Starting a Website Project – First Steps
June 19, 2013 Written by Kalin
One of the most common questions we’re asked is ‘what do I do first’ when planning a new website. Here’s the first four steps in very specific order.
Develop a Sitemap
The first step in any web development project is to create a list and hierarchy of the site’s pages, also known as a sitemap. It is important to create a structure of top-level pages and subpages (and categories and subcategories, if needed), and how the pages will be grouped together visually using menus.
Good questions to ask:
Can any of these pages be combined?
Do any of these pages have so much content they should be split into more than one page?
Does this hierarchy make sense only to me, or will it also make sense to my target audience?
What pages might I want to add in the future?
Flowchart Advanced Functionality
Decide on any advanced functionality needed besides standard image/text content pages. Included in a true flowchart are any additional site features such as photo galleries, blogs, polling systems, client feedback or signup methods, latest news modules, social media tie-ins, e-commerce/shopping cart systems, and countless more. Each element of the site needs to be listed and shown in some way where it will be located in the overall structure/sitemap, and how it might be linked to other pages or systems if necessary.
Develop a Realistic Budget
There are many factors that can affect this such as
using a custom design template or a pre-made template
Using a standard CMS, a specialized one, or none at all
Deciding how many overall pages need to be setup
Determining how expandable the system needs to be – aka what are the long-term goals of the site?
And of course many more…
Some systems, such as a blog, are easier and cheaper to implement than a full e-commerce package with a product catalog and credit card processing. All of these elements come into play when putting together an overall project cost estimate, as well as how they combine from a programming standpoint later in the process.
The most important part of this step is to keep it realistic. If you have a smaller starting budget and are asking for a solid, clean beginning stage, then you have the right idea. If you’re a larger company with a healthier budget and are needing a solid site with some bells and whistles, you’re still likely in good shape. However, with so many options and fancy capabilities available these days, it’s all to easy to overplan and underbudget.
If budget is a major limitation then it can be time to view the project in stages. The first stage can start out smaller, covering the basics, establishing a web presence, and keeping future necessities in mind. As long as proper planning is done from the start, a site can be setup to grow progressively as new functions are required and budgeted for.
Contact a Professional Web Developer
After getting a good picture of what your project will look like yourself and perhaps with your team, now is the time to contact pro’s who handle these projects on a regular basis. Websites are getting increasingly complex and so is the Internet world in general. A good web developer, like Majestic Imaging, can review your project, offer suggestions, ask questions that may have been overlooked, compare budgeting to expectations, and can assess the best course of action to take next.
E-mail or call us to start your next project: 575.491.5538
For Over 20 Years
93%+ of our NEW Clients
come to us as Referrals from EXISTING Clients
Thank you for getting this to me so quickly. Looks great!
Woohoo! Sounds like that covers it. Reviewing now. THANKS KALIN!
I really appreciate the work you and the team is doing and I really enjoy seeing the project take shape. Everything has been impressive so far and I’m looking forward to the next update.
“I am just introducing you all via email…I have told them how responsive and cost-effective your services are.”
“It looks AWESOME. You are SO good. I can’t wait to see this continue to come to life!”
Yes, yes, and yes. I love the direction that we’re going.
That all sounds amazing and it is looking great. Lori is doing her review now and I believe there will be few if any edits after that. Soon as I hear back from her I… Read more “Jason Riffe”
I’m so impressed with how everything flowed. Thank you for your in-depth presentation, consideration and thorough response.
I’m so impressed with how everything flowed. Thank you for your in-depth presentation, consideration and thorough response.
Thanks so much Kalin! Super helpful; you rock!
“It is always great to work with you and I appreciate having the benefit of you expertise. The first version of the site was a fantastic investment and I think this one will be even… Read more “Charles King”
“I am so glad now that everything is up and running the way they should. Thanks for your amazing patience.”
“Thank you Kalin! You’re awesome. Much obliged.”
“What an appropriate day for thanking you for all of your efforts on the TTMA website. Wouldn’t be where it is today without you. “
“You are a huge asset to have and I cannot thank Sideshow enough for the referral. You have been a huge help and your work is absolutely amazing.”
Awesome! We’ve made some great progress these past few months thank you. Lori will be pleased.
Thanks Kalin. Rockstar!
ur amazing… best IT support we’ve ever had!
Thanks again, Kalin for the extreme security.
Hi Kalin, You do such a good job! I’m always grateful to have you take care of the clients I refer. Thank you.
You killed it! This is amazing.
“Said it before, I’ll say it again. You guys rock! “
Did I ever tell you you’re the best!
Awesome, thanks for the update! I wasn’t too worried about it for I know I’m in good hands with you.
California
New York
Texas
New Mexico
Colorado
Nevada
New Jersey
Kentucky
United States
Costa Rica
United Kingdom
Ireland
FAQs
Ecommerce
Custom Programming
SEO & Social Media
E-mailer Campaigns
© Copyright 1999-2025 – Majestic Imaging LLC – All Rights Reserved
Website Created & Powered by Majestic Imaging LLC