The StyleSheet - For businesses that use the internet

Roundtable Discussion: Web Consulting in Sixty Minutes

Posted October 8, 2008 By Janis Gonser |

This month, we thought we’d try something a little different. Design Technologist Janis Gonser chose a question about Web design and development to see how assorted TradeMark team members would answer. Here is this month’s question:

If you had one hour to consult on someone’s Web site, what would your game plan be?

President Nick Weynand

“I’d start out by asking “What do you need your Web site to do?” Different businesses need their Web site to do different things, so it’s important to find out this information first before recommending solutions. I’d figure out what the top three goals of the site are and base my recommendations around these. Above all, a Web site should solicit a response from the visitor that meets all of these business objectives.”

Producer Caroling Lee

“I would find out what their goals were first. Getting focused is the surest way to have a successful project and a great Web site. Based on those goals, I would work to define the structure of the site and create a site map. Users often cite clear and easy navigation as the most important feature of any site. Last, but not least, I would come up with a strategy for content. Again, staying focused on goals, I would avoid the brain dump of including all content, but rather, pick the best and most relevant content to engage users. One of the easiest ways to do this is to start with a large collection of initial content, but edit it down to the necessary information and always think of the user in terms of what content they might want to see or use.”

Director of Business Development Jean Conover

“First and foremost, I would want to understand how the current site is working (or not working) for the client. This information then allows us to focus on the areas of the site that most need to be improved. The client identifies problem areas, and in turn we can help determine the best solutions for these areas as they relate to the overall site.”

Is there a question you’d like our staff members to answer? Submit it to thestylesheet@trademarkmedia.com.

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