A website should not be seen as a cost; it should be seen as a tool  to add value to your business and provide a return on your     investment. The better the site - the more business it will bring in.

Here's what we think makes a great website and also some suggestions for some elements that should be considered when designing or updating  your website...

As with any project you start, gathering essential information upfront is not only beneficial to a successful deliverable but will also save you and your client plenty of headaches throughout the process and pave the way to a lasting and trusting relationship. The more information you have equals the smoother the project goes — which in turn sets the tone for a good designer/client relationship.

Some of the questions below can be applied to more then just website design so some can be used in designing anything...

Most websites are as lifeless as the circuit boards they were built on. Lifeless, dry, dull, uninspiring, devoid of personality, and completely lacking charm and appeal.
We ] need to work harder than ever to ensure that business sites are interesting and different.
Why is it so hard to add a little spice to a website? We need to connect your business to potential customers at some level.
Unless your business is in a niche market, then there is probably a number of bigger businesses with bigger marketing budgets that can be seen in more places providing the same service or product as you. But your business has something they don't have...
You.
Your customers may not have come to your company originally because of you, or maybe they did - based on a recommendation. But they almost certainly WILL keep coming back because of you, so you need to show YOU in YOUR companys website.
...And if you want your customers to give you personal stuff like their address and maybe even their credit card details if you want thenm to purchase eventually, then is it too much to ask that your website reveals something in return?

Clients often want a particular colour for their logo, brochure or website - but its dificult to quantify exactly the right colour without some sort of system.

Designers have always used the Pantone system to give a wide variety of colour options but consistently.

Having a well designed communication is not always enough to convince users to commit to purchase or even to respond by getting in touch. Even if a user can do it, doesn't mean that they will. To be successful, the design must go beyond aesthetic, accessible, readable and functional and focus on Persuasive Design. The design must motivate the reader by taking advantage of persuasive tactics that will make them interact - by phone, email or purchase. The most persuasive designs focus on making users feel comfortable about making decisions and helping them act on them.