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These days it is vital for most businesses to have a web
site, even if it is just to promote your business’ information.
Whether your business is new or not, a web site is almost a
necessity for communicating your product or service today. Not
everyone will sell via the Internet and thus may not require a
“shopping basket” function. However, important information such as
what your business offers, the experience, and how you set yourself
apart from the competition, are important, as is contact
information. Though in the past 10 or so years it has become
somewhat easier for the average person to build and launch a web
site, at typically $5 per month, now the issue is finding the right
web site home. Cost is only one consideration, as most web sites are
affordable.
Other than cost, other considerations in launching your site
are disk space, bandwidth, and domain.
Disk Space
The web site host server carries your web site and its
contents. Ensure the host site offers enough space for all your
pages and content. Though it may be small to start with, your
business and web site needs may grow, and they may do so quickly. A
web site host with unlimited space is the best offering available.
Bandwidth
Data transfer is the basic definition of bandwidth. Bandwidth
affects the host server’s trafficking of web content. Without
sufficient bandwidth, a site may be undeliverable or even shut down.
Ensure your host web site offers unlimited bandwidth to counteract
issues as your business and web site grow.
Domain
Eventually your business may grow to contain multiple sites,
and at that point $5 per month per page may become cost prohibitive.
Look for host web sites offering unlimited domains for the cost of
one.
Domain Name
Choosing and registering a domain name for exclusive rights
to use it can be somewhat of a challenge. It is easier to be sure
you select the name you want to stick with now than to later attempt
to alter it. The web site domain name should have something to do
with your business name if at all possible. Some opt to go for
initials or abbreviations, or some form of your catch phrase, if you
have one. See the article on building a web site business for more
information.
Many companies offer a free start-up domain name and
generally charge an additional $10 per extra name, should you later
have the need to add different sites connected to your business. For
example, your business may offer sports clothing sales and you wish
to add a site for your offshoot business that sells sports
merchandise for youngsters and to schools.
Content
Remember that your web site is representing your product or
service. It is sometimes the first chance for a customer to see what
you offer, and first impressions do matter. While you can create the
content and choose appropriate art, videos, and so forth for your
web site, it might be a good idea to have it professionally edited.
Also, consider a professional to help you build and launch your
site.
Whether you formulate your content yourself or seek
assistance, it is a good idea to write down and even sketch ideas
first. Or, visit other web sites you like or formats that are
offered on the web site host.
Customer Viewpoint
When jotting down ideas, keep the customer’s wants, desires
and viewpoint in mind. What do you think your customers expect or
wish to see when they visit your site? Be sure not to over-think
your ideas. Be brief: Do not include too much information on your
web site, making it too “busy”. This is a turnoff for most people.
Be sure the customer can easily locate what he/she seeks on your web
site; don’t make them have to “hunt” for what they want, because
they may turn elsewhere.
Web Site Designers
Perhaps you do not feel you have the writing or presentation
skills to help your business’ web site look professional. Many
freelance web site designers can assist with preparation of your web
site. If using e-commerce in particular, that is, promoting and
conducting online sales, seeking professional web site design might
be useful or even necessary. Many colleges and universities offer
free or low-cost assistance from students who seek experience or
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