Although the Site plan is discussed in some detail throughout the course books I thought it may be useful to include the following considerations when drafting up a site plan.
When obtaining details from a prospective client for whom you will be building a website it is important to obtain the following information in its most basic form:

1.  Does the client already have a domain name and web hosting? - Otherwise this will need
     to be initialised by the web designer and charged for accordingly.  The amount of          webspace required and features needed will be dependant upon the size and complexity      of the site.
     This will also be reflected in the costings.


2.  Does the client intend to provide the page content (text/images etc) and if so, how?
     (floppy disc, cd etc)
     I.e. will this content be provided in the correct format suitable for web pages.
     For example: If the images and logos for the client are not in .gif or .jpg format these will
     require reformatting and graphic software will need to be utilised in this process.


3.  Does the client have an existing company 'Brochure' which they wish to have as the
     overall 'style' for the website.
     This can be highly advantageous as a starting point to maintaining the company image
     profile.
     The colour schemes and general font style can then be detailed in accordance with the
     company Brochure.


4.  Once the general information has been gathered in and an idea of how many pages the
     website is likely to have has been ascertained, then a more detailed siteplan may be
     drafted up as well as a more accurate idea of costings.
     Once the initial pages and layout have been completed, it is always prudent to show the
     client how things are taking shape, in the form of a 'proof'. Let the client make the
     necessary basic style or layout changes early on in the building phase by showing
     examples to them.
     Several attempts may be necessary to settle upon a design which is both achievable and      the client is content with.


5.  Who will be providing the 'updates' or 'edits' for the website?
     In the case of larger companies it is usual for a member of their own staff to update      pages.
     This will entail creating templates with non-editable regions, such that the pages may      only be edited in specific areas.
     (After all, you wouldn't want someone to inadvertantly delete the company logo from the
     page!) The other thing to mention here is that if the client will be updating pages within      their own firm, Instruction of an FTP program will be essential. There are many free FTP      programs available for which you could provide to your client for future use.
     Download Ftp Explorer Here


6.  In the case that you will be updating the site and providing edits to pages, a suitable      update charge contract will need to be put in place. (Be very realistic about this. Do not      undo all the good work by overcharging!). The client will be reliant upon you to act      swiftly and maintain their website with current updates. This will become an ongoing      relationship for the life of the website. You will be responsible for ensuring the client      website is fully operational at all times. Also ensuring that the re-registration fees for      Domain name and Hosting charges are paid and invoiced on to the client accordingly.