Tips

2025-08-29

Design, content, modules... where to start when building a website?

You don't need to have completed the whole thing to get started. But there is a logical order to follow to avoid getting lost along the way. Just follow the guide.

Design, contenu, modules… par quoi commencer quand on veut un site ? | What The Web

No need for a 10-page brief

When we decide to create a website, we often ask ourselves: "But... what exactly do we start with? Design? The text? The logo?"

The truth is, there isn't ONE right method. But there is a common sense way to avoid getting tangled up. And above all, to avoid wasting time (and money).

At What The Web, we've helped dozens of SSE organizations create or redesign their websites. Here's how we recommend laying the foundations - gently.

Start by telling us who you are

Before thinking "site", think message. What do you want to say? To whom? And for what purpose?

We recommend that you ask yourself the following questions:

  • Who is your main audience (users, partners, volunteers, elected representatives, etc.)?

  • What do you want them to understand in 10 seconds?

  • What do you want them to do next (read, sign up, make a donation...)?

Once this is clear, the site becomes a tool, not a headache.

Next: content

You don't have to write everything out. But have an idea of the major content blocks you want to display:

  • a clear presentation of your structure,

  • what you do, for whom and where,

  • how to contact or support you.

List the main pages and mandatory content (legal notices, articles of association, partners, RGPD...). Even in bulk, this is a valuable foundation.

Then design (with you, or for you)

Once the background has been established, it's time to think about the form.
There are several options, depending on your means:

  • You have a graphic charter → we adapt to it.

  • You only have a logo → we build around it.

  • You're starting from scratch → we propose a coherent, simple and impactful DA.

Design serves your message. Not the other way around. And it can evolve later if need be.

Finally: à la carte modules

This is often the part where structures get lost: "We want a calendar, a map, a forum, registrations, a chatbot..."

Take a breath.

List what's really useful right now for your audience. The rest can come later. At What The Web, we offer plenty of modules that can be activated when you're ready:

  • agenda, interactive map, form, database, online donation, members' area, etc.

Start simple, add as you go.

A site is built like a project

You don't need to have it all figured out to get started.
But you do need a clear intention, a minimum of content, and a little time to devote to it.
We're here to support you every step of the way.

What The Web

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