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1. First thing to
do is see if the domain name you desire for your website
is available. Let us know what you might be interested
in and we'll be glad to check.
2. Start
thinking about how many email addresses you want. You
can also configure most email programs to allow you to
go directly to your website to get your emails. You get
3 email addresses with your site. Extra email addresses
are available at an additional cost. Also remember that
emails (ie sales @ yourcompany) can be forwarded to more
than one location. We find that Eudora (mail software)
is very easy to configure. Some clients also use
Outloook to handle their email.
3. What
size site do you require? How much do you want to
spend? While we will try to work with you on the larger
packages regarding number of pages, special design
features, etc., there is only so much we can do to
assist. You can't cram 7 or 8 pages of information into
1 or 2 pages. It just won't work and we won't design
anything like that.
4. Start
preparing a bio and history of the company. This always
looks nice.
5. Gather
together any advertising material you have. Much of
this can be included in the website, especially if you
have copies of the photos that were used. Remember that
a web designer is not an advertising executive. While
we will try to help out and make suggestions, that is
not our area of expertise.
6. We can
put a form in your website that people requesting info
can fill in. If you are interested, think of what you
want in the form. The form is sent as an email and can
be sent to multiple people.
7. Prepare
a list of those companies or products you represent. We
can put in their logo and also provide a link to their
websites. This is helpful in that your customer can see
everything that your suppliers or manufacturers have to
offer. You can also break them down into subgroups.
For instance in the floor covering industry you could
break them down into carpet, vinyl, hardwood, laminate,
ceramic, etc.
8. Take
some photos of your business (outside and inside),
employees, trucks, etc. If possible use a digital
camera and forward via
email.
9. Supply a
list of all professional associations you belong to as
well as any civic organizations. Also, if you sponsor a
little league, etc. let us know. People enjoy dealing
with organizations that give back to the community.
10. Begin
thinking of how you want your website to be broken
down. How many chapters do you want in your book? Some
examples might include: Home Page, About Us, Our
Philosophy, Location (including map and driving
directions), Contact Us, Products, Services, Pricing,
Monthly Special, Coupons page, FAQ (Frequently Asked
Questions), Related Links, News & Events, Satisfied
Customers, Thank You, Site Map, Terms & Conditions,
etc. These are only a starting point. You might come
across many others that are applicable. Also, you might
want to include a 'Contact' or 'Quote' form that could
be filled out on the internet and sent to your email
account.
11. If you
have a list of sample websites that you like (whether
they be in your industry or not) forward their web
address to us in an email, a Microsoft Word, or Word
Perfect format. Check them out on the internet and
write comments within the document showing what you
liked or disliked about any sites. Be sure to include
the complete web address (cut and paste the web address
from your browser into the document). This will help us
out greatly.
12. As we
begin working on your website we will keep you informed
every step of the way. We generally communicate with
you via email and will post changes to your website.
This is sort of like watching the construction men build
your home one room at a time.
13.
A few things you might want to
stay away from:
-
"Hit Counters" -
Egotistical by design.
-
"Too Many Special Effects"
If you want, we will design them for you.
There is certainly nothing wrong with a few, but
like anything else, in excess they slow down and
minimize the effect of your website.
- "Free
Web Hosts" - Everyone knows there's no such
thing as a free lunch. Many times these 'free'
hosts use outdated or slow servers. They also might
put a 'frame' around your website with their
advertising. Others insert those annoying 'pop-up'
windows. Once you get someone to your website do
you really want them to be one click away from
leaving? We will not work with free web hosts.
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