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Casual Articles - Taking Your Business Online: Tips for Launching a Small Business Web Site
1) A successful model; something that is taking, or has taken, the market by storm because the methods work for the majority. If I check the various market places I may find, once in a while, a new product that is breaking all sales records. When the author of that product launches something new, I do not miss it. 2) If I am looking at an ebook, I look for something that is basically full of real world techniques, with no fluff or fillers, which actually work. Chances are these will be the very same techniques being used by the gurus and experienced affiliates right now.3) Something that no-one has ever produced before: Techniques that the gurus guard jealously and use against the average affiliate. That way I can basically level the playing field. Usually, there is nothing really secretive about these techniques except that they are super easy to learn and use. So easy, in fact, it is probably exactly why the average person would not think of using them.4) Methods which have already been tested on out in the field to prove that anyone can u
There are advantages and disadvantages, of course. Independent programmers may be less expensive, but you are limited to receiving only the service that particular programmer is skilled in. If you decide to add a component to your site that your programmer cannot develop for you, you’ll have to pay someone else to do it. Most design firms employ programmers of all capabilities in order to meet customer requests, and their services are part of the deal when you hire the firm.
Independent programmers are harder to locate than design firms. Part of what makes an independent programmer less expensive is the fact that he or she does not have the same overhead as a design firm. Advertising is expensive.
If you think you would rather use an independent programmer than a design firm, return to your friends and colleagues and ask around. If you resort to an online directory or your local telephone book, use
If you have multiple sites or multiple directories in your site for different subjects and you have placed Adsense codes in your site, I am sure you would like to know: (a) from which site or directory you are earning the most / least, (b) which Adsense ads are being clicked and (c) from which page?CREATE CHANNELS FOR EACH SITETo get separate stats for each site / section / directory / page with Adsense, you need to create channels for each one. Create a channel with a relevant name and generate a code for that channel. Paste that particular Adsense code to the concerned pages / sites.GET CHANNEL STATS IN REAL TIMEGoogle now provides Channel Data in real time. Earlier, it used to provide data for '2 days before'. Follow the procedure mentioned below :1. From 'Date Range' drop down menu, select 'today'.2. Check the radio button : Group data by 'Channel'.3. On the right hand panel, check the radio button 'Channel data'.4. Click on 'Select ALL' at the bottom of channel list.In this day and age, your business card is a Web site. When people hear of your company or wish to seek further information on it, they want to do so on their own time, online. From there they can e-mail you with questions, or place an order if you offer products online as well. In fact, with the amount of trade that can be achieved through a Web site, it’s no wonder that so many “brick and mortar” small businesses have made the jump to E-commerce.
The decision to launch a Web site for a business owner has gone from “if” to “when,” in just a decade. However, the expectations of your average site visitor have also changed in that time. Cheap, home-made Web sites are no longer acceptable. The site you create for your business is a stamp on its credibility; therefore the process of designing and launching one must be taken seriously and considered to be an earnest business investment.
If you were to invest in new equipment, new vehicles, or even new employees for your business, you would take the time necessary to seek out the best, most cost-effective, most-qualified selection. You certainly wouldn’t buy the first truck you saw at the dealership, or hire the first person who walked into your office. The same time and care must be taken when choosing a Web designer. Here are some tips to finding the right designer, asking the right questions, and what to expect when launching a Web site for your business:
Do not race to find a Web designer. What’s the rush? Finding the right Web designer is like finding the right architect to build a new business office. The time you spend looking at Web sites, asking friends and colleagues, and viewing portfolios is well worth it if you consider what it would cost to rebuild your site with someone else when the designer you hastily hired fails to meet your needs.
When you see a Web site you like, check out who designed it. This information is usually available in the bottom of the page. Or, contact the business and ask. If they are happy with the job done by the designer, they’ll be more than willing to refer you!
When you do narrow your decision down to a few designers, check out their Web sites for look and feel and thoroughly examine their portfolios.
Bring samples. Surf the Web and determine the kinds of things you like and don’t like before ever walking into the office of a Web design firm. If you have an idea of what you want your site to look like, express it – even if it means providing an embarrassingly rough drawing on your own. Web designers are very creative people, but if you don’t give them some direction, they’ll create without your input.
You have to be specific. Don’t tell your designer you want a “cool” site. While it’s true that you may want a cool site, you should bring to the table the types of things you imagine to be cool. Your designer is there to help you determine the best style for your site, so don’t be afraid to provide specific examples of how you’d like your site to look.
