Considerations

[J1mmy]

Quite a general, but useful question. What sort of factors should one consider before building a webpage or a website?

[ess]

There are a number of questions one should ask before starting a new project in order to build a website. here are few things you should consider.

1- What is the purpose of the website?
2- Who will be accessing the website? This question may also include things such as Accessibility, Language choice, age group...etc
3- Design and Layout considerations? Use CSS, Tables etc..
4- Is the website going to be static or dynamic? Backed by Database or not.

If you are building a website for a client, there are other questions you should answer together with your client in order to keep things in the clear.
1- Who is responsible for the website content?
2- Who owns the website copy rights? Contents is usually owned by the owner, code...usually owned by the you...the programmer!!. but depends on what you agree on.
3-Who will be responsible to maintain the website? Here, you can specify that contents should be maintained by the owner...whilst code...should be maintained by you, the programmer.
4- Security Considerations? You really need to be specific here about the sort of security considerations you need to agree on with your client. Do a google search on legal agreements etc.

Good Luck.
Ess

[J1mmy]

Im concerned mostly with the design aspect. Is it common for the design of the page to be sketched out on paper before it is actually created, or would one just dive in?

[ess]

This is a matter of choice.

However, if you are a website designer working in a team...most likely, you would be expected to produce your designs using Photoshop.

Also, colour selection must be validated to ensure that people with colour disabilities are able to view your design(s).

Good Luck.
Ess