The first step towards planning a website is defining the reason for starting a website, which could range from enhancing company image, selling products or developing a global market for business. The reason for planning a website would get further substantiated by a target audience; the options ranging from selling products to prospective buyers, business services, offering knowledge expertise, competitors and suppliers. Designing a website from the perspective of an audience rather than one’s organization would be more profitable.  

While researching similar sites for reference, it would be advisable to draw a list of contents, features and knowledge elements. Every site should have a unique concept, which would include a competitive edge and parameters of competition and one’s own strengths and limitations. 

It is imperative to establish a budget for the site, as also concentrating upon site features, such as, a shopping cart, a content management package or special graphic elements. Moreover, it is essential to market a product, and for coordinating print media and online design plans, advertising the website is important and should be a part of the marketing strategy. 

Planning a website involves several steps, and one is assembling the site contents, such as, printed brochures, flyers, newsletters, graphics and photos. A domain name has to be given to the website, it has to be registered, the annual fee paid and also, a target date to launch the website once the contents have been reviewed and written must be finalised.