Whether you're building a site from scratch or updating an existing site, the first thing to do is to decide on your web design objectives. Simply "having a web site" is not a goal - nor is it a good use of your time and money.

Your goals for the site will help determine who you should work with and how much the site will cost. Ask yourself what you want your site to accomplish:

• Dispense information? (Note this is OK! Many businesses need a site that just provides basic contact information, directions, and hours. If that's all you want, you will save yourself quite a bit of money.)
• Conduct e-commerce site - one that handles online transactions?
• Gather data for sales or marketing purposes?
• Provide customer support or customer service?

Once you know the goals, you can address more specific questions about what you want your web design project to include:

• What sections do you want in your site? (About your company, product pages, executive bios, discussion boards, customer service information, press releases… )
• About how many pages do you want?
• Do you already have a logo, or do you need your site designer to create one?

• Does your site need to have any dynamic information or interactive capabilities? (e.g., database connections, order tracking, password-protected areas, on-site games or calculators, or anything else that lets visitors interact with your site.)
• Do you need secure connections?

Your web design project can be as simple - or as complex - as your imagination and/or budget allows. Having answers to these questions will help you quickly set expectations with potential vendors.

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