Get it in writing. As with any other business partnership, you must get everything in writing. This means going beyond the initial contract you and your designer sign. Keep notes during meetings and save every e- mail and written communication. There may be times when things are decided during “casual” meetings, such as when certain site elements will be completed, or something as simple as adding a graphic or two. By tracking these conversations, you will have a record to return to if things go off track or off schedule.
Web Design Firm or Independent Programmer? Web design firms are not your only option when it comes to launching a Web site. There are many independent programmers out there who can provide the same service as a design firm, and for less money. Most of these programmers worked for design firms before striking out on their own.
There are advantages and disadvantages, of course. Independent programmers may be less expensive, but you are limited to receiving only the service that particular programmer is skilled in. If you decide to add a component to your site that your programmer cannot develop for you, you’ll have to pay someone else to do it. Most design firms employ programmers of all capabilities in order to meet customer requests, and their services are part of the deal when you hire the firm.
Independent programmers are harder to locate than design firms. Part of what makes an independent programmer less expensive is the fact that he or she does not have the same overhead as a design firm. Advertising is expensive.
If you think you would rather use an independent programmer than a design firm, return to your friends and colleagues and ask around. If you resort to an online directory or your local telephone book, use t
Do you love to read? If so, you can make money reading books. Go straight to the yellow pages in your phone book and look up all the publishers; book publishers, magazines, newspapers, even publishers of directories. There are 21 of an assorted mix of publishers in the yellow pages of my phone book.The idea is to write to all of them and follow up with a phone call. By telling them you are a freelancer, you are educating them to the fact that you can be available at a moment’s notice because you have the flexibility a publisher needs, fitting in with their oftentimes unpredictable schedules.Chances are you won’t find a freelance job overnight, but you will be surprised at how receptive a publisher is to local talent. At least they know you reside in the immediate area and are available for hire. If at first they say “No” to your request to assist them in their daily projects, don’t give up. The secret to your success is turning “No” into a positive mind set. If they don’t need you now, they may
Do not race to find a Web designer. What’s the rush? Finding the right Web designer is like finding the right architect to build a new business office. The time you spend looking at Web sites, asking friends and colleagues, and viewing portfolios is well worth it if you consider what it would cost to rebuild your site with someone else when the designer you hastily hired fails to meet your needs.
When you see a Web site you like, check out who designed it. This information is usually available in the bottom of the page. Or, contact the business and ask. If they are happy with the job done by the designer, they’ll be more than willing to refer you!
When you do narrow your decision down to a few designers, check out their Web sites for look and feel and thoroughly examine their portfolios.
Bring samples. Surf the Web and determine the kinds of things you like and don’t like before ever walking into the office of a Web design firm. If you have an idea of what you want your site to look like, express it – even if it means providing an embarrassingly rough drawing on your own. Web designers are very creative people, but if you don’t give them some direction, they’ll create without your input.
You have to be specific. Don’t tell your designer you want a “cool” site. While it’s true that you may want a cool site, you should bring to the table the types of things you imagine to be cool. Your designer is there to help you determine the best style for your site, so don’t be afraid to provide specific examples of how you’d like your site to look.
Get it in writing. As with any other business partnership, you must get everything in writing. This means going beyond the initial contract you and your designer sign. Keep notes during meetings and save every e- mail and written communication. There may be times when things are decided during “casual” meetings, such as when certain site elements will be completed, or something as simple as adding a graphic or two. By tracking these conversations, you will have a record to return to if things go off track or off schedule.
Web Design Firm or Independent Programmer? Web design firms are not your only option when it comes to launching a Web site. There are many independent programmers out there who can provide the same service as a design firm, and for less money. Most of these programmers worked for design firms before striking out on their own.
There are advantages and disadvantages, of course. Independent programmers may be less expensive, but you are limited to receiving only the service that particular programmer is skilled in. If you decide to add a component to your site that your programmer cannot develop for you, you’ll have to pay someone else to do it. Most design firms employ programmers of all capabilities in order to meet customer requests, and their services are part of the deal when you hire the firm.
Independent programmers are harder to locate than design firms. Part of what makes an independent programmer less expensive is the fact that he or she does not have the same overhead as a design firm. Advertising is expensive.
