Web Site Development Planning Checklist

Developing a web site can be a hassle when you aren't familiar with the process. Each development phase should be planned carefully to ensure the web site purpose is fulfilled.

The most important part of effective web site development is the planning that goes into it before the design process even begins. This Web Site Development Checklist is intended for those who are planning to create their first web site and it can also apply to anyone planning to update or redesign a web site.

Purpose and Audience of the Web Site

• How will you serve the needs of your existing clients?
• Do you wish to explain your products and services?
• Would you like to use a web site to bring in new clients to your business?
• Do you want consumers to order products from you?
• Do you need to provide company information for your employees?

Information that you may wish to include

• Company information
• Contact information page
• Any terms or legal information required
• Details of your products and services
• Product listings/searchable database
• Ordering information/shopping cart
• Discussion, forums or bulletin boards
• Interactive chat with web site users
• Outside resource links for your users
• Blogs
• RSS Feeds

Web Site Development & Design

• Do you have an existing domain name and web site host?
• How many people need e-mail addresses with your domain name?
• Is your business name available as a domain name?
• Do you have any color preferences for your site?
• Are there any existing images that you would like to include on your site? (example: company logo, photos)
• Would you like new graphics/images created?
• Find a few sites that target the same market your business does. Make a list of the things that you really like or don't like about them.
• How much content do you plan to have on your site and who will write it?
• Do you need a log-in with a secure connection?
• Will users need to complete online forms for you to collect information?
• Would you like to add quizzes or surveys?
• Will you need video or audio?

Internet Marketing

• How will people find out about your site?
• Will you use paid or free search engine listings?
• Who will optimize your web site for search engines?
• Do you have an off line marketing program?
• Do you have a budget for internet marketing?
• Will you need to reprint your business cards, stationery and/or marketing & sales information?
• What keywords or phrases do you think people would use to find your products or services?
• What information will lure visitors back to your site on a regular basis?
• Do you want web site statistics reports to calculate your ROI (return on investment)?

Web Site Maintenance

• How often will your web site need to be updated?
• Will your maintenance be in-house, outsourced or a combination of both?
• Will you need training to maintain your web site?

Maintenance tasks could include:
• Checking internal & external links on a regular basis
• Search engine positioning & resubmissions as needed
• Visitor statistics & reporting
• RSS feeds or syndicated content updates
• Updating or editing images to keep site fresh

Project Management

In-House Web Management

• Does your IT department have the time and expertise to maintain your web site?
• What training and software will the company purchase to develop and maintain a web site?
• Do you have technical support should a task prove difficult?

Outsourcing Web Management

• Who will be responsible for gathering the information for the developer?
• Who will be involved in the approving the web site as it develops?
• Do you have a coordinate between your team and the developer?

Download the printable Web Site Development Planning Checklist in PDF format and use it in your planning and contact us if you have questions.