Thinking about a Web site?

As the internet grows, it becomes the medium of choice for locating products and services. Having a web presence becomes more vital. But just having a web presence is not enough. You need a good web presence.

Whether you wish to build your own web site, have your IT personnel build it or have it outsourced to an independent designer - you want your web presence to present your business image appropriately.

Here are some general "rules" for you to consider while making your decisions:

• Your web site should be a minimum of 5 web pages. This is needed to be considered for listings in search engine directories.

• CAPITAL LETTERS IS SHOUTING! Use bold, or color, or highlight, or other effects to stress various points. Use special effect sparingly.

• Pages should be easy to read - bright or loud colors could interfere with your visitors enjoyment.

• Limit page length. Pages that scroll forever and a day are an irritant to visitors.

• Limit page width. Pages that require scrolling side to side become an irritant to visitors. If you must make it wide - use columns that read similar to newspapers.

• Watch spilling errurs. People want accuracy.

• Your web site should be easy to navigate. Links to all your web pages should be readily visible. Visitors do not want to guess.

• All links should work and lead to pages that have additional information. Check links both within your web site and to other web sites frequently to verify function. If you are linking to a page with no content or a non-existent web site the value of your web site is compromised.

• Maintain your web site. Building a web site is not enough. Update information frequently, add "fresh" information, create an atmosphere where visitors will want to return.

• Maintaining your web site will also create an atmosphere where search engine robots and spiders will want to return. This will help your rank which will improve visibility - people will find you quicker and easier.

• If you choose to outsource, verify that you will be the owner of the web site, the content and graphics.

• Outsource web site design to a conscientious designer! A good web designer will validate spelling, links, meta tags, and content. Their service should reflect their ability and your company!

* Business Ventures Consulting, Inc. is not an attorney, accountant or insurance agent. This article was written solely as reference material and is not to be construed as legal, accountant or insurance advise. As with all major business and life decisions, licensed professionals should be consulted.