Executing a large project without a plan and appropriate information is like building a house without foundations and a design - the risk of disaster is enormous. The same applies to a website. We live in times where a website is no longer just a business card, but an essential marketing tool that should support business and meet modern requirements - for example, exposing the company to AI tools, potentially providing an additional source of traffic. For a project to have a chance of success, we must gather the right information and prepare it well. We cannot do this without knowing the answers to certain questions. What questions?
What Must I Know Before Creating a Website?
The information we collect before designing and creating a website forms the foundation of success. The key is understanding the needs and the problem that the website is supposed to solve, because there is no universal solution that works everywhere. However, there is a universal set of questions that can be asked...
Disclaimer: I will consider creating a website for a company, but the questions apply to websites for other entities as well.
What Problem Should the Website Solve?
Without a doubt, this is the most important question that allows us to understand the deeper intentions "hiding" behind the decision to create a website. It may seem that this is not so important, but nothing could be further from the truth. These intentions can determine the profile and final form of the website.
What Does the Company Do? What Problem Does It Solve?
An obvious question that we cannot do without, because we need to have an idea and information about the company's activities.
Neede a website?
How Does the Company Differ From the Competition?
Recognizing the unique features of the business and showing them on the website is key to distinguishing the website from the competition. Using this information on the website is crucial.
What Is the Mission/Goal of the Company?
Showing the mission/goal of the company is not necessary, but it can be an interesting element of the website. Additionally, it allows us to understand even better how we can help.
Who Is the Ideal Client/Visitor?
Understanding who the visitor is, what they do, and also understanding demographics is important in order to be able to use the appropriate elements, text, and layout of the website.
What Are the Requirements Regarding the Content, Style, Functionality of the Website?
At the end of the day, we are responsible for the completed project, but the client must have an influence on it. This question allows us to understand the requirements, learn additional context, and make sure that we understand each other when it comes to the scope of the project.
What Should Be the Main Source of Traffic to the Website?
Understanding the origin of traffic to the website is important, although it should not play a key role. However, it allows you to tailor the content of the website to the specifics of users from a given source, and also allows you to incorporate certain facilities for them.
Summary
Creating a website is, contrary to appearances, a complicated process, and like with any product, we should make sure that it will actually fulfill its task and solve a given problem. Understanding the right information is key to being able to prepare appropriately and understand the purpose of the project.