I have been designing and launching websites for the past 10 years, both for my own projects and on a freelance basis. This checklist is for those looking to either build their own site or hire a web-designer to develop the new project. There are many different factors and decisions that go into a new website before it can begin to be built. Here is a checklist of 6 things you will need to get organized and started with your new website.

1. Type of Site: Static, Dynamic, eCommerce

The purpose for the website is the best place to start to make this decision.

Will the site be a small site that’s main purpose is to provide viewers or customers with pre-determined details and contact information? If so, a static site would be sufficient. A static site is built in HTML and consists of a homepage (yourbuiness.com) and sub-pages (yourbusiness.com/about/).  Static should not change often as updates will need to be made by a designer or someone with working HTML knowledge. This is the generally the least costly and time-consuming type of website to build.

Will the content on the website be changing or updating on a regular basis? A dynamic website is built with CMS  (Content Management System; Joomla!, WordPress, Drupal) making it easy to add and update content. The site will need to be built and hosted on a server that contains that CMS application. Many web designers and programmers will have a preferred system they like to work with. The designer will preform all the application setup and template customization. A dynamic site is simple for the site owner to login and add their own content and make their own updates without having to know HTML.

Will the site be taking payments and processing orders? This type of site will need to be built with eCommerce capabilities. There is a lot working behind the scenes of an eCommerce site: order processing functionality, secure transactions, SSL certificates, etc. Leave this one up to the pro’s. Expect to pay more for an eCommerce site, both upfront programming and monthly/annual fee’s.

2. Hosting

A web host is where your website will reside. There are many different hosts out there, many different prices, and different options as well. Be sure to choose a host with a good reputation of customer service and uptime. If you have chosen to build a dynamic or eCommerce site, you will need to be sure your host is capable of installing and supporting the needed applications and requirements for the program you choose (WordPress, Joomla!…)

Hosting setup and configuration: Some web designers will control web hosting and simply charge the client a monthly fee for managing the account. Others (myself included) like to setup a hosting account for the client (in the clients name) and let them pay the ongoing fee’s. Of course the designer will need all the credentials to get in the backend and get the site up and running.

I choose to host with GoDaddy.com. I have used them for over 10 years and never once had a problem they were not able to resolve immediately. They have hosting plans for every type of site and budget. A simple shared hosting services can be as low as $7/month and run all the way up to hundreds per month for a dedicated unlimited server. Be sure to talk to your designer or hosting provider to determine your needs. New – Unlimited Hosting at GoDaddy.com!

3. Domain Name

This is the address that viewers will type or click to visit your website. I would recommend purchasing your domain name from your hosting provider to makes things easier. A domain name will run you less than $10 assuming the domain is not already owned. There are domain marketplaces where you can find primer names and those that appear to be registered. Plan on spending more on these names since domain flipping has become a popular business recently as good domains are becoming harder to come by. A registered domain will need to be renewed each year. You can save money by purchasing a multiple year contract, but you can never actually own a domain. Go Daddy $7.49* .com Sale!

4. Target Audience

Who is targeted audience for the website? A good layout will be designed according to who will be using and viewing the site. A site targeting local consumers for a coffee shop will need a different layout and look than that of a nation-wide blog on legal issues.

Be sure to have a good discussion with the site designer about who you are targeting with your website.

5. Content

Content is the guts of any website, good or bad. A build will be much more efficient and timely when good content is supplied before the design process begins. Be prepared to provide the following to a designer or anyone putting together a website:

• a list of pages with the text or content for those pages
• logo
• images. be sure these images are high quality and you have the rights to using them on the website.
• any websites or resources that can provide a visual of what the site should contain or look like in your mind.

6. Proposal or Estimate

Web sites are not cheap nor can they be whipped up in a day or two. And if you hear otherwise, I would be hesitant to hire the person who says so.  Be sure to have a conversation with the web designer and communicate everything you are looking for. The designer will take notes and sketch any ideas for the project. A website needs much forethought and planning before programming can begin. I tent to do much of this before accepting a job or even submitting an estimate. Most good web designers will supply the client with a written proposal with terms and outline any additional costs if necessary.