Preliminary website planning, probably the most important part of website development process, is a necessary and helpful step for the creation of a website even if it's a personal web page. If the site is to be successful it should be carefully thought over. A well-crafted design brief and project plan can function as a contract, an easy-to-follow road map for the entire design process, and an invaluable tool for securing project approval at the end of the process. Therefore don’t forget to plan the website before designing it.

It has been seen that frequent problems and errors occur since there has been lack of preliminary website planning. Also it will take a lot of time to complete the website if there is no proper planning or if you don’t visualize its concept to get a clear view of how the website should be organized and function. Moreover the visitors will find it difficult to get the information they are looking for.

Objective: Do you want your website to educate, entertain, or provide product/service information to others or a combination of these? When you plan your web site remember each page should have an objective, but within the constraints of the Website's purpose. If you have any doubts look at other Websites on the Internet for ideas.

Budget: The charges for a 6-7 pages website is around $700 and for a 10-12 pages website is around $1000. The cost also depends on the work involved.

Website Name: Select some webs you like from your business field. They might help you in the choice of the name, color, design element etc for your website. It is important to know your taste.

Focus - Domestic or International: If it is international market you need top placement in search engines and site should be professional looking. But even for local market, your site needs to be well designed and easy to use.

Target Audience: Study your target audience and their likes. Now, note down your intended audience, their background, interests, skills, values and knowledge

When: When you like to start your site and how often you want to update your site - daily, weekly, twice a month, or monthly.

Where: Where you want to host your site. Choosing the right hosting service depends on your individual requirements.

Why: You should know why you are developing a Website. Keep your friends and family informed; seek interaction with other people with your interests or a web presence for your business.

How: How you are going to create your Website. You have to plan on researching material for your Website. Do your research first. Remember content will make or break your Website.

Content: Is very important and also the first preference. You must  know what to put and what you want to say, how many pages to develop, etc. If redesign is required, that too can be done.

Now it is easy to develop your Website Plan by using the above guidance. Make a print out copy of your Website Plan to assist you through the development process. Your Website Plan is dynamic in nature and should be updated as you gather more information.