Although this step reads like simply applying common sense, a surprisingly large number of website designer-developers miss out on this very important step. As a new domain administrator (we are assuming YOU are the one who is ultimately responsible for the content, features, and services offered in your website), you have to have a very clear understanding of what your website will be, what it will offer, and who are its target visitors. Is it an online business where visitors can buy your products? Is it a hobby page where you provide information about one or several of your personal interests? Is it a family homepage where you can inform friends about your latest activities and share photos of your family vacations? Is it a blog where you collect your thoughts about a particular issue that is important to you? Is it a corporate website providing portfolio and contact information with sensitive content? Is it a discussion forum about a topic of general interest?

While a website can be a combination of any of these and more, before embarking on the daunting task of actually implementing it you must have a very clear idea of what your website is and what it isn’t. Remember that websites that are simple, clear, direct and uncluttered with irrelevant flashy gimmicks will provide the best experience for your visitors. Think carefully about exactly what kind of information and experience your website is to provide and you will already have won half the website building battle.