Imagine a construction contactor building a house without blueprints. They start hammering nails and laying bricks without knowing where the walls will go, where the windows should be, or how many rooms there are. The result? Most likely an abandoned project!
Building a website without a plan is like constructing a house without blueprints—you’ll end up with a confusing mess and most likely abandon the project. Before jumping into website design, it’s important to lay a solid foundation. A little planning can prevent costly mistakes, wasted time, and website frustration.
The idea of building a website can feel overwhelming. But when you take the time to plan the process becomes easier, faster, and way less stressful. Just like the contractor with blueprints when constructing a house when you have a plan you are already on your way to a successfully “constructing” your website!
Why Planning Is Key
- Avoid unnecessary redesigns, which saving time and money!
- Improve visitor experience with simple and thoughtful navigation.
- To keep your branding consistent across all pages of your website.
- Ensure your website supports your business goals, purpose, vision and attracts your ideal audience.
Key Steps in the Planning Process
- Outline your website structure, like designing a home layout.
- Create a rough layout sketch, so your know where elements will go.
- Plan how visitors will move through your site to avoid confusion.
Bring It Together
Think of your website as a tool to grow your business. A little planning upfront means a smoother, faster, and more successful build—just like following a blueprint for a house.
Action Steps
- Define the purpose, goals, vision and ideal client of your website visit the post “Define Before Your Design” for additional details.
- List the essential pages that you need to achieve your website’s goals.
- Sketch a simple page layout for the homepage and interior pages of your website. This step is as simple as using pencil and paper or as elaborate using digital tool you are familiar with.
- Map out how visitors will navigate your site. Where do you want them to go first and what action do you want them to take? This is what is often referred to as a wireframe it is the “path” a visitor will take to get to the different pages of your website. Like the previous step this can be as simple as pencil and paper or you can use any digital that your comfortable using.
- Gather the content for you website. This includes images, text, and branding elements so you are ready when it is time to design and build.
Taking these small, strategic steps before designing your website will save time, reduce stress, and make the process smoother.
By taking these steps, you will ensure that your website aligns with your business strategy, mission and serves your audience effectively.
Need help mapping out your website?
Download my Website Foundations Checklist to make planning easier
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