If you’re thinking of launching your first website….. or updating the one you have… one of the first questions you’ll have to confront is what should my website contain?

Think about your message

Websites are communication tools.   One of the primary services they perform is to introduce you to the world.   Think about what you want to say in that introducton.   Also, think about how you want to say it (text, images, animaton – there are many ways to get your point across).

Consider what your Clients or Customers need

Websites are also information tools for your existing client base.  Think about what information or services you can provide to your clients through your website which will make them return again and again.

Your clients’ and customers’ needs could be as simple as a good contact page, and FAQ page or directions to your place of business.   Then again, you might find that an on-line store, reservaton system or onlne document archive is necessary to satisfy your client/ customer base.

Make a Wishlist

Now that you’ve decided what you want on your site make a list of all the components you wish to see.    Prioritize that list.   This list is the beginniing of your website.

Determine your Budget

Now comes the hard part.  You need to figure out how much you can spend or want to spend.   A small website (4 or 5 pages) will cost at least  $800 if you use a web design company and the cost is usually much higher ($1800 to and up).   The longer your wish list, the more you will have to pay.   That’s just the way is.   If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on a website, you will have to toss out some of the things on your wishlist.

If you really want flash, user interactivity or content management you should expect to pay more.  Just keep that in mind.

Want some help?

If you want to visit by phone or email, just to get some feedback on what you might consider or general guidelines or what is the difference between Joomla and jello… call us at (210) 369-820, or email us at gretchen@ggwebgroup.com .  We’ll be glad to give you some battle scarred advice from many years of experience.