Web Site Development: Become Your Own Expert
by Theresa V. Wilson
Published on this site: October 15th, 2005 - See
more articles from this month
It is not necessary to be a computer "wiz" to develop
your web site. You do have to know your product or service
and be able to follow directions.
Even if you have a web site consultant, "hands on"
content and presentation development will be your responsibility
- the buck still stops with you.
Before you hire that web site expert, consider the following
information. It may save you money and unnecessary waste of
time.
One strategy is to utilize web site packages that provide
software to enable you to select the number of pages needed,
choose background color schemes, and will include "download"
features that will identify various products and services
you offer.
These packages offer you control over content 24 hours, 7
days per week, as opposed to contracting someone at $450-$600
for initial development then $50-$75 per hour to generate
the inevitable changes in content as you grow your business.
Although you do not have to speak an unfamiliar computer
language to master the development of your business web site,
you do have to know your product or service and a commitment
to marketing and developing your business. Let's take a look at the basics of web site development for a five
(5) page site:
- What do you want your visitor to see when they visit
your site? Begin with "colors" for background
and the printed words. Depending on the service or product,
it will either be a soft gray background with black or maroon
print OR choose a black or dark blue background with white
print.
- What information should the visitor see first? The Welcome
page should be viewed the same as the welcome mat at your
door. Its content should convey the purpose of your business
or service. Your welcome message can be developed using
the executive summary section of your business plan. You
are introducing the product or service and giving your visitor
a brief overview of what they can find on the other pages
of your site. You are letting potential customers know they
are in the right place.
- Who are you? The "About Us" page is your "brag
bag" opportunity. This is where you talk about business
accomplishments and expertise, awards and recognition. You
can also provide a brief overview of yourself (especially
if you are promoting consulting services) or background and
expertise of any partners or key staff.
- What are you selling? Let's take a look at the product
or Service page. Here is your sales pitch opportunity page.
Describe how your product or service will be useful to your
target market. Why is it unique? Who will it help? Why should they purchase it? This page, more than any other,
will be fine tuned on a regular basis. For this reason alone,
control over your web site should be a paramount consideration.
- How can they buy the product or use the service? The
Contact and Order Page provides easy access to you or a
company representative which essential to your business
growth. In this fast paced society, people still want to
know they can communicate and receive immediate responses
to inquiries. The must feel comfortable they will have clarity
and access to information about the services or products
they are purchasing.
Be Mindful of Traps
After reading this article, you may feel challenged by the
process of web site development. My caution is that you take
each step a bite at a time. If you have decided to contract
with an independent web site consultant, make sure you have
direct contact with this individual at all times. Prepare
a list of questions including clarity about the level of control
you will have over your site.
What is the rate for additional and ongoing costs? Have the
consultant detail, in writing, exactly what is included in
the basic development package, how they charge for maintenance
of the web site, and when does it begin (for some charges
do not occur until the site is up and running; for others
charges begin as soon as they have completed the design).
Be sure the final contract for service is in writing, providing
a clause for both to terminate the agreement, with proper
notice, without penalties for you. Ask questions! Ask questions!
Ask Questions! The only stupid question is the one you don't
ask. The key is to establish a comfort level before moving
forward.
Theresa V. Wilson, M.Ed., CPBA (Certified Professional
Behavioral Analyst) is a Freelance Writer, Success Management
Training Consultant and former teacher with by lines in over
ninety online and print education, family, and business publications.
Contact: [email protected]
or Visit: www.writersinthemarketplace.org
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