When people hear “Web site” they immediately think of its design, the flash and the wow-factor. ButWeb sites aremade up ofmany interrelated components that are dependent on your specific business and goals.

Although every business has its own Web site vision, most sites have a basic set of components that need to be included and issues that need to be addressed regardless of the business:

Design elements: Design elements define a Web site’s look and feel. They include layout (e.g., minimalist, spacious, multi-columned), typography (e.g., traditional, modern, unconventional), and color scheme (e.g., bold, subdued, monochromatic).

Site navigation: Site navigation type defines the logical organization of content. It’s the mechanism by which users navigate from one location to another. Common navigation types include tiered menus (parent-child), sequential menus (brothersister), and site maps (overview).

Site navigation mechanism: The manner in which the navigation is carried out and represented. Common navigation mechanisms include static menus, dropdown menus, and pop-up windows. Whatever mechanism you choose, it must remain consistent throughout the site. Don’t use a drop-down menu on one page and a pop-up window in another.

Site and content architecture: Site and content architecture defines the physical organization components (such as applications and databases) and content. Site administration, manageability, and security will greatly influence your architecture.

Content: The content you wish to present to users. This can include information about your company’s history, employees, and mission; information about your products and/or services; a portfolio of work; a list of past projects and clients; and contact information.

Content formats: The format of your content. Common Web site content formats include text, images, PDF files, and audio and video files.

Style and tone of content: The style of your design elements and the tone of your Web copy will define the overall mood of your Web site. Style and tone can be formal, casual, humorous, or offbeat.

Optional components: In addition to the basic components described above, you can also make use of many other Web site features: blogs, streaming media, online chatting, search engine, search engine optimization plan, interactive applications, electronic shopping cart (for e-commerce sites), just to name a few.

The following checklist will help you piece together the anatomy of your Web site (Note: If you already have a Web site, and are undergoing a site redesign, some components can be reused or retrofitted):