Whether you take the task of designing your website on your own or decide to hire a professional web designer, there are some basic questions you should ask before you begin. The answers you provide will help you focus on developing a well-planned, well-organized website that brings and keeps visitors.

1. What is the goal of your website? This may seem obvious -- to bring people to your business, of course. However, to get the most interest in your website, provide visitors with something other than "here I am", especially if you are a small business owner. For instance, if you own an ice cream shop, your goal may be to draw people into the shop with the unique variety of flavors you offer. If you are a fitness instructor, you may want to provide health, exercise, and nutrition tips to your clients. A clear goal will help you and your web designer provide the final product you are expecting.

2. Who is your target audience for your website? By answering this question, you provide yourself or your web designer with valuable information. If you are providing a professional service then you'd be targeting business owners. If you are a pet supply company, your audience is likely to be families. Knowing who your target audience is will ensure the design of your website provides the information the visitor is really looking for, which in turn will draw them to, and keep them on your site.

3. What personality do you want to project in your web design? If you sell electronic gadgets, you might want a dynamic, bright, and modern personality that attracts a younger audience. The personality of your website gives you the chance to show visitors a little about you and your small business before they even contact you.

4. Do you have examples of websites you like (or don't like)? Spend time surfing for websites that draw you in -- or drive you away. A well-planned website will provide a design and layout you can easily follow. You want visitors to stay on your website and return often. What is it about these sites that you like (or don't like)? Use this information and apply what you really like in the layout and copy of your web design.

5. Who will be creating the graphics for your website? Will your web designer research and create logos, photos, and graphics, or will you provide them ready to upload? Your new web design doesn't need to have a lot of graphics, but it's appealing to visitors to have images placed within your website. It provides a visual break for visitors' eyes. How you provide these graphics could likely have the biggest impact on the final product -- and final cost.

6. Does your copy incorporate relevant keywords, phrases and links? Using keywords and key phrases is one of the most important parts of copywriting for websites. Using relevant keywords, and using them as links to other parts of your website, helps search engines find you. Ask others what keywords they might use to find your business, do some research using free Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools, and then write copy that incorporates the words or phrases you find. If you are using a web designer to develop your website, they can provide you more information on using keywords.

If you've answered these questions, then you're ready to begin designing your new website. Have fun and enjoy the results of a well-planned website.