01 · Start here
Purpose and target audience
Before choosing colors, code, or hosting, decide what the website is supposed to accomplish and who it is supposed to help.
Plain meaning
A website is a tool. Its purpose is the job it should do for the business. Its audience is the people who need that job done.
Why this matters
When the purpose is unclear, a site becomes a collection of pages instead of a useful experience. A clear purpose helps you decide what to include, what to leave out, and what visitors should do next.
Ask these five questions
- Who are we trying to help?
- What problem are they trying to solve?
- What do we want them to understand?
- What action should they take next?
- How will we know the site is working?
Simple example
Weak purpose: “We need a website.”
Clear purpose: “Help local buyers find available vehicles, understand financing options, and contact HRM Auto quickly.”
Clear purpose: “Help local buyers find available vehicles, understand financing options, and contact HRM Auto quickly.”
Next step
Write one sentence using this pattern:
“This website helps [audience] do [important task] so they can [desired result].”