to attain.

What information do you need to convey?

With your user and goals in mind it's time to clarify the material you actually need. A personal blog provides entirely different information compared to a business website, or eCommerce platform. What information you provide your users with helps instruct the package it comes in. Presenting yourself in the most effective way possible will provide you with the best chance at success. Clarity, brevity, and your exceptionality will best grab the attention of users.

What level of complexity does your website require?

It's good you know your material, now it's time to package it for the user. Sometimes a single page is the best way to efficiently communicate. However, this may not be enough as more pages require introduction to better present a greater number of topics. Even individual pages can vary in their complexity and interactivity. However, it is important to remember that more is not always better. Users can become frustrated with overly complex sites. Too much information can also overwhelm, causing your vital information to get lost in the weeds.

What themes do you want to present?

At this point a plan has really taken shape. Now for the fun part, choosing how to present yourself to your user. You could keep things reserved with monochromatic grey scale, or you could go wild with color and imagery. Again, the most important part of this decision comes down to what is best for the user. It’s important to keep them engaged as they receive whatever it is they came to you for. Do this by shining a light on what makes them, and you, unique.

Creating a website doesn't have to be a difficult process. Adequate forethought during the planning stages can help prevent a lot of future headaches. While these five questions are not exhaustive, they provide a good starting point from which you can grow ideas, further tailoring your goals and unique needs. We'd love to help you build a website that confidently fills every demand you possess.

If you're still considering the best approach to setting up your website - don't hesitate to reach out to us. We'd be happy to help walk through some great options that will fit your budget and goals.

Futurist Horizons is a website design and marketing company that specializes in creating effective and accessible websites and marketing content for businesses.