If you are considering a website, it is helpful to have a guide that explains the process step by step.
STEP 1: WHAT KIND OF SITE IS RIGHT FOR YO
When having a website created, first determine the type of website that will fit your needs. The most common types of websites are informational websites, e-commerce websites and blogs.
Informational websites
Usually consist of five pages with the purpose of informing visitors about a business and directing them to a phone number or email address. Informational websites are generally the most inexpensive sites.
E-commerce websites
Are designed to be complete stores on the internet that let visitors browse for items and pay by entering their credit card information directly on the site. They come in two flavors, the first one is an e-commerce site with an integrated shopping cart that lets visitors enter credit card information into the website. These are good for more established businesses who can afford to pay for all the security features that are necessary for taking credit card info from customers.
Paypal based Ecommerce sites
Are good if you are working on a smaller budget. They cost only slightly more than a regular website and you don’t have to worry about security. PayPal based sites work in the same way as e-commerce sites, except the visitor is taken away from your site to pay and then returned to your site after the transaction is complete.
Blogs
Are sites where visitors come primarily for textual content such as news stories and opinions. Blogs are usually monetized by having ads placed on the edges of the page for visitors to click on. If the visitor buys something from the ad, money is placed in the website owner's account. If you are a regular writer, blogs can create large followings over time.
STEP 2: DESIGNING THE WEBSITE
Once you know what kind of website you want, the next step is to create a design that works for your needs.
Navigation Bar Position
The first thing we will determine is where you want the navigation bar. There are many places to put it, including a horizontal bar at the top, or a vertical bar on either the left or right side of the page.
Pages for the Website
Next we will decide the pages your website is going to have. Most websites have a home page, an about us page and a contact page. The home page should only have the bullet points of what your company is about. The about us page will have more personal information about your company. The contact us page can have a phone number, contact form, Google map, or all of the above. Google maps are interactive maps that help clients find your business. Contact forms allow clients to send emails directly from your website to your email inbox, without having to open their email program.
Footer Info
The footer of your webpage will typically have copyright info and a link to whoever made your webpage. Footers can optionally have links to other pages on your site as well.
Custom Design or Template
After a general layout is decided, you may choose a premade template, or a custom designed site. Pre-made templates are less expensive, but a custom designed site is more likely to generate the results you're looking for.
Domain Name
Domain name refers to the www.whatever.com designation for your website. You can pick any domain name you want. However, it is best to go with a name that is easy to remember and describes the purpose of your business.
STEP 3: ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
Once the general website site is operational, additional enhancements may be added. Below is a description of some of the available enhancements.
Search engine optimization
Search engine optimization or “SEO” is optimizing your site so it is easier for search engines like Google to find. Special coding on your site will make it more compliant with search engines. This is one the factors that can have a multiplying effect in attracting visitors to you website.
Google Map
Google maps help people find a specific geographic location and give them directions from their location to yours.
Contact form
Many visitors will feel free to call you, while others may prefer the anonymity of sending you a form. Contact forms allow users to fill out a form on your website and then email the information directly to you. You can see an example of this in action on the contact page of this site.
Web Video
Web Videos are a great way to develop trust with your visitors and to have them get to know you personally. It’s almost as making in person.
STEP 4: ROUTING TRAFFIC TO YOUR WEBSITE
On the internet there are several types of traffic that can visit your website.
Direct Traffic
When someone types a website address directly from an ad or business card.
Referring Traffic
Traffic from other websites that link to your website. This kind of traffic requires contact with the other site and a request to link to you.
Search Engine Traffic
This traffic originates from search engines such as Yahoo or Google. The search engine then guides the inquirer to your website. This should be the largest source of new traffic for a website.
Paid Traffic
Is when an ad is placed on a search engine. When visitors click on the ad you must pay for their visit. Prices vary depending on the amount of competition. The return from this type of traffic can be very positive.
So, now you understand the process! With an initial meeting, details can be discussed, and we can get you on your way. Call right away so we can get started!
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