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 You want a web site for your business but don't know where to begin. Please remember - your web site represents YOU and/or YOUR COMPANY and can be a very effective marketing tool. Here are some tips and suggestions you may wish to consider before you jump into the fray!
Try to have a 'WISH LIST' BEFORE you approach a web designer. If you have a good idea of what you want and don't want, you will save time and money. (Not to mention - make your web designer happy!) Here are a few suggestions to help get you started on your 'wish list'.
- Take a look at competitor web sites - think about what you like and don't like in what you see. Was information easy to find or did you run around in circles. Were photos slow to load? Not everyone is on high-speed connection. Make a note of web sites that you particularly like.
- Decide what colours you like? What colours represent your company or organization? Do you wish a whole new look? Bright? Soft? Inviting or startling? Just like watching TV, colours do affect site visitors.
- Consider who your audience will be? Young. Old. Rich. Poor. Non-techi's. Computer nerds?
- Think about why someone would visit your web site? To find out information about your company or organization? Your product or service? Many people today use the web to do research on a product/service before they contact the company. Companies use their web site to expand on their advertising. Saves time and money for all involved.
- Would you like customers/clients to 'buy' your product or service on-line? Or perhaps your service demands 'face-to-face'. Or you prefer 'face-to-face' and find it a better way to do business.
- Check (if you can) with others in your area who have a web site. Are they happy with their web site designer? Was (or is) communication good with that person? Did their web designer take the time to explain the 'what and why' of web development and promotion? In plain language?
- Words are important - who will write the text on your site? Do you wish to include a lot of information? Can you do it? Do you have an employee who seems to have a way with words? This can affect the cost of your site if you need web authoring.
- Do you want to do the 'upkeep' of your site yourself? Do you have an employee who can do maintenance? How much training does that employee need to do the job? Will it affect the rest of their responsibilities and be a burden to that employee? What if that employee leaves your company? Would it be better to simply have your web designer do maintenance/updates as well. Consider the cost and time - either way.
- Put together a realistic budget taking into account hosting, site development, maintenance, etc. An old saying, still very true today - you get what you pay for!
- FINALLY - TAKE YOUR TIME!
Here is a 'Plan Before You Pay' questionnaire to help you plan your web site. It is in 'pdf' format and you will need Acrobat Reader to view and print. If you do not have Acrobat Reader on your computer, you can download it free here: 
Should you need additional information, please contact me.
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