Determine your website needs

A web presence for an organization needs to reflect the essence of the organization. If the organization is a service industry, then the web site should reflect that as well as communicate it to the web site visitors. The same goes for product orientated organizations - the web site should reflect the organization's goals.

When trying to identify a plan for a web site, stop and look around. Look at what competitors are doing. Identify things they are doing successfully as well as things they may be coming up short on. Learn from others mistakes as well as your own.

Don't be afraid to change direction mid-stream - One of the nice things about a web site is the fact there is always an undo button - relatively speaking (this is a good time to stress - back up back up back up!!!) If the direction a web site is taking is not working for the organization OR the organization changes direction, it shouldn't be an overwhelming task to improve the web presence.

When planning, identify items that will need to change frequently. News articles, press releases, new service and product announcements, FAQs, etc. - the list really depends on the needs and goals of the organization. Make sure these sections are easily updated.

Work with the members of the organization to identify the best possible type of a site or site combination for the organization.

Carefully select a domain name.

Layout a plan and dive in!