Website design starter plan for clients

Photo: ©iStockphoto.com/izusek

The task of designing a website, or having one made, can seem overwhelming. However, a lot of the work takes place before the designer clicks a mouse or a contract is signed. Having a plan in place makes the process a lot easier. This takes a little research by the client or designer if they have been tasked with this. The following are a few steps to narrow the project’s focus. These steps can be followed by the client or the designer however, it is best that the client follow these steps. In the end, the choice is there’s and they must be happy with it.

Visit your competition

Visit the websites of other organizations within your industry. No, you’re not trying to find the best website to copy. I can guarantee you, at some point they will find out regardless of whether they are 1,000 miles away or not. Just as you are checking out the competition, so are they.

You are looking for a standard operating procedure. You’re looking for items that should be common for your industry. For example, many physicians include a HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) document. There will also be items unique to their organization. Take note of this but, make sure you identify what makes your organization unique.

You’re also looking at the mood or tone. For example, while many physician websites may use neutral colors, an obstetrics and gynecology website may use bright feminine colors (such as pink or fuchsia) because their clients are women. A pediatrician’s website may use bright primary colors to reflect an atmosphere open to children.

Create an outline for your own site

Take note of the navigation menu on your competitor’s website. While you are doing that, take out your own piece of paper and write an outline for your own menu. As I said before, take note of industry standards while only giving a cursory glance to items specific to that organization. Use a standard outline form with roman numerals for items which will go on the navigation menu and letters for topics to be covered under each one. This will not only give the designer an idea of your direction but, also give you focus while creating the copy for your pages. In the end, both of you will be on the same page.

Make notes to capture what you were thinking while reviewing these websites. The goal is to make the process as open and less confusing as possible. To that end, clean up your outline and notes and type them.

It is always a good idea to have your copy ready before the design process begins. This gives the designer an idea of how much copy will be used on each page and helps the design process. Using the above outline, try to create as much copy as possible before the design process begins.

Choose your site's signature style

Now you must identify your websites look and feel. Identify your colors and layout. If you already have a logo, it’s less confusing to use those colors. Taking the time to color coordinate is also a sign of professionalism and good planning. Clashing colors are associated with confusion and afterthoughts. Choose two primary colors you want to use throughout the website.

Your layout may not be as simple to choose but, not impossible. For this, don’t limit yourself to your competitor’s website. Think of other websites that have caught your eye. Keep in mind not all layouts work for all businesses. A layout for an entertainment organization probably won’t work for an accounting firm.

As you review websites, take note of whether you want your navigation menu to flow horizontally or vertically, or what kind of images do you want to use and how many. Make a list of these websites for discussion with your designer.

Identify other assets needed

Decide what other assets are needed. Other assets would be items added to the page outside of copy and images. These may include audio, video, photo gallery, forum, flash or many others.

While it may feel like you’re accomplishing something by having it all, you’re really only confusing your visitors. Giving your visitors too much to wade through before getting to the pertinent information will only cause them to leave without making a decision about whether to patronize you or not. Again, identify what you need, not what would be cool to have. Add this to the outline you’ve already created.

Meet with your designer to finalize your plans or get started yourself

Finally, it’s time to meet with your designer or get started on your own. Bring all of your research to the meeting. Include any questions you may have. Decide what you can and can’t do without. It is always good to have two website outlines. Your first list would be the ideal version of what you would like your website to look like. Your second list would exclude items you could live without for now. In the end, your budget will determine that.

Prepare for the possibility of having your website created in multiple phases. Your first phase would include the information you absolutely have to put out there immediately. These would be the items you can’t do without. Other phases would include items it would be good for you to have but, can wait on.

Although it is incumbent upon your designer to create the website you have in mind, keep an open mind to possible conflicts or issues the designer may have with your plan. The process between client and designer should be back and forth. Remember, it’s not only advantageous to you that the project is successful; it is also in the designer’s best interest. The designer is on your side. If they have some concerns about your plan it would be a good idea to listen since they are the expert.

Once you and your designer have ironed out the details, you’re ready to sign a contract and get started.