Smaller web sites may use just a vertical or horizontal navigation system without a secondary navigation level. It is important to note that breaking from these standards are sometimes extremely confusing to users because people have become familiar with these navigation systems. If you do deviate from these standards, make sure it reflects the targeted audience. This is the point where the information you have just documented converts to a living web site. The first step is to sketch out some potential page layouts on a white board or a pad of paper.
Page layouts are the basis for page mock-ups.
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Macromedia Fireworks are great tools to bring your page layouts to life. Individual pages within the site should be very consistent with one another, especially across the major sections. Once you have a few designs that reflect the client s image and suit the target audience, it is time to bring the client in to decide which layout to implement. At this point, the client must sign off on their choice. They must also be informed that from this point forward, it is more difficult to go back and change the navigation, site structure, look and feel, etc.