Websites do not just materialize by themselves from an initial good idea. It takes a great deal of preparation and planning for them to take shape on the screen. The better the preparation you perform upfront, the easier the execution of building the website. Here are some points to consider:

Who Is Your Audience?

As discussed in "Your Website Is Not for You" you should put yourself in the mindset of your audience. Present your information by anticipating what they are going to want from your website. Use words and concepts your audience can understand. Test your website with the browsers and assistance devices they are inclined to use.

Once you know who your audience is, your other decisions for building the website should be framed for your audience’s benefit. If your message is not heard, is it effective?

What Material Are You Presenting to Them?

Text, graphics, audio/video, virtual reality worlds, Flash and other plug-ins, forms, and applications all have their purpose in presenting information to the audience. Just because the technology exists does not mean you have to use it. You must ask yourself if your audience has the technology to view/hear the material you are offering.

When Should the Website Go Live?

Depending on your message and the industry you are presenting it, the timing of your website can be more or less critical. If you are introducing a new technology or a new product, your time to market is very specific: Too early, and you may not have the supportive infrastructure to support the message. Too late, and a competitor will take more of the market share. Amazon.com first opened its website in 1995 and went public May, 1997. Barnesandnoble.com first opened in March, 1997 but did not draw significant traffic until October of the following year. Even though Barnesandnoble.com came from a brick-and-mortar company, they never could get more of the market than Amazon.

Where Will the Website Be Hosted?

A web host should have the space, bandwidth, tools and support for your website at a price you can afford. Web hosts usually have similar core features, but you may want to choose one that has the features you may want to implement at a later date. You should also check if the web host owns your domain, or subleases it with another company. If it comes time to switch web hosts, it is easier when the web host owns your domain.

How Will You Advertise the Website?

Building your website is only half the battle. The real work comes in maintaining the website. Keeping it current and active keeps people returning to your site. Getting people initially to your website takes more effort.