Getting Started

Here's a good way to get started pulling together your web site. How your site will look is determined by what it will contain and how it needs to function. I work closely with clients to understand their needs so that their web site will be well organized and succinctly communicate their product and/or service.

1. Create an outline of what you want your web site to say, the information you want to provide to your potential customers.

2. Collect URL's(web addresses) of sites you like (for their color scheme, layout, theme, etc.), preferably of businesses similar to yours.

3. Write the content — flesh out your outline. It doesn't have to be a lot—people don't want to read essays; just the necessary details.

4. Assemble photos to be included. You might need to take product photos or hire a photographer to take them, if you haven't already. If you have quite a few, burn them onto a CD. Optionally, I have outside sources for most graphic illustrations or photos that could be needed.

5. Think about and write down your keywords—what keyword phrases will people search on to find your web site. Keep your keywords in mind when writing your content. We will want to include them in the page titles, headings and body copy to help search engines index your site most effectively.

6. Arrange a meeting (with me) to discuss your ideas for getting your business on the Web with a professionally designed web site.

If you complete these tasks, you will be well on your way to creating an attractive and useful web site for advertising your products and services and communicating your company’s value to potential customers.

Download this outline in PDF format to print and save for referencing.

What's next?

When you have all your needed information together call to discuss pricing or fill out the quote form on the contact page. After everything has been negotiated you will be given an email with instructions with a login and password to access the online agreement. After the agreement has been received it is time to begin the designing and layout of your web site. If all files needed from the client is supplied in a timely manner your web site can go live in about two weeks from receiving the agreement.