This is a large topic, so I don't expect to cover it all in one page, I would be happy to get you thinking correctly when it comes to website design and function and then we can proceed with more detailed discussions from there.
Let's approach this website design project with the following scenario
You need a new site for your company or products (with or without E-Commerce) so question one you should answer is
What is the goal of your website or in other words what do you want your website to achieve ?
Based on the answer to above as the design for your website evolves it should be governed by Two main priorities, which are interlinked and are pretty much equal in importance.
The Website should be Visually appealing and Technically Efficient or in other terms it should
Look good to the human eye and be easily searched by a robot.
VISUALLY APPEALING
This is basically how the site appears to the Human Viewer as in most cases Humans will be your Customers!!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder in this area so it is very subjective but as a general rule the Website should convey your message in a manner which is
•Functional
•Appealing to the eye
•Displays information on your products or services in a logical easy to read
fashion.
•For new customers, the website is likely to be the first impression they get of
your company, it is what they will see first and its what will help them decide if
they should be picking up the phone or sending and e-mail or proceeding with
their purchase.
•The Prime real estate is on the front page and generally located to left or center of
front page, this is where you want your main message.
•Attracts customers, both existing who know your domain and your products and
new customers who do not know of your website but are looking for your products
or services.
TECHNICALLY EFFICIENT
•Use a design which permits easy Indexing and Ranking of website by search engine Robots, The best looking site on
the planet will be of limited use of it cant be found.
•Use keywords and SEO relevant to the products/services you are trying to sell and or the message you wish to
convey.
•Keep it current, keep content up to date and give search engine robots a reason to return regularly.
TYPES OF CUSTOMERS
Lets think about your website from a Customers point of view, for most business sites there are Two main types ofcustomers
a) Existing customer that is aware of your business and the website. This customer probably has site booked marked,
and knows how to get there, he is aware of the products you sell. He is a known entity, is familiar with your
products and is an existing customer because he knows you do a good job.
b) New customer, who has never heard of your site but knows the product he wants and you sell that product or
something similar.
Given that #a already knows how to reach your website then the visual/operational characteristics
should be determined for the existing customer #a but the Back end, SEO, Keywords, behind the scenes work
should be determined by customer Type #b.
Website D and M can provide the services you need to turn your website goals into reality, I hope the above has helped give your website project some direction and if you would like to discuss the matter in more detail please Contact Us to discuss your project in more detail and or to arrange a meeting.