Starting a website redesign can be a daunting task.  Personally, I like to think of it in three parts: visual identity, information architecture, and technical specifications.  And conceptually, that is great, what does it look like practically?  Many people put together a long and detailed website RFP (Request for Proposals) to solicit quotes.  While the grant writer in me sees a certain karmic justice in writing an RFP for someone else to respond to, the pragmatist in me doesn’t see the point.  That being said, it is very important to organize your goals and needs into some sort of written outline.  The important elements of that outline would include… Organization and Project Information Organization Description Start with a brief paragraph about your organization that includes: Date founded Mission statement Brief synopsis of major programs Remember that the audience of this summary are potential web designers and they don’t

Ah, websites.  They are often your organization’s first impression to a potential donor or volunteer and so they are a critical online resource.  And, unlike in the early days of the internet, your website needs to be updated and refreshed every few years to keep up with the times.  At every nonprofit that I have worked at, the thought of this process is a cause for groans and grimaces, because it’s a huge investment of time and money. For me, the best way to manage a big on-going project like this is to get out in front of it and spend some time thinking and planning.  To help organize the project, I think of it in terms of a three-legged stool. Before I talk more about the three legs, some words of wisdom... “If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up someplace else.” ― Yogi Berra