Web site design - how in the halibut* do we create a great web site?

Owning a web site design company here in the UK as I do -- and being involved in design websites, many of them, as I have -- there is one question that I am constantly asked by clients and non-clients alike.

Believe it or not - it is not "can I have this website designed for free"...which is a surprise - but not a reason for you to contact me and ask for a free web site.

In fact the question is much more basic than that. It is more along of the lines of "where do I start with my website?"

My reply is oftent the same -- forget everything that you have seen or know about websites for a minute and answer me this question: What is it you want your website to do? In other words - what is the reason your web site exists? Is it to get leads? Sell a product online? Promote your company? Service existing customers?

I know you might need to know what can be done with your website before answering this question - but before we get to that - what do you think your website should do?

Answer this question and you are well on your way to having a great website.


(*The "how in the halibut" quote is taken from the kids movie - Shark Tale!)