Wireframes are simply line drawings that show placements of elements on a web site. You can save yourself a tremendous amount of time by editing the layout of a simple wireframe at the start of the design process instead of trying a complex design later.

Wireframes are a great way to start a website project. It allows you and your client to focus on the layout and not the distractions of color, type and other design elements. You can do this by focusing concentration of what goes where on the page and the percentage of the space that the element takes up. All this can be determined by your client’s needs.

How to build Wireframes
Building a text only version of the site with working links but without graphic detail is how you build wireframes. When links are followed through it provides you with a real feel for how the information on your site connects with how the site will flow. This will enable you to pinpoint the potential problems that you might have later on and once you have added content to the site. This technique should make you focused on the content first and foremost and it is very helpful.

Once you have got that added and out of the way you can start to add the wireframe skin that will support the content. Wireframe skin means the Graphic content.

Steps that are included in order are first creating the wireframe, second adding your content, and lastly start laying out the pages using image placeholders. Wireframes are definitely not the most exciting part of designing a website but when it is implemented as part of your design process, it can prove itself to be very valuable.

For you as the designer, it will help you focus on the marketing message that you are trying to communicate within the site. This way it opens up channels of communication with your client and produces a more effective site.