Set up a small business website

There are many ways to plan content and information architecture for a website. Depending on the size of your site, you may use one or more tools and techniques, such as:

• sitemaps
• content inventories
• content mapping
• card sorting
• paper sketches

What are sitemaps?

Sitemap diagrams are graphic tools that can help you to:

• visualise the relationships between pages on your website
• ensure the right flow between pages
• spot gaps in content
• develop your website design around content, rather than the other way around
• encourage team collaboration and allocation of content creation
• identify potential issues that could affect content creation and project deadlines

You can draw up a sitemap or a page hierarchy in a Word document, on a spreadsheet, or use one of many free tools available online. This will allow you to spot gaps, plan user journeys and assign content owners.

See examples of sitemap documents or browse online to find more.

Build a content inventory

A content inventory can help you examine the scope and purpose of each page on the site. It can be time-consuming to create but useful if you are relaunching an existing site, as it will help you to:

• record and analyse each item of content that you have
• establish how well it performs
• segment your content types and work out how best to present them

Find out more about content inventory.

Content mapping steps

Content mapping is a visual technique that can help you plan your website content. It is a method that combines:

• defining and analysing your business goals
• profiling your audience and their needs
• mapping content to goals and users
• prioritising by hierarchy

By carrying out these activities, you can produce content maps for your site and work out which content should feature. Content mapping can help you explore and visualise your content, and its effectiveness and root it in clearly defined business goals. You can also use simple card sorting and paper sketches to organise your content according to hierarchy. 

When choosing your method of content planning, consider the size and type of your website. Simple brochure sites may just need sketches; complex sites benefit from full mapping.

When to start planning content?

Content creation takes time, a strategic approach and often many revisions. Plan it alongside design to prevent delays and cost overruns during development.