Yes, I am going to give you the secrets to a great website, as I see it. Others may have different views but this is what I have found that really works.

1. Know what you want the website to do for you before you hire a designer. This seems simple but it can be really daunting. What tasks do you do everyday that eat up your time? Answering basic questions, taking order, making appointments, etc…? What would it be worth to you if your website could do this for you?
2. Know who your target market is and be able to describe them. In other words, who are the people you are trying to reach. If you are an established business, who are your typical clients/customers? How much money to they appear to make? Where do they live? How old are they? What are their hobbies? Not all of these questions apply to every business, just use the ones that apply to yours. And any other information that sets your target market apart from other markets.
3. Figure out what you like and don’t like. Start looking at websites not for the content, but how they are designed. Develop an eye for what you like and don’t like about certain websites. Keep track of these websites and give them to your designer. It is extremely difficult to verbally describe a visual concept. I mean everyone has a different idea of the color red, right? The visuals will help the designer figure out your personal style and design a site that you love.
4. Figure out a budget. Websites vary in complexity so they vary in cost. I can design a basic site for $1200 or I can design a complex site for $10,000. I don’t know what is out of your price range and what isn’t. Keep in mind when figuring out your budget, the more stuff you add or want, the more it is going to cost. Remember you are paying for the designer’s time, since this is a service based industry. Do you argue with your hairstylist about how much their time is worth? Or a plumber?
5. Use a web designer. Yes, we have all seen the commercials and ads for do it your self web sites and we all know someone who has dabbled. We all want to get a great deal or save money, however, the image of your company is an investment. Having a sub par website can actually hurt your business. Web designers are professionals. It is our business to know what are the trends, what works and what doesn’t, and all the design theories.

Any web designer is willing and able to help you along this process.