What to consider when setting up a website
Written by Angie Palmer, Sep 20 2008
Having a web presence for any organization is a must nowadays. Whether you are a small Chinese restaurant, CPA or non-profit organization, you want to let your potential customers know that you exist and they can look you up. The cost of hiring a web designer to set up a website can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the complexity of the project. It is important that you know what you want so you do not spend unnecessary money on functions that are only "nice" to have.
Here is a list of 20 questions to help you mull over what is important to your business:
1. Do you want a custom domain? (Highly recommended)
2. Do you want business e-mail addresses that match your domain name? (Highly recommended)
3. Do you update the website content regularly?
4. Do you want to be able to update the website content yourself or you prefer to have someone update it for you regularly?
5. Do you need simple training on how to update and maintain your website?
6. How much information do you need to put on the website?
7. Do you need to have your logo designed for you?
8. Do you need to put photos of your products and services on the website?
9. Do you want to sell your products with an online store?
10. What kind of payment do you accept?
11. Are you selling intangible services? (A business video profile will be very helpful to communicate your services to the potential customers.)
12. Do you want to set up a blog to publish information? (Here is a blog sample.)
13. Are you planning on sending electronic newsletters to your customers?
14. Do you want the public to sign up for your newsletter?
15. What kind of computer system and internet connection speed do you have?
16. Do you have your own hosting service?
17. Are you considering search engine optimization?
18. Do you need to update documents in a central place and share with your customers, partners or employees?
19. What is your budget?
20. How fast do you need your website up and running?
Please feel free to contact Skye Public Relations for more information about how we can tailor a website to your requirements. With a little creativity and lots of dedication, we will be able to help you tell the world about your business with a small budget.