There are many things to account for once you decide to create a website. For the average business person, they usually do not wish to know the nuts and bolts of creating a website, they just need to know what they would like to say once they reach this decision. When writing the content for your site you should consider, above all, the audience you wish to attract.

Define Your Audience

When you decide you want to have a web site, knowing who you are trying to reach will influence the design. Write down and determine:

• What is your trademark? What are your core product and or services?
• What is your target customers demographic (age, gender, geographic location..)
• Who is your current customer? What is their demographic; gender, age, geographic location, etc?
• What are important “call to action” items for your users? (Purchase, donate, call, join, ext.)

Reminders

When you are reviewing try to answer the questions below.

• Have you started and ended each page with the most important points?
• Do page headings clearly tell you what the page is about?
• Do sub-headings give you the main point of paragraphs?
• Does key text stand out?
• Are sentences short?

Navigation Guide

Home Page

Almost every website has a home page. It should give each visitor an overview of who you are and what you do, allowing them to decide if your site is of interest to them. The ultimate job of the home page is to draw people into the site by providing points of entry that will appeal to each target audience.

Contact Us

This page should be easily accessible from every other page on your website. It should provide all of your contact details, including address, phone number, and email address. You could also include a contact form to make sure you get specific details from a customer enquiry.

A map and directions should also be available if you expect visitors to visit you. The map could either be an image accompanied by text-based directions, or a link provided by Google Maps

About Us

This could either be a page or group of pages depending on how much information you want to provide. This should establish your business credibility by giving customers reasons why they should deal with you it may include:

• Company History
• Information about your Team or Staff
• Customer Testimonials
• Where you Work
• Your Values
• How you Work
• Company Accreditations or Associations

Products and Services

This could also be a group of pages with one dedicated to each product or service, and will vary greatly depending on your company. If you're selling online maybe you'll want to write about specific brands, new products or best sellers. If you are providing services explain how they work and what the customer gets.

Try to include:

• Product/Service Description
• Features
• Specifications
• Images
• Case Studies
• Downloadable Brochures or Leaflets

Latest or Company News

A news section on a website gives visitors a reason to return to your site. It can include whatever you want, from welcoming new members of the team to general industry news.

Other Pages

You can add as many or as few pages to your website as you like - the possibilities are endless. Other examples of what you could include on your website are:

• Blog: Similar to news, but tends to be less formal and can comment on anything you like.
• Resources: Links to relate articles or partners, downloads and more.
• Gallery: Photographs of your products, your hotel, golf course, restaurant or whatever else you are advertising.
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Answers to questions visitors may have.
• Guides and 'How To': Give visitors information on how to use your product.

Remember, giving your target audience the need to know information is the key. To help you find out things you need to know, read up on our Design Questions to help you get started!