Website Specification: Before Starting a Website

Website Specification: Before Starting a Website

Introduction:

Building a successful website begins with precise specification. Specification is a critical phase in the process, setting the guidelines for design, content, and development. Whether you are a professional web developer or a client looking to create a website for your business, a deep understanding of the specification process will help ensure that the final result meets expectations and addresses business needs. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the specification process, from understanding the business to future site planning, and provide a template you can use in the future.

About the Business

Company Name:
The first step in the specification process is to thoroughly understand the business. It is important to note the company name as it appears in official documents and its logo.

Company Services/Products:
Here, detail all the products or services that the company offers. A clear understanding of the business offerings will help build the website in a way that focuses the visitors’ attention.

Business Goals:
It’s crucial to define the general goals of the business. For example, is the business aiming to expand its customer base, improve its reputation, increase online sales, or promote personal branding? These goals will influence the content, design, and functionality of the website.

Website Goals

Before starting to design and build the website, clearly define its goals. Is the website meant to present the business’s image? Is it intended to sell products? Does it aim to serve as a hub for social or community activity? Defining the website’s goals will help in choosing the appropriate content, structure, and functionality.

Existing Website?

Domain:
If a registered domain exists, ensure that it aligns with the business branding and website goals. Additionally, check the domain’s operational area and make sure it is available if it hasn’t been registered yet.

Hosting:
If hosting already exists, verify that it meets the new website’s needs in terms of speed, security, and storage capacity. If no hosting is available, choose a suitable hosting service.

Competition

Competitor Websites:
Analyze competitor websites in the business’s field to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This analysis can help avoid mistakes and maximize the new website’s potential.

Websites You Like:
The client can specify websites they like, whether for design, navigation, or user experience. This allows the site to be tailored to the client’s taste and ensures the new website conveys the desired message.

Design

Is There a Logo?
If a logo exists, ensure it is suitable for use on the website and accessible in all required formats. If there is no logo, consider designing a new one as part of the process.

Brand Colors / Brand Book:
Brand colors are an important part of the website design. Define the main colors and make sure they align with the business’s values and goals.

Fonts:
Choosing fonts is an important aspect of website design. Ensure they are readable and match the business image.

User Experience Design (UX):
Beyond visual design, consider user experience design. This includes website navigation, ease of use, and the ability for users to easily find what they are looking for.

The Website

Does the Website Include Sales?
If the website includes an online store, ensure that all processes like payment processing, inventory management, and customer support are well-defined. This also includes selecting the appropriate platform for sales.

Languages:
Does the website need to support more than one language? If so, ensure the second language is translated and perfectly adapted to the target audience.

Index:
If there is a need for an internal search engine or index system, define the system requirements and explore possible solutions.

Landing Pages:
Targeted landing pages can improve the website’s performance in marketing campaigns. Ensure the pages are designed to lead to the desired action.

SEO – Search Engine Optimization:
As part of the process, make sure the website is optimally designed for search engines. This includes page structure, tags, content, and internal links.

Website Pages

Define all the pages required for the website, including information pages, product pages, content pages like blogs and articles, contact page, and more. Also, define the overall structure of the website, including hierarchy, navigation, and main categories.

The Process

Timelines:
Establish a clear and defined timeline for the development and design process. Ensure that each phase is completed on time and that there is open communication between all parties involved.

Quality Control:
Before launching the website, conduct thorough tests on all website components, ensure there are no errors, and guarantee optimal user experience.

Moving Forward

Website Marketing:
After the website is live, plan the marketing strategy. Will there be a focus on organic or paid promotion? What content is most suitable for promotion?

Ongoing Maintenance:
To keep the website up-to-date and secure, plan ongoing maintenance, including software updates, backups, and continuous improvements.

Special Security Requirements:
If the website requires enhanced security, such as in payment processes or protecting sensitive information, ensure that the appropriate solutions are in place.

Summary

Specification is a crucial step in the website-building process. It provides the foundation for the development and design process, ensuring that the website is tailored to the business’s needs and goals. Achieving a precise and detailed specification will lead to success in creating a website that meets all requirements and offers a quality user experience.

This article is intended to serve as a practical and clear guide for anyone looking to create a website. We recommend using the specification template and adapting it to the unique needs of each project.

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