When it comes to building a website, one of the most important things you can do is establish clear goals. Goals are the compass that keeps you on track as you navigate through the process of creating or improving your website. Whether you’re deciding on a design direction, determining content, or debating functionality, your goals will bring you back to a logical and focused approach.
Think of it this way: your website is a tool. Like any tool, it needs to serve a purpose, and that purpose is determined by what you want to achieve. Goals drive the structure of your site, while your audience determines the language and content. By keeping things relatable, intentional, and on-brand, your website can work harder for you—and for your audience.
Why Do Website Goals Matter?
Website goals give you direction. They help you avoid falling into the trap of adding unnecessary features or filling your site with content that doesn’t serve your business or your audience. Every decision you make should be tied back to a clear goal. For example:
- Should we include a blog? Well, is one of your goals to educate your audience or improve SEO rankings? If yes, then a blog makes sense.
- Do we need e-commerce? Only if selling products or services online is a primary goal for your business.
- Should we include testimonials? If building trust with potential clients is a priority, then absolutely.
When you know your goals, you can make smarter decisions that keep your website focused and effective.
Sample Website Goals and Functions Support Them
When creating a website, it’s important to align your goals with the right features and functionality to make your site effective. Here are some common website goals paired with the functions that can help achieve them:
- Increase Online Sales
Pair your e-commerce goals with features like an intuitive shopping cart, secure payment systems, and product filters to make it easy for customers to browse and buy. - Build Trust with Your Audience
Include a “Testimonials” or “Success Stories” section, display certifications, or add a customized story/history on the “About Us” page to humanize your business and establish credibility. - Generate Leads
Use strategically placed call-to-action buttons like “Get a Free Quote” or “Contact Us,” alongside forms to collect contact information from visitors. Also, consider a free giveaway (often a digital product) in exchange for an email address. - Provide Value Through Education
Develop a resource library or blog with well-organized categories and valuable content like guides, videos, or FAQs to position yourself as a helpful expert. - Simplify Customer Communication
Add features like live chat, clear contact forms, or a comprehensive FAQ page to make it easy for your audience to reach you and find answers to their questions. - Strengthen Your Brand
Use a custom design that reflects your logo, color palette, and brand tone across the entire site, ensuring a consistent and professional look and feel.
By combining your goals with the right tools and features, your website will not only look great but will actively support your business objectives. Every decision, from design to functionality, should be driven by your goals and audience needs, ensuring your website works hard for you.
Balance Your Goals with Your Audience’s Needs
While it’s important to stay focused on your goals, don’t forget about the people who will be using your website—your audience. Your goals should align with what your audience needs from you.
For example:
- If you’re an artist looking to sell your work online, your audience needs a clean and simple shopping experience, not a cluttered homepage filled with text.
- If you’re a non-profit, your audience needs to quickly understand your mission and find ways to get involved, like donating or volunteering.
Always write your content and structure your website with your audience in mind. Keep your language relatable and easy to understand. Avoid industry jargon unless your audience expects it, and always aim to answer the question, “What’s in it for them?”
The Value of Professional Support
This goal outline is a fantastic place to start, but calling in professionals can elevate your website from good to great. At Frolic, we understand the nuances of creating websites that perform. Whether it’s SEO optimization, accessibility compliance, or aligning with current web standards, our marketing and design team is confident in delivering a website that works for you—and your audience.
We offer full-service website packages where we do the heavy lifting. From a comprehensive intake interview to final review sessions, we handle everything in between. You only need to be available for key feedback moments. Ready to leave the rest to us? Let’s create something amazing together.
Start Goal Setting!
Your website should work as hard for your business as you do. By setting clear goals and focusing on your audience’s needs, you can build a site that’s not just beautiful but functional too. Take the time to plan it out, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the pros at Frolic when you’re ready to bring your vision to life. After all, your goals deserve a website that can achieve them.
Need help getting started? Contact Frolic today to discuss your website project!