So, you’ve been asked to create a website, but you’re not sure where to start? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many people have experience with websites and social media but feel overwhelmed when it comes to defining what they actually need. Here are the main questions you should answer to create a clear website requirement:
1. What is the Purpose of the Website?
- Is it for a business, a community project, a personal blog, or an organisation?
- Do you need to inform, educate, promote, sell, or build a community?
2. Who is Your Audience?
- Who will visit your site? (Local residents, customers, volunteers, funders?)
- What do they need to see or do on the site?
3. What Key Features Do You Need?
- Basic pages (Home, About, Contact, Blog, Services)?
- News or blog section for regular updates?
- A contact form?
- Image galleries or event listings?
4. How Often Will It Be Updated?
- Will it be updated weekly, monthly, or occasionally?
- Who will be responsible for keeping it fresh?
5. Do You Have Branding or Design Preferences?
- Do you have a logo or brand colours?
- Are there any websites you like the look of?
6. What Content Do You Already Have?
- Do you have text, images, or videos ready?
- Do you need help creating content?
- Do you have time?
7. What About Domain Name & Hosting?
- Do you need a custom domain (e.g., yourname.org)?
- Who will be responsible for maintaining the site?
8. Are There Any Legal or Privacy Considerations?
- Do you need GDPR compliance for data collection?
- Will there be any user accounts or personal data?
9. What’s Your Budget?
- Is it a community project and is there funding available?
- Do you need professional help with setup?
Final Tip: Keep It Simple!
If you’re just getting started, focus on clarity and simplicity. A basic website with a few key pages is better than an overly complex one that never gets finished.
Have more questions? Leave a comment below or check out OurLocality’s guide for an easy way to get started!
