Determine Your Website's Chief Purpose Before Design

When you begin a website, you must have your main purpose clearly in mind. I say this because it's easy to have conflicting purposes.

• If you're a Website Design Dubai firm, you may want to show off your high tech goodies with your client's site as the showpiece.
• If you're an employee stuck with this task, you may want to look good for your bosses and not do anything for which you can be blamed -- you've got to protect your backside.
• If you're a volunteer, you may just want an excuse to tinker and be praised for it.
• If you're a business owner, you probably care about the bottom line. You're wondering, How much this will cost? and Will it be worth it in the long run?

Dear friends, recognize your own needs -- they're legitimate. But to build an effective website, you've got to look at the businesses or organization's needs and make those primaries. From the organization's perspective, what must this website do in order to be successful?
Let's look at some common website purposes. Put an X next to all that apply.

o Build your brand. Create an online brochure that will help potential clients, customers, and partners learn about your company and look at it in a favorable light. You're trying to enhance your brand or organization image. I've heard people disparage this kind of website as "brochure-ware." But this is very legitimate for some kinds of companies, especially local businesses or organizations that aren't trying to conduct national or international commerce. You want people to know who you are, what you do, where to find you, and how to contact you.
o Provide product information to drive local sales of your products and services at dealer locations. Auto sites are a good example. Many manufacturers don't sell on their sites, but point people to retailers who carry their products.