In designing a website there are number of steps involved from gathering information to the creation of your website and at the end the maintenance work it needs to be up to date and running. This process varies from designer to designer but the basic step remains the same. Here are the steps to creative a well design website.

Step1: First step in developing a website is to gather information. A lot needed to be taken into account while planning for the look and theme of your website. So designer has to understand the clients business properly for which he might need information regarding clients business. What purpose does this website going to serve to the viewers; what client wants to achieve from this website. Two most common goals are to make money or share information. Then another important question would be to ask; is there any specific group of people that are most likely to help your goals and what kind of information or content your target audience would be looking for on your website.

Step2: The designer now needs to put up a plan for your website. It is where he develops a site map. This map shows the main topic areas and sub topics of your website. It is design by keeping in mind the convenience of your customers and finds it easy to navigate. The designer will ask you what tools should be applied such as interactive forms, ecommerce, flash, etc.

Step3: in this phase the designer determines what kind of feel and look to be given to the site. The key factor is considering target audience reaction to it. The company logo and color theme should be kept in mind while deciding about the site theme. A designer would create one or more sample designs for the site. It might be just an image to see what the final product will look like. The designer should allow you to view your project through out the design and development stage so you can give your views like and dislikes on the site design. In this step the communication between you and your designer is very important.

Step4: This is the stage where the site is actually made. The designer would take all the elements and graphics from the prototype and use them in the actual functional site. The designer makes the home page then the shell for interior of the page. Shell will sever as the template for the content pages. Other elements like interactive contact forms, flash animations and shopping carts are applied and made functional in this point.

Step5: At this step the designer will address the final details and test the website. The designer will test the functionality of different elements and other script. He will deal with the compatibility issues arising from viewing the site on different web browsers. He has to make sure that it can be viewed at latest web browsers.

Step6: if you want your costumers to repeatedly visit your website you have to offer new content or product on a regular basis. Many of the designers offer maintenance packages with reduced rates based on how often you want to him to make changes or additions.