Get a Blueprint for Your Best Website
A website design or redesign is a big project. Where to start? Just like you wouldn’t build a house without plans, you wouldn’t start a website project without clear objectives. Business websites have jobs to do, like generate leads or allow you to connect with your target audience. Ideally, your website is as hard-working as any other asset of your business.
In that way, your website is like a machine. What is your machine’s output? Those are your website’s design goals. What is the machine’s input? That’s how your site should function.
What Can Your Website Do For You?
First, decide what kind of machine your website will be. Then that becomes a framework for your design goals and the functionality you will need.
- Is your website’s main purpose to express something or spread a message? Then it is a printing press.
- Will your website get sales leads or sell products? Think of it as a vending machine.
- If the website will be showcasing images or projects, like a portfolio— then it is a slide projector.
Most websites have more than one function. For instance, an ecommerce site could have a blog. In that case, the blog supports the main purpose, which is selling things. Therefore, the site is most like a vending machine.
For a Printing Press
Output
A visitor to my website will be able to read my latest writing, see suggestions for other content, and browse posts by topic. They will be invited to connect with me on other platforms.
Input
It should be easy to write and post content. The site should have best practices in place for organic search optimization. It will push content to social media and encourage people to sign up for my newsletter.
For a Vending Machine
Output
A visitor to my website will be able to find a product, select options, and complete their purchase. Visitors will be happy with the purchasing journey and want to return and buy again.
Input
As the website owner, I can update and add products without difficulty. It is simple to communicate with customers. The website will capture customer information in a way that integrates with my sales system.
For a Slide Projector
Output
A visitor to my site will immediately get a sense of my style and have a clear idea of what it is like to work with me. They can find more information about a project that interests them. It will be easy to contact me.
Input
As the website owner, I will be able to easily update my site with my latest work. My website will push content to social media and encourage sharing.
Use “Output” and “Input” to Get a Blueprint for your Ideal Website
Now it is your turn!
First, decide what kind of machine is your website.
Then, think about the output your visitors want.
Think about what kind of input your machine requires.
The Next Step
Write a creative brief. This is a detailed description of your website goals and needs. You use the creative brief to get bids for your website project. The creative brief, sometimes called a design brief, then becomes a guide for the website design process. Here’s an example from Elementor
The “output” is your Project Goals. The “Input” is part of your desired Requirements and Specs. While there are more details to work out, imagining your website as a machine is a good start.
Contact me if you’d like to work together to define your website design goals.
