Preparation

Make detailed notes about your ideas, needs, creative thoughts, etc. of what you envision for the site.
Organize your information and materials in file folders and/or in digital format. Helpful materials may include

What do you have to offer those who visit your site?
What image would you like your web site to convey? Creative? Professional? Be as detailed as possible.
What do you want your web site to accomplish? What are your goals?
NOTE: Always include a "Call to Action." For example, get visitors to call you, order something, request a quote, join a forum, etc. Decide whatyou want your visitors to do, and lead them to it.
If a site revision, is there anything you would like your site to do that it is not achieving now?
What are the demographics of your visitors? Are they local, national, and/or international? What is their age range?
Who is the target audience of your site? Be specific
Why would someone want to visit your site?
Why would someone want to return to your site? Regularly?
What ways can you utilize to draw new and/or repeat visitors to your site?
Are thre any web sites you have visited that you would like us to use as guides for your site?

Are they kept up-to-date?
Do they look professional?
Are there any impressive features that visitors to your site would appreciate and use?
What do you like about them?
Take notice of the elements of the various sites, such as sue of colour, navigation, content, layout, overall feel and look, type of fonts used, etc.
Write down the address of each site for future reference.

Would they use your web site if you had one?
What things would they like to see online that would help them do business with you, including special functionality, or interactivity features?
Be sure to tailor your questions to your specific business, organization or group.