In 1996 we created our own website and joined the millions of others on the world wide web. Since that time, we've learned a lot about the right and wrong way to do things on the internet. I'm going to share those lessons with you on this page in a brief synopsis that you can read in less than ten minutes.

The first question every small business owner inevitably asks is: Do I even need a website?

Maybe not, I can think of some businesses that would gain nothing or perhaps having a website could even work to their detriment, (i.e., you work under contract for one customer and the contract precludes you from performing services to any other customers, or your work is so secretive and proprietary that you don't want anyone to know what you are doing).

If your business doesn't fit one of those categories, then these are the questions you should ask yourself:

• Do I provide products or services to the public or other businesses?

• Is my business listed in the telephone directory?

• Do I use business cards?

• Do I use email in the normal course of my business?

• Do customers, vendors, suppliers, subcontractors or business partners visit my business location?

• Do I advertise or promote my business in any way?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, you should have a website whether you feel you "need" it or not.

What can I expect the cost of having a website to be?

If you search the internet I'm sure you'll find someone, somewhere, saying that you can have it for free. You may get a free page from your internet service provider or email provider. Generally though, you can expect to spend as little as $200-$300 upfront and $100-$600 per year thereafter. Of course, depending on the features you want, the costs can go up from there. A static site will cost less than a dynamic one (frequent changes to content).

Lessons we've learned: Follow these few easy tips and you will be much more successful.

Choosing a Website Name

• Use your business name if it is available (with the dot.com extension, dot.net or dot.us if you are located in the United States)

• If your business name is already taken, use a name that describes what you do

Creating the Website

• Start with good quality content and information that your target audience is interested in

• Utilize "meta tags" to the fullest extent - spend extra time and effort on the "meta tags"

• If your site has more than one page - Use a theme (css style-sheets are best) to keep the colors, fonts, pictures and layout uniform)

Launching & Developing the Website

Once you have designed, created and published the site (here's the most important thing!):

• Let people you come in contact with know it is there by adding the website address to all printed material (i.e., business cards, letterhead, envelopes, signage, advertisements, etc.)

• Let people you don't come in contact with know it is there by using Search Engine Submission Software

• Review, update and make changes to your site at least once annually (even if it is a static single page)