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ans Serif">Every decision that you make about your web site should be focused on what you are trying to achieve and who you are trying to reach. Deciding on your web site's purpose is the first and most important decision that you will have to make.

• ans Serif">Do you want to simply present information in an online brochure format?
• ans Serif">Are you selling a service or product?
• ans Serif">Or will your primary purpose be communicating with customers, employees, or suppliers?
• ans Serif">Why are you building a web site - what purpose will it serve?

ans Serif">Be clear about your reasons for wanting a web site. Don't just do it because you can, or because someone has said you must. The success of your web site can only be measured if you know why you want one. Ask yourself now - what do I want my web site to accomplish? Then make sure your entire web site is centred on this goal. For instance, assume your company sells purple cushions. Your initial purpose may be to attract new customers and enable them to purchase your lovely cushions online.

ans Serif">Although you may redefine your purpose after you have received feedback from your users, this statement of purpose will guide you throughout the processes that follow - defining your audience, developing your structure, and creating the content of your web site. As in any marketing process you also need to know who you are trying to attract to your business.

ans Serif">Basic marketing and business principles still apply for the internet. Ask yourself the following questions:

ans Serif">Who am I trying to reach?
You should have a 'typical' viewer in mind when you begin your planning. Is your web site for current customers or for potential new clients? Is a web site the best way to give your target audience what they need? Does your market have access to the internet? Would it be better to use e-mail marketing?

ans Serif">Plan your web site from the viewpoint of your visitors to make the best decisions.

ans Serif">What is happening in my industry?
What does the future hold for my industry?

ans Serif">What will be the focus of my web site?
You should choose from the three basic types of web sites when considering this decision.

ans Serif">An information-oriented web site will have minimal interaction and will consist primarily of information about your company, products and services, much like a brochure. This type of web site can include basic interaction such as an e-mail link or a form for further information and is used mainly to attract new business or customers.

ans Serif">An e-commerce web site will have all of the aspects of an information web site, but will also actually sell your items or services directly to the end user. This web site can be partially or totally automated and, in most cases, will include a shopping cart for purchases.

ans Serif">A relationship-oriented web site will have all of the aspects of an information web site, but will be geared toward your existing customers as well. These types of web sites attempt to establish an ongoing bond with your visitors and reward your previous customers so they'll not only buy again, but also recommend your firm to their friends.