LESSON 02 · PLAN BEFORE YOU BUILD
A useful website starts with a job to do. Decide what visitors need to know and do before you choose layouts, colors, or plugins.
Set a primary goal
- Write one sentence describing the most important outcome for the site.
- Choose a small set of supporting outcomes, such as answering common questions or explaining services.
Draft a simple sitemap
- Home: who you help, what you offer, and the next step.
- About: context, approach, and credible proof.
- Offer or service pages: audience, scope, process, and clear expectations.
- Resources: helpful articles or guides, if you can maintain them.
- Contact: one reliable route to reach you.
Outline each page
- Audience: who is this page for?
- Question: what are they trying to understand?
- Answer: what information do they need?
- Action: what is the next useful step?
Write for scanning
- Use descriptive headings and short paragraphs.
- Put the most useful information first.
- Use specific link labels instead of “click here.”
- Use examples and evidence only when they are accurate and permissioned.
Before launch checklist
- Test the site on a phone and with a keyboard.
- Check every menu, button, and form.
- Proofread contact information and page titles.
- Confirm privacy information reflects the tools actually in use.
- Create a backup and keep software updated.
Key takeaway
A small, well-organized site that answers real questions is easier to maintain than a large site without a clear purpose.