Analyze websiteHow to analyze 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.Now is the time to start a website journal, a means of recording your ideas and goals for your website.
Write down the following questions and give some serious thought to your answers.
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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.
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 my 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.
Type of websiteNow 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 I 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? 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?
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