The number and range of organisations developing a Web site is growing rapidly. Many of these Web sites are developed in-house, even though the skills and resources required for developing a successful site may not be available. It is argued that some of the limitations, in terms of resources and skills, inherent in the small-scale, in-house development environment can be overcome through the adoption of an informal Web site development model and suitable usability methods. Presents an informal development model synthesised from a review of development case studies and published Web research literature. This model identifies the main stages and tasks of development. A review of information gathering and usability methods currently being employed is integrated into the model. The importance of understanding user and information provider needs is discussed. A number of common usability methods are then examined in greater detail. The appropriateness of the model and methods for the small-scale, in-house development environment is considered.