1. Work through a Web Site Planning Process and define a Web Site Plan

2. Develop a design plan that states:

• what you want the site's design to achieve (e.g., easy to navigate, stimulating)
  
• the personality / tone of your site (e.g., formal and professional vs. fun and friendly)
  
• the look and feel of the site (e.g., neon colors with lots of graphics vs. simple and stark)

3. Outline the content of your site: what information or resources you'll offer in order to meet the needs of target audiences and achieve the results you want

4. Define how you want visitors to interact with the site (e.g., opportunities for feedback, interaction, creativity)

5. Chart the organization of the Web site: the primary sections (e.g., information, services, people) and subsections and how they will be linked

6. Define what should appear on every page (e.g., your logo, primary navigation links, contact information, copyright)

7. Develop a prototype design: a draft template for the home page and the first page of each major section

8. Test the prototype on different browsers and platforms (Mac, Windows, UNIX)

9. Get feedback on all of the above and modify as necessary to make sure there's consensus and commitment

10. Obtain formal approval or sign-off on a final prototype

11. Create the individual pages and add content

12. Test the site on different browsers and test all links

13. Ask selected individuals, including representatives of target audiences to try the site and give you feedback

14. Revise as needed, and test on different browsers/platforms again

15. Put the site up on your server, test it in the real world and revise as needed

16. Obtain final approval.

17. Launch the site, have a party and announce it to the world!

Also see WebResults' suggested principles for designing Web sites and principles for designing individual Web pages.