The Site Design
The main aim toward designing a website for any organisation would be to create a web presence on the World Wide Web (WWW). Some other objectives to consider toward achieving an effective design would include -

- To build and develop a site that will adequately promote the products and services of the organisation.

- To create an interactive design that will provide site users with information that is strategically positioned and readily available.

- To create a website that makes use of Relative Database Management System (RDBMS) to capture information about prospective clients e.g. online registrations, etc.

- To create a site using the latest available Internet technologies so as to enable an organisation generate more business.

Beside these objectives, you should try to identify the potential readers of the site being designed, so that the site can be structured to meet their needs and expectations.

During the design process, consideration for some other issues need to be made, such as browsers and operating systems the site should support, network bandwidth of average site visitor, the use of dynamic HTML and advanced features, database support, and audiovisual content.

Flash and Graphics
Create high quality flash designs that leap out and grab the attention of your site visitors. However, putting a flash element into your website design should be considered carefully as flash files are usually quite large and can often impede the download of the site onto a users browser.

The use of flash objects for a site should be specific and targeted to meet a particular need; they should also provide the option for the user to be able to skip the flash intro. A flash design should be fully interactive so that it fully involves your customer in the experience.

It cannot be overstated the importance of graphics in attracting the attention of any audience that may be visiting your site. When a browser arrives at your site, they do not want to be greeted by plain text on a dull background. Instead, they expect images and colours to brighten up and enhance the experience.

Database Systems
A relative database management system (RDMS) allows for the addition, access, and processing of data stored in a computer database. A database is usually used for the online manipulation and update of data that would be used.

For an interactive and dynamic web presence, you might need a database configured and installed. For example you might want to be able to receive customer information and donations online or perhaps simply have a guest book of visitors and members that are visiting the site.

A web site that interacts with a database allows data to be displayed within web pages. Changes to the data can be made directly without the intervention of the web designers allowing establishments to be self sufficient and quick in changes to market forces.

E-commerce
In the 21st century the quick and reliable transfer of information has become essential for all business relations. Many companies realise that by lowering operating costs and increasing customer support they can find the winning solution when it comes to the Internet.

Organisations need to re-evaluate their models and allocate resources to web-enable their enterprises. An online e-commerce storefront will not only allow customers to view and purchase products, but can save printing, mailing, telephone, communication and even rental costs.

E-commerce transforms your business into an effective online communication system through which customer, vendor and merchant alike are empowered. E-commerce is not just another sales channel for your product, but it is also a means to enhance the customer experience through useful information and 24 hour purchasing power.

Online Merchant Accounts
In order to accept payments online via your website by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc), it is necessary to have a merchant account. With your personal account you can send payments to and receive payments from anyone with an email address. Business accounts can send and receive payments, and also accept credit card payments.

All your sensitive transaction data comes protected with Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology. Make giving online easy and customers will want to buy. Your customers can purchase as many items as they want, whenever they want.

Products that are selected online are processed automatically by clients entering the order information themselves and having it processed securely, in real time automatically.

Internet Marketing
Your website should be an integral part of all marketing campaigns and corporate communications programs, and the URL for your site should appear on every piece of correspondence and marketing collateral your organisation generates.

Many Organisations at some point have to spend money on marketing. But in a lot of cases the money spent on marketing doesn’t go in the right places for a number of reasons. Well, how do you know where the right place is? ASK and ANALYSE.

Ask. Any time your company sells a product or offers a service, ASK that person how they heard about you. You can do this several ways; if a company is small enough they can simply ask verbally. If the company is larger, after any product is shipped, or service is rendered, it can be followed with a brief questionnaire.

Analyse. You should always have access to statistics vital to your business success. One example is your company web site.