There are the basic elements of design that all desktop publishers know, but the similarity between print publishing and web developing ends there. The web has its own unique restraints: colour limitations, screen resolution and graphic file size just to name a few.

Think of a website as being just like a piece of software-it does something, unlike a brochure. So, because it does something and is interactive, the primary goal should be a user-interface design, not necessarily a work of art. The site needs to be designed with the end goal in mind. The home page should draw the audience in, not overwhelm them with information. The layout should be simple and the text brief, and above all, the design of the site should be easily navigable.

Branding
Branding is essential at this stage of the development. Branding is more than just ensuring that customers recognize a logo or product name. Branding means creating an emotional association (such as the feeling of success, happiness, or relief) that customers forms with the product, service, or company. There are two basic techniques for branding: direct experience and indirect messaging.

The key to understanding branding on web sites is that web sites are interactive, not passive. Assuming that users visit web sites for a specific purpose, the better the site fulfils that purpose, the better the direct experience.

Text
Use only the most compelling information. Add headings and bold text, where appropriate, to make reading easy. Reproducing existing brochures or other documents on the Web usually doesn't work well. Time is short and people have short attention spans and therefore don't relish reading copious text on a computer screen. The length of a web page should be limited to three screens. If lengthy documents need to be included, break them up into sections with headings. Have an index or table of contents at the top of the page, with bookmarks to each section.

Graphics
Graphics are key to a website. They can turn a well-written, informative yet non-gripping site into an easily readable, visually pleasing experience. Graphics are essential to the home page to draw in the reader's attention and from there repeating a few elements introduced on the homepage. But remember, with graphics on the web, smaller is better. Use graphics to enhance the site, but minimize graphics file sizes whenever possible. Include only those images that add value. Not every photo needs to be in colour; not every catalogue item needs a picture; not every picture needs to be full size.

Programming
Web sites can be created on a text editor such as Notepad or on a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) programme such as Dreamweaver, Frontpage or GoLive. HTML is the basic language that is used to create web pages. Other languages that are used are DHTML, Java, Javascript, XML, Perl -these are used to make the site interactive (forms, shopping carts) and more dynamic looking (scrolling text etc).

These are the things that are obviously needed in order to create a website. But there will be many more challenges along the way before you are able to proudly present your website to the world. Things such as: Cross Browser Optimisation, Site Navigation and Site Optimisation (making the site Search Engine Friendly) are all extremely important and yet quite often overlooked.