A well designed site does not just happen. There are tried and proven steps that must be followed to achieve a site that will function properly for you and the people that come to your web site. Each of the three steps must be followed so you get the best results in a timely manner.

Step 1 - Web Site Strategy

1. Analysis of client goals/needs
2. Background of current branding/marketing efforts
3. Analysis of current online/offline efforts
4. Understanding internal department needs
5. Understanding various target audiences
6. Gauging short/mid/long-term objectives
7. Set strategic objectives/Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
8. Produce Web Site Strategy (hard copy outline)

Step 2 – Web Design

1. Design site architecture
2. Explore various design possibilities (look/feel, imagery, formatting, etc.)
3. Explore various site flow possibilities (content placement, interface construction, etc.)
4. Explore various navigation possibilities (architecture, interactivity, etc.)
5. Explore possible application development and interactivity
6. Review and refine

Step 3 - Produce

1. Design production (graphics, navigation)
2. Content implementation (static or dynamic)
3. Application development and software implementation (eCommerce, forms, etc.)
4. Interactivity development and production (database integration, personalization, etc.)
5. Testing (various browsers, bandwidth environments, etc.)
6. Make revisions
7. Delivery and maintenance

Web Hosting
If you are going to have a professional build your web site than you need to NOT go out on the internet and find a company that will host your web site. The reason is that it might be the wrong type of server or not have all of the functions that is needed to do what needs to be done.