The Ultimate Guide to Crafting a Successful Website Development Plan

Having a good website for a brand is a requisite. The website is literally the face of the brand that woos the customers. However, with a proper website development plan, one can streamline the goals of the brand. Undoubtedly, a lot of processes go into the making of a website because that’s your first step to success.

So, if you are looking forward to kickstarting a website development project, don’t miss out on this think piece.

Essential Steps for Creating a Comprehensive Website Development Plan

Let’s get you started with some crucial steps in the website development process.

• Define your goals

  Before starting any project, it is very important to ascertain the goals of the website. List down things that you wish to achieve—is it brand awareness, selling products online, or simply generating leads? Most importantly, don’t hurry in making decisions. This is the first and crucial step towards success.

• Research, research and more research

  Researching your target audience is a significant step in the website planning process. Interestingly, the website should effectively communicate the needs of the target audience.For this, you must evaluate the demographics, behaviours, and preferences of the audience.
  Understand that different age groups might be looking for different products. So, which age group or gender are you eyeing for? Unmask this at the initial step.
  Just a pro tip – don’t forget to research your competitors. They might give away some brilliant ideas.

• Mapping out the website

  Now that you have goals, demographics, and a target audience, start structuring your website. This structure will help the developer know what the website will look like. How many pages will it have? Create a structure that makes it hassle-free for users to find information at the tip of their hands.
  If you believe in pen and paper, then do it your way. Otherwise, there are many online tools where you can jot down your thoughts. Remember, this blueprint will help you abundantly in organizing your website. 

• Layout designing

  Layout design is the step that will bring your website to life. Here, you can get super creative with your gallery of photos. You can start by choosing them and then placing them on the website. Don’t forget the colour combinations, logos, and theme of the website because these are the elements that will help the user engage with your website. The layout is what will urge them to return to your website.

• Come up with a content strategy

  Content strategy will help engage users. Instead, you must choose a strategy that aligns with your goals and communicates with your target audience. Now that you have a layout, find out where content is needed—in the banner area, footer area, or picture slides. Besides, jot down what tone of voice you will incorporate or what writing style you will choose. Above all, plan the variety of content you want for your website—is it infographics, videos, blogs, or product descriptions?
  Just a pro tip: Understand that not every person is a wordsmith. So, choose your words wisely. Don’t let them be too harsh for the users to understand. Otherwise, an average person may not find your website worthy. Additionally, have a call-to-action in place. Don’t you want your users to take some action after reading your content?

• Finalizing the technology for your website

  For a robust website – it is essential to finalize the platform. Are you going to build the website from scratch using programming languages like HTML, CSS, etc. Or are you planning to choose content management systems like WordPress or Joomla?
  Before finalizing this, ensure you give consideration to ease of accessibility, security, and maintenance. If you are planning to go for a content management system, list the plugins you will absolutely need. You must understand that some plugins may slow down your website or cause a stir. So, choose them wisely.

• SEO strategy

  Do you want to rank your website on the first pages of search engines? Yes? Then you need anSEO strategy in place. Don’t just research keywords and stuff them. Use an efficient tool, undertake thorough research (volume, competition analysis), and shortlist keywords that align with your goals and business. Most importantly, don’t forget to incorporate keywords in your content (blogs, products descriptions). However, incorporate them in a way that looks subtle and not forceful.

• Testing and prepping for the final launch

  Before letting the website go live for the end user, it is best to test it thoroughly. Test all the hyperlinks, navigation, and call-to-actions and ensure they are landing on the right page. If possible, try testing with real users. They will give you better feedback on whether the website is meeting all their requirements.
  If your website has contact forms, evaluate them because they are the bridge to strike communication between your user and you. Mind you, don’t just run the tests once but multiple times. Ensure that no ends are loose before going live. 

• Maintaining the website

  Now that you have launched the website, does it mean your job is over? Oh no, new trends come in and go, so you need to stay updated. There are constant search engine updates. Does your website comply with those? You must constantly monitor it.
  Understand—one error, and if that disheartens the user, they won’t come back! Losing potential clients shouldn't be on your agenda for the website development process.

Kwebmaker Digital, Best Website Development Agency in Mumbai, India

Now that you know the steps in planning a website, are you looking for an expert to do all the extensive work? Then it would be best if you choose Kwebmaker Digital—an award-winning website design and development services provider.

With over two decades of expertise, Kwebmaker Digital can ably transform your imagination into reality. From blog websites to corporate, eCommerce, and event websites, they can design anything and everything. So, without any ado, call +91 98212 17850 or drop an email at hello@kwebmaker.com