What should I know before applying for a Turkey visa?

I’m planning a possible trip to Turkey and have started looking into the visa process, but I’m finding different information depending on where I look. I’d like to understand the basic application steps, what details need to be prepared, and whether the process changes based on nationality or the purpose of the visit. I’m also trying to avoid booking anything too early before I know which requirements apply to me. The Turkey Visa Information page looks like a useful starting point for understanding the application process. If anyone has recently applied, what did you check first, and was there anything you wish you had known before starting?