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Website Analysis: Main Topics |
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How to analyze a website
Analyzing a website is the first, and most important step, in the website design process. It requires answering several questions about the website you're going to create. It provides you with a plan to follow when you are designing your site.Developing a framework for your website
It is imperative that you give much thought to any proposed website before you even think about putting it online. If you honestly answer the following questions you will have developed the framework of your new website and started on the road to internet success.Start a journal
Now is the time to start a website journal, a means of recording your ideas and goals for your website. Write down the questions and answers below. Give some serious thought to your answers then enter this information into your website journal.As you answer each question, step-by-step, your will automatically form a basic plan for your website that is comprehensive in scope. Use this information as the soul of your website design. Develop a plan and refer to it often.Developing a Website Design Plan
Answer these six questions about the website you are planning to develop and write the answers down.- 1 - Why are you creating this website?
2 - Who is your target audience?
3 - What type of website do you need?
4 - How can you communicate effectively?
5 - What information do you need?
6 - What content will be included?
Why are you creating this website?
Your answer is important. It will determine the content, design and development of your pages. Do you have some interesting information you'd like to share? Do you have a product or service to sell? Do you want to display your artistic/creative talent? Do you have some terrific website links you want to let the world know about? Really think about this and then write down your thoughts.
Determine the goal of your website
Another way to think about this question is what is the goal of this website? Is it to entertain, instruct, inform, persuade, share, sell or display? The answer will provide you with direction and focus as you design your site and help you to develop your theme.Who is your target audience?
What type of visitors do I want my site to attract? What are the demographics of your audience. What will be their age, sex and education? Will they search out my site because we share a special interest, do the same kind of things or are they looking for specific information?Is my target audience the business community, stay-at-home moms, artists, or sports enthusiasts? Or is it a combination of several groups? Be as specific as you can about this. Try to pinpoint a certain type of individual then learn as much about them as you can so you can tailor your website to suit them.
Note: Always include an e-mail address as a way for visitors to communicate with your website. Internet users want to feel they are interacting with a ''real'' person. A site without an e-mail address seems cold and impersonal. Or, worse yet, it may appear you don't want to communicate with anyone!
Even if you have a commercial site with a toll-free number, there are many people who won't pick up the phone to call...but they will click on an e-mail link.
What type of website do you need?
Now that you have defined your target audience you will need to decide on what type of website best suits your topic or theme.Your choice is important. Each type of website has its own unique structure and layout. Your target audience will respond to your site in a positive way if your choice of website design complements your message.
How can you communicate effectively?
Once you know who the audience for your website will be, what is the best way to communicate with them? Are they looking for a fancy site with lots of interactivity? Or, are they seeking information without any frills?
Do they want all the information on the first page? Would they prefer the content be categorized so that they can access only the section they want? Do I need to include an order form? Would a message board be a good way to communicate?
Communication should be the primary objective when designing your website. No matter if you are selling a product or providing information to your visitors you must speak their language!
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