Before We Begin
There are a number of steps you will take as you go through the Web design process.  This will guide you through the process, but we are always here to talk to you personally and relate these general principles to your specific project.

1. Choosing a Host
A host is simply a computer that is connected to the Internet all the time and has software installed to make your Web site available to all or part of the Internet community.  If you have e-mail and Internet access, you probably already have some level of hosting available to you.  Depending on the specifics of your goals, you may need to upgrade your account or consider another hosting option.
Rattleberry does not offer hosting services, but we can recommend a hosting service that will meet your needs or work with your existing provider.

2. Developing a Web Plan
Before you leap into the Web presence development process, it is helpful to consider what your goals are and how you will measure the success of the site.  Here are a few questions you'll want to answer in this planning phase:

• Who is your target audience?
  What kind of people are they?  Do they have special needs or interests?  Where are they located?  What kind of Internet access are they likely to have?

• What effect do you want to have on your audience?
  Do you want them to make contact with you?  Do you want them to purchase a product you offer on the site?  Do you want them to receive information online that you would otherwise have to send them in print or other form?  Do you want to get them to take some action in the community?

• What resources do you have to dedicate to this site?
  Do you have a budget in mind?  Are there people in your company or subcontractors you already work with who might contribute content to the site?  Do you want to maintain the site in-house?  Will your staff need training?

• What information do you already have that should be included in the site?
  Do you have a brochure?  A logo?  Whitepapers and newsletters?  Press releases?  An order form?  Promotional audio or video?  Are there other pieces you distribute to customers and leads that might form the basis of your Web site?

• What is your competition doing?
  Do your competitors have Web sites?  What do those sites look like?  What do they offer visitors?  What expectations have they set for Web sites in your industry?

3. Marketing Your Site
In some ways, building a Web presence is like starting a new business.  The Web has grown so large that you will have to compete with a large number of similar sites to get your message heard.  Rattleberry will work with you during your project to build effective Web marketing techniques into your Web site plan.