Are you thinking about a new web site for your company? Do you think that the first thing you have to do is find a “Geek” to program your site?
That’s something I want you to reconsider. When we talk to a client about a new web site, we don’t go right to the programming ideas. Because first you have to know what your marketing goals are, who you want to view your web site and what do you want them to learn or do when they get there. Those are the important things before deciding what programming language you’re using.
I asked Barbara Irias, our web/SEO expert at Placemaking Group what is the proper order of things to consider and do when you are developing a web site. She sent me this list… “The 5 P’s of the web site process!”
Planning – Spending time to plan and think through the intent of your web site will achieve high quality results. Areas that should be considered: your brand image, the site map and site organization, the objectives of the site, what you want the visitor to do, what results are you looking for, what functionality is needed to accomplish these goals, and last, how you’ll tie into your social media. When planning the functionality and look of the site it’s important to look for ideas on how you can differentiate your web site from your competitors’?
Pertinent Content – Based on the planning ideas, you will then want to determine how to get your message across in various ways. Many companies will spend a great deal of money on programming and setting up the perfect Content Management System but don’t work to improve their content. Remember content is king. Possible ways to communicate your message are through testimonials, marketing oriented copy, additional pertinent information, landing pages for special niche markets, videos, news items and photos.
Powerful Design – The graphic look and feel of the site is very important to convey your brand. Images and video can go a long way to differentiate your product or service from your competitor. The look of your site should coordinate with other materials but take advantage of web features such as navigation side banners.
Programming – Once the design and content are set THEN the site needs to be programmed. Should it be in a Content Management System (CMS)? Often clients want a CMS but it ties them down and limits future opportunities. When developing the programming specifications consider using forms for interactive visitor content, RSS feeds, social media feeds, site search, a blog or galleries.
Production – When the programming is done and tested, then the content gets placed in and the pages are built. After the site is built we do further testing on all platforms and in several versions of IE (Internet Explorer) to ensure the site looks right for everyone.
Tags: web content, web site design, web site planning, web site programming
