Tackling the big hairy Yak.
You may want a Web site or have one that's just sitting there. You might know what you want your Web site to offer but are thinking, "how do I get it done right?""The formation of strategy isn't one of the most popular aspects of Web development, but it should be. Strategy helps contain the scope of work, direct the content creation process, and provide tactical direction to information architects. It also allows designers to design instead of just making pretty pictures, and it keeps developers focused on the right features. And, once the Web site has launched, you can keep the strategy around to help market the site through SEM." --- www.AListApart.com
I've searched around online a bit and am stunned by the degree of confusion across Web topics, and how even "credible" sources jumble different strategies together* -- painting one big hairy Yak of a project. Have you ever seen a yak [look]? It is so mysteriously cloaked, it would have to take a step before you knew which end to approach! That is how I think most newcomers feel navigating all the Web information and chasing the latest buzz words. No clear definition of this strange beast or indication of how to approach it. Relax. Whether you are launching or relaunching, we can bring some clarity. If you are interested in some self-help, start with these genuinely helpful resources we found/recommend (if not, email us for a free help session):
Eight steps to implementing a Web site:
. . . . . .http://www.unleash.com/davidk/8steps/
. . . . . .http://www.alistapart.com/articles/
. . . . . .http://www.b2bwebstrategy.com
.. . . . . .http://www.newentrepreneur.com/Resources/Worksheets/
With The Business Colony, you have found thought leadership.
Personally, I really like the many simple start-up approaches Roger Parker offers in the last link above (like eating dessert first, start with the last). These materials are exercises that will guide you toward asking the right questions, ensure you bring the right people to the table, gain direction consensus, and help you hone a viable and sustainable Web action plan. And, if you still feel an imminent Yak attack, let us know!
*It's no wonder there is so much ambiguity. Many of today's "Web solutions" firms evolved from (or are spin-offs of) media/ad agencies, software companies, marketing consultancies, print/design boutiques, and the like. That being said, it does takes all these disciplines to create an effective online strategy; but, given the pace of technology advances and culture shifts, any one firm positioning itself as a single-source "Web solution" probably cannot deliver consistent expertise across its portfolio and should be quered closely. [ more • site map]
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