Should I Make A Business Plan For A Website?

[Matt Willard]

So recently I've been wondering if I could use a little more organization in terms of developing my website (which is Eccentric Video Game Reviews.) I see it as a business I'm trying to get off the ground, so it's led me to wonder if I need a business plan. I was glancing over the business plan at the Small Business Administration and my first thought was, "Okay, this feels like too much. This looks pretty complicated for something like a website."

So, I'd like some advice on this problem. Should I go ahead and commit to making a business plan? How complex does it need to be? If I don't need a plan, what should I still keep in mind to accomplish as I'm trying to get this in motion?

[Daffy Duck]

I don't have an answer for you, but I wanted to mention that I really enjoy your reviews.

[JAX]

I would say yes, it is always a great idea to know where you are headed. I have a business outline for my site, it keeps me on course and I can make changes along the way. My outline isn't as detailed as some, but it's perfect for my needs. I used SBI to build my site and also got the business plan and website plan from them. Go to the site at this link SiteSell.com, E-business Success. Simple. Real.
then go to the top and hit site map, then scroll down to the action guide. It's a free resource and will give you some great tips. There are other free resources that could be helpful to you.

JAX

[Chris Cade]

You don't need a traditional business plan at this point... it's probably overkill.

You should make some effort though to:

1) Identify competitors
2) Identify your revenue streams
3) Identify growth opportunities (especially partnerships & JVs)

You'll want to have some idea where you're headed. The most important things is just to have it outside your head so that if/when you want to refer to it, you can.

[Gemini15]

A business plan is just an operational manual for working on your business. It makes you think about it. Some guidelines for business plans are complex, they don't need to be.

Once you have done the business plan, show it to a few people who have had business success and ask them for their thoughts. If they find some areas which don't demonstrate business viability that is ok. Go back and review your plan and work it.

You should review your business plan every 6 months, that is if your business is important to you.

Most people work in their business. You need to work on your business.

Hope this helps

Good Luck

[Matt Willard]

Originally Posted by Daffy Duck

I don't have an answer for you, but I wanted to mention that I really enjoy your reviews.

Thanks! Glad you enjoy them.

Originally Posted by JAX

I would say yes, it is always a great idea to know where you are headed. I have a business outline for my site, it keeps me on course and I can make changes along the way. My outline isn't as detailed as some, but it's perfect for my needs. I used SBI to build my site and also got the business plan and website plan from them. Go to the site at this link SiteSell.com, E-business Success. Simple. Real.
then go to the top and hit site map, then scroll down to the action guide. It's a free resource and will give you some great tips. There are other free resources that could be helpful to you.

Actually, I am on SBI right now XD But I'm not sure if I got those specific resources. I'll give it a check.

Originally Posted by Gemini15

Most people work in their business. You need to work on your business.

How appropriate that I just finished reading The E-Myth Revisted! It helped spurn my question about making a business plan. I'll definitely keep the idea in mind.

[ssandra]

Originally Posted by Chris Cade

1) Identify competitors
2) Identify your revenue streams
3) Identify growth opportunities (especially partnerships & JVs)

I would add:

4) Marketing plan (how to get trafic, and more trafic)
5) Identify customers (who are they, what age, what do they like, what would they want to see more off, what don't they like etc).
6) Financial statements: what are your costs vs your income (=profit)
7) Mission statement (what is the ultimate goal of your website, why this website)
8) exit strategy

And indeed, check it every 6 months or every year and see if things have changed and if that means that you will need to change your website as well.

The site that I use for my business plan is QuickMBA: Accounting, Business Law, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Management, Marketing, Operations, Statistics, Strategy just search keyword business plan.

You can probably delete 50% of the things that they state, but off the other 50% there might be 50% that you have not thought of yet.

I would go over it and see what is relevant for your business. You are the only one who knows.

Good luck.