In the modern world of instant communication and the Internet the success of your business may very well be dependent on how presentable your website is. In turn, key factors like how easy it is to navigate, whether the external and internal links are functioning or not, the performance level, how easily one can browse through for the required information, whether the data provided  is updated or not, and stuff like that determine the success of your website. It is therefore very important to focus on these key result areas when planning your website to make it a truly great one.

          Let‘s look at what planning your website entails.

• Layout. The layout of the website should be extremely impressive as that is the first image you present to your prospective clients, and we all know how first impressions last. When planning your website select a smart and eye-catching design to immediately catch the viewer’s attention. Ensure that the browsers do not get any error page while browsing.

• Navigation.  The navigation of your website contributes to the consistency level. A little amount of thoughtfulness when planning your website will go a long way in developing its consistency. Having easy accessibility throughout the website is one of the biggest advantages for a successful online business. The products and services offered should be easy to view and visitors to the site should be able to browse effortlessly. Focus on key result areas like incorporating previous, next and last buttons on each page when planning your website, and have a clear cut exhibition of bullet points, products and services. Take care to see that the text in the link or on the navigation button clearly shows the visitor where it will take him/her. A site search box that will help a visitor search all parts of your site should also be prominently exhibited.

• Customer service. The success of any business as Ralph Nader will repeatedly and gladly remind you, depends hugely on customer service and customer satisfaction. Plan carefully how you are going to maintain a good rapport with your customers when planning your website. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes. Analyze the needs of your customers and modify your products to suit their requirements

• Communication. How effective is the electronic medium you are planning to use for communication? An email provision that highlights the email address prominently is the best option one could ever put in place on a website for easy communication. You can also use it for getting customer feedback.

• Security. There’s no forgetting it. Security of data is very essential for any online business. You need to protect the information you are collecting from the customers at any given point of time. When planning your website you must ensure that your transactions will be secured at all times and also be free from attacks by viruses.

• Digital certificates. With the introduction of digital certificates, online business is going a long way globally. The main reason for this is the usage is simple and inexpensive and they are extremely secure.

Planning your website and incorporating all the necessary features may help you make a good start, but you can’t rest on your laurels. You’ve got to keep it up and running well. Your website performance needs to be checked regularly. It is important to verify whether all the internal and external links are working or not. Is your website up to date with all the current affairs or not? Besides planning your website carefully a little bit of logical construction and performance will help you be sure your website is a huge hit and among the best in the business