Getting your business online

A web site for your company can meet several objectives, with the process of going online posing five main problems:

Your objectives

There are three types of web sites:

• Those that make money
• Those that save money
• Hobby sites.

Identifying which category your web site will be in should be the first step towards going online.

The cost of setting-up your web site

The cost of developing your web site consists of three major components:

• 1) Web hosting & URL costs - This is the cost for purchasing your web site address and associated space for files. [Read more about web hosting for businesses]
• 2) Cost for a web site developer to create your site - This is usually on a per page basis and varies depending upon the complexity of the site.
• 3) Maintenance costs - Unless you become familiar with the art of web site design you'll need to obtain the services of a web site designer to modify your site as required. This is usually charged at an hourly rate.

The time involved

The time involved for the development of your web site is primarily dependant upon the size of the site. The process begins with specifying the requirements for you web site, followed by the development of the prototype, which is then reviewed and modified.

Attracting and retaining quality visitors to your site

Attracting visitors to your web site is achieved through advertising it on your business cards, letterheads and marketing material etc. However, optimizing your site for Search Engines should also be undertaken, as this will attract customers who you might never have reached before. Quality visitors can be attracted back to your web site by adding them to a mailing list and then informing them of special offers on your products and services.

Handling enquiries and fulfilling orders.

Before launching your web site there must be processes in place to manage the resultant online enquiries and orders that will be placed by customers.

• Read more about the Business objectives of a website.
• Read more about the business benefits of a website
• Read more about new businesses considering a website.
• Read more about Web site Success in 10 simple steps.

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