If you think you would rather use an independent programmer than a design firm, return to your friends and colleagues and ask around. If you resort to an online directory or your local telephone book, use
There's the old way of doing book marketing, and then there's the new way of marketing your book. Podcasting, of course, is one of the new ways. The old way is to rely on traditional book tours.Savvy authors today are using the Internet to market their books. Sure, they're still doing the requisite book tours, but to be honest, that's not where most of their book sales come from.Lulu Press, for example, publishes thousands of new books every month. These self-publishing entrepreneurs sell, on average, less than 50 books - total. That's 50 books for the lifetime of the book.Harry Potter they aren't. And, yet, they can still rely on the magic of the Internet for book marketing. While there are many approaches to marketing a book on the Internet, this article will deal specifically with what is commonly called Podcasting.What is a Podcast?Podcasting was popularized through the sharing of music and other recordings through the world of the Apple iPod. Hence, the name Podcasting. But Podcasting is much broade
When you do narrow your decision down to a few designers, check out their Web sites for look and feel and thoroughly examine their portfolios.
Bring samples. Surf the Web and determine the kinds of things you like and don’t like before ever walking into the office of a Web design firm. If you have an idea of what you want your site to look like, express it – even if it means providing an embarrassingly rough drawing on your own. Web designers are very creative people, but if you don’t give them some direction, they’ll create without your input.
You have to be specific. Don’t tell your designer you want a “cool” site. While it’s true that you may want a cool site, you should bring to the table the types of things you imagine to be cool. Your designer is there to help you determine the best style for your site, so don’t be afraid to provide specific examples of how you’d like your site to look.
Get it in writing. As with any other business partnership, you must get everything in writing. This means going beyond the initial contract you and your designer sign. Keep notes during meetings and save every e- mail and written communication. There may be times when things are decided during “casual” meetings, such as when certain site elements will be completed, or something as simple as adding a graphic or two. By tracking these conversations, you will have a record to return to if things go off track or off schedule.
Web Design Firm or Independent Programmer? Web design firms are not your only option when it comes to launching a Web site. There are many independent programmers out there who can provide the same service as a design firm, and for less money. Most of these programmers worked for design firms before striking out on their own.
There are advantages and disadvantages, of course. Independent programmers may be less expensive, but you are limited to receiving only the service that particular programmer is skilled in. If you decide to add a component to your site that your programmer cannot develop for you, you’ll have to pay someone else to do it. Most design firms employ programmers of all capabilities in order to meet customer requests, and their services are part of the deal when you hire the firm.
Independent programmers are harder to locate than design firms. Part of what makes an independent programmer less expensive is the fact that he or she does not have the same overhead as a design firm. Advertising is expensive.
If you think you would rather use an independent programmer than a design firm, return to your friends and colleagues and ask around. If you resort to an online directory or your local telephone book, use
In all facets of business, good relationship with the customers is the key factor to keep the business standing. And once a good relationship is built, you will never know where its influence may reach. Your good reputation will make your business progress, as your name and the services you offer keep on resounding, attracting other prospects.The same hold true in online business. Untarnished and clean reputation will enable you to soar high and get the most of your business (e.g. optimum profit). Though online types of businesses seldom require a close association to the clients because of its nature, warm and personal dealing is of great importance.Email marketing stands out if online promotion is needed. This type of promotion is fast and time saving. The very problem about email marketing is that, sent messages are difficult to track. You might be aware of spam, these are messages which are unlikely and unbeneficial (e.g. pornography, violence, etc). Because of spam, ISP’s and mail administrators adopt filters to lessen its effect. In a
Get it in writing. As with any other business partnership, you must get everything in writing. This means going beyond the initial contract you and your designer sign. Keep notes during meetings and save every e- mail and written communication. There may be times when things are decided during “casual” meetings, such as when certain site elements will be completed, or something as simple as adding a graphic or two. By tracking these conversations, you will have a record to return to if things go off track or off schedule.
Web Design Firm or Independent Programmer? Web design firms are not your only option when it comes to launching a Web site. There are many independent programmers out there who can provide the same service as a design firm, and for less money. Most of these programmers worked for design firms before striking out on their own.
There are advantages and disadvantages, of course. Independent programmers may be less expensive, but you are limited to receiving only the service that particular programmer is skilled in. If you decide to add a component to your site that your programmer cannot develop for you, you’ll have to pay someone else to do it. Most design firms employ programmers of all capabilities in order to meet customer requests, and their services are part of the deal when you hire the firm.
