Web sites are being used as media tools.  From logos to message points, downloading information from a website enables employees to jumpstart marketing and communication from anywhere in the world.

Here are some basics to think about when designing (or re-designing) your site:

1. What are your site's goals?
2. Who is your target audience and what are their needs?
3. What is your key message?
4. Do you have a site that will support future growth?
5. What is your ideal site structure - or, what pages would you like your site to have?
6. Do you have established branding (logo, brand colors, brand message)?
7. Do you have text/content for the site or do you need assistance from a copywriter who has experience writing for the web?

To go one step further when designing your website, here is a step, by step guide of the website design process:

1. Initiate Plan:
   Set goals.  Establish a project team.  Identify audiences.  Define key message.  Revisit positioning.  Set priorities.  Rough out a project plan.  Define success.
2. Build Groundwork:
   Conduct competitive audit.  Gather data about audience.  Consider content sources.  Explore technological issues.  Assess resources for ongoing site updates.  Evaluate existing site.  Revisit goals and set strategies.
3. Define Structure:
   Outline content.  Define logical relationships.  Put together likes/dislikes.
4. Prepare Content:
   Define editorial workflow.  Set timeline.  Identify existing content.  Rewrite text for web. 
5. Create Visual Design:
   Color palette, tone, metaphor.  Layout of key screens.  Integration of media.
6. Develop Technical Design:
   Strategy for data integration.  Static vs. dynamic screens.  Content management option.  Quality assurance testing plan.  Security and scalability.  Technical specifications.  Prototyping and testing.  Locking featured set.
7. Finalize Development:
   Production of screen graphics.  Development of HTML templates.  Content freeze.  Inserting content.  Approval of beta site.  Test of beta site.  Revisions based on test findings.
8. Launch and Maintain:
   Promote site launch.  Complete style guide.  Develop maintenance plan.  Monitor logs and user paths.  Measure success.  Test ongoing usability.

Remember, a website is an ongoing process.  It is never complete.  It should be updated regularly to keep customers and potential customers coming back.