Where To Start Your Web Site Design

There's never been a better time to tackle the task of building a Web site. For starters, you've probably visited a lot of other sites. So you already have some general ideas about what you want to communicate with your own site and an understanding of how it win be used. As you'll see in just a minute, understanding your site's goals and objectives is vitally important to its success.

But it's also important to realize that you don't have to spend a fortune or invest a tremendous amount of time to find great resources to help you build your site!

So read on; this guide provides you with a wealth of strategic, practical information that will help you make - and then make the most of - your own Web site.

How Do I Get Started?

What's the order of events here? How do you go from an interesting idea to a fully-fledged winning Web site?

Here's a quick rundown of what's involved in the planning and execution of your Web site and how this guide will help. Each step is covered in detail on this Web site and the resources to help you continue in your quest to create the perfect Web site are included as well.

• Define it. Defining your site - what it will include, how it will be organized, what it's meant to accomplish - can often be the most difficult challenge. It's critical that you understand your goals and objectives and work to ensure that the site you plan for can deliver the desired results. You'll read about how to strategically approach your web site and how to create an organized view from the top.
  
  
• Name it. On the Web, sites are accessed by an online address or domain name. You need to come up with one for your site that's easy to say, spell and remember. And you need a name that isn't already being used. You'll find out how to go about searching for available names and then how to register the name you want.
  
  
• Build it. Whether you use a commercial service to dynamically and instantly create your pages with your input or you go it alone, building your pages step-by-step is next. That means creating content and coming up with a design that works well for you and your business. You'll find this section is loaded with useful ideas for building the right site for you. From posting useful content to processing credit card orders online, everything you need to consider is included here.
  
  
• Publish it. Next you take the Web address you've set up and publish your pages to that address. It's sort of like moving your belongings into your new home or office. You'll get basic insight into how your pages and files go from your computer to your Internet space - and, if you prefer, you can learn about resources you can cost-effectively rely on to publish files for you!
  
  
• Market it. Once your site is up and running, it's time to get the promotional machine in gear. From registering with search engines to direct e-mail marketing campaigns and adding a guest book to help you create marketing lists and programs, you need to come up with an effective marketing plan to drive traffic to your site.
  
  
• Evaluate it. Good web sites aren't like traditional marketing collateral pieces that are updated only quarterly or annually. They’re more like destinations that change and grow as you learn what works and what doesn't. This section briefs you on what to do post-launch to ensure your site remains effective.