Independent programmers are harder to locate than design firms. Part of what makes an independent programmer less expensive is the fact that he or she does not have the same overhead as a design firm. Advertising is expensive.
If you think you would rather use an independent programmer than a design firm, return to your friends and colleagues and ask around. If you resort to an online directory or your local telephone book, use
You know those bad habits we get. Like raiding the chocolate biscuits during late night TV shows. Or slouching we when we sit. Or biting our fingernails. Before we know it we’ve let a new behaviour creep into our routine. Now we’re a slave to the bad habit. It’s hard to resist. We’re tempted. We get that short-lived surge of satisfaction when we do it. Well, marketing is pretty much the same. Except you can get into good marketing habits that will actually help you. And it won’t hurt. Good marketing habits can make you feel really great. Think about this. * When you introduce yourself, are you in a good habit? Do you have an easy-to-understand introductory statement, or maybe a snappy 30-second intro? * When you meet people do you follow up? Are you in the habit of sending them a thank-you note for meeting with you? Or maybe you could send them a useful article (written by you or some other authority). * Do you have good sales habits? Are you in the habit of asking the rig
There are advantages and disadvantages, of course. Independent programmers may be less expensive, but you are limited to receiving only the service that particular programmer is skilled in. If you decide to add a component to your site that your programmer cannot develop for you, you’ll have to pay someone else to do it. Most design firms employ programmers of all capabilities in order to meet customer requests, and their services are part of the deal when you hire the firm.
Independent programmers are harder to locate than design firms. Part of what makes an independent programmer less expensive is the fact that he or she does not have the same overhead as a design firm. Advertising is expensive.
If you think you would rather use an independent programmer than a design firm, return to your friends and colleagues and ask around. If you resort to an online directory or your local telephone book, use the same process of selection as you would a design firm: ask to see samples and a portfolio. However, getting a programmer recommendation from someone you trust is best. Not all programmers are created equal and an impressive portfolio does not convey an individual’s customer service skills.
Making Edits and Changes: the waiting game. When you hire a Web design firm to create and launch your business’s Web site, you are at the mercy of their busy schedule. You must request edits and changes be made for you, and they may not be made as quickly as you’d like them to be.
Some Web design firms provide customers with site administration tools that allow you to make simple changes and updates as needed. This type of technology can be more expensive, but worth it if it gives you more control of your site.
Understand what you’re paying for. Determining the look and feel of your Web site (the design) and actually building the site are two different processes of launching a Web site. Be sure to understand what is included in your contract and what will cost extra. If you wish to add an eNewsletter sign-up, will it cost more? Will you be charged for every E- commerce transaction? What will it cost to accept credit card payments on your site? These are the questions you need to ask when negotiating prices and deliverables.
You may be responsible for setting up your own business’s and then work with a programmer to incorporate it into your site. Web hosting fees are an additional cost you must consider, as well.
Find out if your site is being built from scratch or from templates. Many designers use pre-made templates, which can bring down the cost of building the web site. Designers who create your site from scratch may actually own the source code, which limits your ability to move the site later on, if you wish to. Be sure to ask your designer up front how he or she intends to build your site and get written or legal documentation of the ownership source codes so you don’t run into disputes down the road.
Be patient, but attentive. Designing a professional Web site is not an overnight project. It takes time to create and construct the Web site you want. However, every day you and the designer spend tweaking the site is another day you are unable to advertise the site, attract visitors to the site, or sell products online. Be patient with your designer, but keep track of the agreed schedule.
I also recommend hiring an attorney who is versed in E-commerce businesses. You will need one to write the “Terms and Policies” for the web site, as well as proofing the site for any legal complications that may come up.
Imagine your Web site as a storefront. If you were building a brick and mortar business on main street, you would: 1) find the right contractor; 2) have an idea of how you want your business to look and what you want it to contain; 3) expect the project to take time; and 4) be prepared for set-backs in scheduling. These are the same responsibilities and obstacles you will encounter while designing your business’s Web site.
Creating a Web site for your business is an exciting and worthy undertaking. Take the time to do it right the first time, because there is no fun or enjoyment in having to do it all over again if you don’t. For some additional tips, review the Web Site Starter Kit at HYPERLINK "http:// www.inc.com". To view “cool” and award-winning sites for ideas, check out HYPERLINK "http://www.designfirms.org/awards/".
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