Whether you do your due diligence and then create your own website or rely on a professional web developer for custom web presence, you will need a comprehensive plan to avoid the pitfalls that lurk along your path.

There are three elements that comprise the ultimate web presence plan: Budget, Function and Scope.

Scope: The volume and breakdown of your website content (text, graphics, etc.)

Function: The degree of interactivity and the extent of expertise and tools used to build it

Budget: The amount that you plan to invest in your web development project

These three elements comprise the Web Design Pyramid. Each of the three both impacts and depends upon the other two.

You can control any two of the three elements, but the third has to vary in proportion.

For example, if you have a very strictly limited budget but require a rather large amount of textual content (scope) on your website, then the function will be limited in proportion – i.e., the site will likely have limited function – i.e., be simply designed and consist of static web pages rather than having programmed interactivity and other “whistles and bells”.

Alternatively, if you require a lot of content and high-end graphics (scope) as well as database searches and flash graphical elements, an online newsletter and e-commerce (function) on the site in order to meet your website goals, then your budget will have to expand to cover these choices.

The realities presented by the Web Design Pyramid will force you to prioritize your plan and decide carefully among the items on your wish list as you work toward web presence.

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This article is the property of the Gilman Group, and it may be shared provided this block is included and proper credit is given. Pam Hoffman is the owner of the Gilman Group, Web Presence and Marketing firm in Glen Rock, PA. (www.gilmangroup.com). Their clients span the globe and come from many different industries. If you are considering a new website or a website makeover, consider the Gilman Group (800-317-5145).