Having an effective Web Site on the Internet requires much planning.  The Master's Computer Consulting has put together the following tips to help make your internet venture successful. 

Preparing your Web Site for the Internet is similar to setting up a newspaper or magazine advertisement.  There are three primary steps: research, design and market your Web Site.

Researching Your Site

If you haven't already, you'll want to obtain an Internet Account from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) before you can begin your market survey.  Today, an average Internet account costs between $15 - $25 per month.  The majority of ISPs will provide you with free software and a personalized E-mail address.  However, setting up your Internet account can sometimes be problematic.  As a general rule, you'll find the best overall providers are those with the most accessible and personable technical support teams.

The fastest and easiest solution to obtain the best ISP for your needs is to hire a consulting firm.  The Master's Computer Consulting's Hardware group can assist you in setting up and configuring your Internet account.  In general, consultants can provide you with sound advice, on-call assistance, set-up your Internet account quickly, and teach you how to use your new software.

Once your Internet account is up and running, take some time to "Surf the Net" with your favorite Web browser.  Before you can begin planning your Website you need to familiarize yourself with the internet market.  To accomplish this, simply go to a Search Engine with your Web Browser and begin your search from there.  The following Search Engines are a good place to start: Yahoo (www.yahoo.com), Excite (www.excite.com) or WebCrawler (www.webcrawler.com).  Begin by searching for any of your competitor's Web Sites and note what they are accomplishing through their Web Site.  Next take a look at the Websites of your major vendors or suppliers.  Finally, look around for anything that might interest you personally and take note of the features you like and dislike.  With a working knowledge of your Web browser, Search Engines and a familiarity with the Internet Market under your belt you're ready to take the plunge in preparing your Web Site.

Designing Your Site

When you have completed your research and have a good idea what you like or don't like about Web Sites on the Internet, you're ready to take the second step-- designing your Web Site.  At this point most businesses will need some assistance with some aspects of designing their Web Site.  At The Master's Computer Consulting we assist our clients with both the technical, graphical and marketing aspects of developing a Web Site. 

Whether you decide to build your Web Site yourself or seek professional assistance in developing your Web Site, designing your Web Site requires planning.  Here's the approach that seems to work best for us:

1. Marketing Consultation:  One of our Marketing Advisors will set a time to discuss the nature of a business.  During this interview the Marketing Advisor will establish a feel for the business and try to help determine "Why should this business be on the internet?" and "What is the purpose of this business's Web Site?"  Likewise, we look to determine a feel for the business's unique features and style.

2. Content Flowchart:  Based on the results of the interview our Marketing Advisor will create a flowchart of the content and pages to be included in the Web Site.  This flowchart is designed to show a client the possibilities available for their site.  Once this is completed the client is consulted and modifications are made to the flowchart.

3. Rough Draft:  Once the content has been approved by our client, the Project Team [Marketing Advisor(s), Graphic Designer(s) and Programmer(s)] will meet together and format a rough draft of the Web Site.

4. Collection of Content:  Our Marketing Advisor will then help gather and/or create the textual content for the Web Site.  Printed materials are a good starting point for content.  However, a Web Site should be more than just a copy of the source material in which directed many of the visitors to the Web Site in the first place.  Our Marketing Advisors help find the right content for each site.

5. Collection of Graphics:  Our Graphic Designers and Marketing Advisors select the pictures or type of pictures for the Web Site.  Then our Graphic Designers will design any custom graphics (Buttons, Logos, Borders and Backgrounds) necessary for site. At this point in the process our Project  Team's goal is to find and/or create an overall image for the Web Site.  Specifically, we look to develop a consistent look throughout the site.

6. Programming:  With the final draft in hand our programmers and designers will actually create the site. 
   

Marketing Your Site

While designing a Web Site, you should also consider the methods of marketing your Web Site on the Internet. Two means of effectively marketing your Web Site involve using Search Engines (similar to your local Yellow Pages) and actively Networking your Site (establishing links with other Web Sites).

Search Engines are the Internet's equivalent to your local Yellow Pages. Most Search Engines on the Internet do not charge a fee to use or list your Web Site. However, submitting your Web Site to multiple Search Engines can be a labor intensive process. Our programmers will submit your site to all of the biggest search engines as part of the design process. In order to insure that your site is listed correctly you will need to:

1. Create a concise 20 word description of your Web Site to be used a description meta tag.
2. Create a list of about 15 key words to be used in the keyword meta tag.
3. Continually re-register your Web Site with the different search engines being careful not to over do it. 

Networking your Web Site requires searching the Internet for Web Sites similar to your own.  Networking is probably the most effective way to advertise your Web Site to the World.  Networking your Web Site is a personalized affair sometimes requiring hours of Internet "surfing."  Once you've found a Site, ask the administrator (sometimes called the Webmaster) of the Site to add a link on their Site to yours.  Most Webmasters will be willing to add a link on their Site if you promise to add a link on your Site to theirs.  Include a clear description of your Site in the request and a promise to add a link from your Site to theirs. Perseverance is the key to ensuring a well networked Web Site on the Internet.

With a feel for the preparation and planning of a successful Web Site, are you ready to take the plunge?

Click here to contact The Master's Computer Consulting.