WEBSITE PLANNING
By Danny Andrews
VistaComm Creative Services Assistant
THE LIFE C
WEB
A WEBSITE IS LIKE A VEGETABLE GARDEN.
It takes constant work—pruning, weeding and cultivating to nurture and produce
the results you want. For your website, that translates to simple practices, such
as updating content and online catalogs, adding fresh new stories, tips and
tools, and linking relevant articles show users a dedication to your business and
your customers. There’s another bonus, too. Constant attention to your site can
increase your SEO ranking, putting you at the top of every search.
The life cycle of a website basically encompasses four different phases:
THE ANALYSIS PHASE:
YOUR GARDEN PLOT
• Visit your existing website as a first-time viewer.
• Can you get to it quickly? Evaluate your load time.
• What are you looking for?
• Can you easily find needed information? (Or are the cucumbers hidden by over-
grown tomato plants?)
• Overall, how does your site look?
• Considering these questions, decide what updates and improvements you want.
THE DESIGN PHASE:
MAKE A MAP
• It’s time for a map of your website. (Where will you “plant” everything?)
• Get your content (seeds and seedlings) ready. Prepare updates, news articles,
photos, charts, images and video.
• Who’s your audience? (Don’t plant beets if no one in the family will eat them!)
• Need the help of a “master gardener” or web design expert?
• How will you present your content? Consider color, graphics and design.
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AGRI-INSIGHTS ISSUE 2 2017
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