How do you guys handle presenting site layouts or maps to clients?

[webwalker]

I'm creating a web site for an associate I use to work with. I'm going to create a site map to help me to figure out a way to layout the information for the site. I wanted to know if anyone could tell me how to best layout the site map and how to best present it to the client for approval. Should I email it to the client to look at it and approve it or should I go and sit with the client and go through the whole site map? Or is there another way that I could go through the layout of info with the client in cases when I can't go to the clients residence or if I'm not in the same city or state as the client?

Webwalker

p.s. I'd prefer a way that would allow me to not have to travel but if its considered the best way I will.

[nvision]

Hi webwalker, welcome to WebmasterWorld.

Why not post it on the web and talk the client through it on the phone?

[JamesR]

I usually collect the data that is going to be on the site, divide it into logical categories and create a navigational structure. You can do this on paper and present it to your client.

[sem4u]

Take a look at a couple of site maps from competing sites sitesm, and sites such as Apple and AOL to see what you do and don't like.

Then I would arrange products into groups and have a 'corporate section' e.g. about us, investor information, contacts page, etc.

It can then be put online so that the client can see. Once approved, link from the home page :)

[Brett_Tabke]

I have to agree with James there. If you are going to meet in person, a good set of story boards can go a long way. Don't just set at the computer and poke buttons - they need to see something tangible they can touch.

If it is on the computer, send it to them in a pdf. A good chart of the flow of the site with green $$$ around the money pages can go a long way.