Web design is just one part of a successful Internet presence

Web design is different for each individual, or organization. It is important to understand the needs of the client in order to incorporate their needs into their Web site. What may work for one person, may not be what works for another client. The branding and message should reflect what the company is already doing in the non-Internet world.

How do I know what kind of site I will need?

Consulting with experienced professionals will help you to determine what your needs are. Many times, the client will have an idea, but they will not know exactly what they can accomplish with their web site, and that is where expertise can help. There are many kinds of web sites that can be created, each for a different purpose. These include:

• Informational/Content rich sites
• Online brochures
• E-Commerce
• Customer service oriented sites which include
  • Communicating with and providing information for your clients
  • Providing resources to your clients
  • Training your clients
  • etc.

Other questions you should ask in your web site "fact finding" process.

• Would you like an easy way to update and maintain your own site?
• Do you lag behind your competitors in acquiring online support for your business?
• Has it been more than 15 days since you have updated your Web site information?
• Does your site need to be updated frequently?
• Do you need cost-effective methods in maintaining your Web site?

Create your web site to inspire action.

A major factor in design is to inspire action from the user. What action do you need to produce from the user? That depends upon the purpose of your site. If it is an e-commerce site, then that action would be to have the user purchase something, if it is an informational site, then maybe it would be to have the user sign up for your mailing list, or to download something. Whatever it is, the web design and the web content, both integral pieces, should be created with that purpose in mind.