It is important to see what the clients objectives for a site are and what a successful sight looks like to them. It is important to formulate a plan that incorporates what is required and what is actually achievable. A great project is best planned by collaboration and great relationships with the client and team.
It is important to look at other sites that have been made inside the industry. This can give you a good insight on what is successful and what is not. Doing this can also help to avoid missing something that could have been used on the sight.
It is important to plan for your site to be more than just a site for the client. The plan should incorporate the ability to have growth and new technology in use. It's much harder to make changes on a site once it has already been programed and implemented without future planning.