Website Design ...Getting it Right the

First Time

The Website Design Network is a resource that has been set up to provide you with important design information. The information has been provided to help you understand the different aspects of website design. With this information you will be able to make informed decisions regarding your website and will also be able to communicate effectively your vision and specifications to your website designer.

If you are clear in your own mind about what you would like to see as part of your design, you will be able to effectively communicate your ideas to your website designer. So save yourself some time by spending time now and putting a brief together so you can pass this information on to your web designer.

Let's get this one out of the way from the outset. Don't ask your designer how much a website is going to cost. (how long is a piece of string) “Just give us a ball park figure” is not sufficient information to do a costing. Some website designers will provide pricing information on their website as they have an established model to work with. Like the building industry, web design prices alter when you make design changes. If your planned website falls into the mold of the designers model, then you already have costing information.

Long before you get to the point of how much everything costs, you need to have a clear picture in your own mind as to what you want and then be prepared to give your web designer specific and relevant information.

1. Before you rush out and purchase a domain name, please view the Website Design Network's: Choosing Domain Names information page.
   
   
2. Decide on the main purpose for your website. The whole theme of your website will be based around this purpose.
   
   
3. Look at other people's websites from within your industry or area of interest.
   
   
4. Dissect any websites you have seen that you like, breaking them up into various design elements that you either like or dislike. At a minimum we would recommend that you provide your designer with at least three examples of websites that you like and let them know what it is you like about these. Be sure to let your designer know if there are some elements you would not like included in your website.
   
   
5. As soon as you can, provide your designer with any logo or corporate look you wish to incorporate in your website. If you are able to provide existing graphics in a format your designer can use, this will reduce overall cost.
   
   
6. If you do not have a company identity or logo, let the designer know at the outset that you are looking for a new identity.
   
   
7. Approximately how many pages will you need to deliver your message regarding your products or services?

To help you communicate more effectively with your designer. Please take time to print off and fill in the Website Design Network's getting started form. This will help you to provide all the relevant information at the outset.

One of the problems that face a client is being able to describe accurately how his business works. The designer faces a similar problem in being able to grasp how the client's business works.

There are many different businesses with varying products and services. So while your designer may have a lot of experience, he or she will need your help to fully understand your business and how it operates.
By assisting your designer to understand your target market and the purpose of your website, you will be helping yourself.