One of the first steps in any web development project is design. Since design is more than just the graphics or a functionality spec you must take a well rounded approach if you plan to be successful with your web project. It is also the information architecture and matching the end business goals with the right technology solutions.

It is often that the actual business goals and intended audience are not fully considered upfront with a cohesive strategy. This is usually because of two reasons; one, that the there is no research available and you are going off instinct or experience, or two, that it is simply just overlooked.

Every good strategy needs good tactics for execution if it is going to become successful

It is very important to do what is referred to as a "needs analysis" or Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (S.W.O.T) business assessment for your web project up front. Kind of like a business plan for your web project. This should be detailed and based on available research. Keep in mind though that business plans are road maps not absolutes since you have to adapt to the market place as well as the ever changing social and technology trends. It is a good idea to consider a content management platform that will not only meet your specific needs now but as far in the future as you can realistically predict.

Branding meets the user experience

Once you have this in mind there is the whole branding and identity aspects of your project which get into how you will present this to your intended audience in a way that will generate the expected response. I spent much of my early career as a musician working in pit orchestras for musical theater and the best shows always took total control over the audience's emotional experience. This would drive the audience to feel the full range of their emotions and imagination in a way that would surprise and exceed their expectations. If you can hold this type of emotion in your hands throughout the visitors interaction with your site and brand then you are on a path for predictable success. To achieve this every aspect of the site has to be in alignment. Such as; graphics, messaging, choice of colors, navigation, performance etc.

Compelling Content is Key

To compound the process of "getting it right" you have to think of the marketing in a way that meets the standards of web marketing. You will need to make sure the keywords and naming conventions used through out your site are search engine friendly and that your content continues to offer fresh compelling information that will drive traffic and good rankings with Google, Yahoo, Bing and other search engines. In fact articles similar to this are the type of communication that can boost traffic by sharing honest perspective to help your potential customers find greater value in what you are offering. Some folks do this through blogs while others post newsworthy articles combined with syndication and link backs or social bookmarking. This will all add to the potential you have for building a successful exchange with your visitors.

Just remember the saying "Content is King" and that making it easy for your visitors to find what they are looking for in a compelling way will make a world of difference in the end results. Matching this quality content with a well thought out business strategy will help you not only meet and exceed your business goals but the expectations of your visitors.

Guest Writer
William Smith

William Smith is a CRM 2.0 Certified, an award winning multimedia producer and open source technology expert with wealthy product knowledge on systems such as Joomla CMS and Info at hand on CRM systems. He has a rich know-how in Joomla Website Design and Joomla Website Development. CNP Integrations provides technical support, development and consulting through a value building methodology to help small businesses achieve superior results with web technologies.