Continued from page 1 of "Do I Really Need A Website?

III. Development of your website
a). Have the designer/developer help you understand the do’s and don’ts of web development. Not all things work from browser to browser (i.e. fonts, Shockwave file, animated gif’s, java scripting etc., etc).

b). Beware of many limitations (different browsers, modem speeds, browser versions).

c). Options for different graphics (know that graphics should be jpeg or gif format. File sizes should be small, therefore graphics are most often very small. Can also use small Flash animations or animated gif’s within the site. Quicktime movies are another option).

d). Online forms or downloadable/printable pdf format forms(online forms should have security scripting to keep the info from being hacked into and sent to and possibly the wrong recipient[s]). Be aware that there is a hefty charge for people who know how to program security scripts in PERL, JAVA or cgi.

c). When your website is finished, make sure it is checked in a cross-plateform manner, that is on both a Mac and a PC. This will ensure that everything will work on both platforms. The majority of people work on PC’s so this is obviously the way to check, but keep Mac people in mind also.

IV. Choosing a hosting service
a). When you have made the decision to develope a website, purchase your URL address registration as soon as a good, reputable designer/firm has begun development. This will ensure that as soon as your site is ready, there will not be a waiting period when all the documents and graphics are uploaded. it will be live immediately as soon as it is all uploaded.
Try to keep your URL address as short and memorable as possible. There are many URL address registration companies online. Ask other people who already have gone through the process to see where they purchased their web address and how much they paid. Do not let anyone do it for you. It is against the law for anyone to have your URL address registered under their name. Prices vary depending on the registration comapny.

b). Do an internet search for a hosting service. The hosting company you choose is where all of your final html and image files for your website are stored. This is sometimes referred to as storage. The price can range from $6.95 to $50.00 per month. Look for the amount of storage space being paid for in relation to the price. For instance, some place offer 50 megabytes of storage space for $50.00 a month, where other companies offer 100 megabytes of space for $10.99 per month.

c). Ask about technical support, their knowledge, and accessibility.

d). Uploading ease of all html files and images without tons of unnecessary security.

e). Purchase your hosting service when your site is within 1 week of completion. Again, your site will be live when it is uploaded.

V. Marketing your website
a). Advertising your site is as important as all other aspects of advertising for your business.

b). Place your URL address (www.yourcompany.com), and all email addresses on all forms of your printed materials( i.e., business cards, letterheads, in store advertising pieces, etc.) Word of mouth works also.

c). Placing banner ads to advertise your site on other sites is an option though the price could be expensive. Research this well. Maybe having other companies buy banner ad space on your site for a price per month could also help pay for your site.

e). Meta-tags and meta descriptions are descriptive words and statements that help people when a search engine is looking for your website. They are placed within the html document(s) of your website for search engines. Keep them brief! Make sure that your web developer/firm has included these tags in the html.

f). Search engines are not all they are made out to be. Search engines such as Yahoo are difficult to get your website listed on, not to mention expensive if you want ot get your site listed very high in the heirarchy. Check their requirements.

g). Search engine prices also vary from company to company. Do your research!!!

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