Before you can start creating your Web site, you need to plan it. Decide what type of site you want to create, identify

 

your target audience, determines your content sources, and define your sit’s purpose and goals. In addition, you should organize

 

your content into logical divisions and create a site structure chart.

 

Here is some steps that can help you plan a Web site:

 

1.    Determine your site type: -à Before you start creating your site pages, you need to determine your site type and define the content for

each page. Three common Web site categories are business, support, and personal. Business sites are divided into two main categories: brochure sites, which display information similar to that found in a printed brochure; and e-commerce sites, which contain catalog information and order-processing elements such as

shopping carts and order-tracking pages. Brochure sites are not designed to sell a product, but may contain links to e-commerce sites where products and services are sold. Support sites often contain downloadable user manuals, forms, and software drivers. Personal sites offer the greatest degree of flexibility in design; they can be used to communicate with friends, post professional resumes or portfolios, or honor a favorite public figure.

 

2.    Define the site’s purpose: -à Is the purpose of your site sell goods, provide general information, or showcase your own talents? Answering this question helps determine the type of content to include on your pages.

 

3.  Identify the target audience is the group or groups of people are trying to attract. Are they young or middle-aged? Are they male or female? What is their

income level? What technology do they have available? Knowing your target audience enables you to design pages that include content, features, and colors attractive to them.

 

4.    Identify content sources: -à If you are starting a new business or developing a personal site, you will probably create your own original content.

 However, for an existing business or organization, you will probably find that you can repurpose existing information such as company brochures, mission statements, and catalogs, for use on the Web. Remember that you must have permission to use any information you collect.

 

5.    Organize your site content: -à To make your content accessible to site visitors, organize it by subject matter into sections and pages, then create navigation elements to help your site visitors find the information they need.

 

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