Needs Analysis for Webmasters - The Essentials
August 14, 2007 – 2:43 pmAs a consultant/webmaster, I have conducted many needs analysis sessions. I find that a needs analysis session is critical if you want to provide an accurate proposal. Following is the essential information you need.
Contact Information
You should have an area for the contact information of the person performing the needs analysis and the client.
The person doing the needs analysis should provide:
- Name
- Primary Contact Phone Number
- Address
- Date
The client should provide:
- Main contact person name (the person who will receive the proposal)
- Name of the decision maker
- Primary contact phone number for both
- Secondary contact phone number for both
- Best time to reach for both
- Address for both
- Current website if any
- Fax
- Preferred method of contact for both
- Referred By? or How did you hear about us?
Feasibility
What is your estimated budget range? This is critical. If they object, inform them that you provide a wide range of services. This information is needed to determine what type of proposal you will present.
What is the estimated deadline date you would like your website to be online?
Company Description and Expectations
What is the purpose of your business? Find out why they are in business and what is their business model.
What outcome do you expect after adding a web site? This is a general overview to gain a understanding of their expectations.
Who is your market? Help the client understand that the website will be designed primarily for their market.
What will your customers expect from your site? Find out what their clients would be interested in doing with the website.
Web Site Style
Do you have a color scheme? If they do, make sure to get the specific color codes.
Do you have a specific style you want to incorporate into your web site? Sometimes the style must conform with other existing marketing materials.
Are there any websites that you would like to incorporate their style? This gives you an idea on the clients taste.
Who are your competitors? Research the competition and use their strengths and weaknesses in your proposal.
Web Site Content
Do you have existing content for your web site? If so, obtain it.
Will you need assistance creating content for your site?
How would you describe your product to a novice and your customer? The keywords obtained from this questions will help you research their industry.
Do you have awards, recognitions, magazine articles, or other information we can include or link to your site? If so, get copies.
Web Site Specifications
What is your domain name? If they don’t have one, then have them list the top three.
Do you have a hosting company? If yes, get the name and ask if they are willing to change if necessary.
Are you (or will you be) selling products online? If yes, which products/services will you sell online? Obtain a list of products/services whether they will be sold online or not.
Do you have a merchant account?
Additional Notes
Do you have any additional comments you would like to add?
Are there any other questions that you find essential?