One way of going about getting a website is by picking up the phone and asking a web designer to create a presence for your business! Some forward planning and foresight with a pen and paper or word open is essential if you are to make a good start and end up with a website that adds extra value to your promotional strategy.

» Note down your objectives and reasons for having a website and keep them in mind throughout the website development process.

» Consider carefully who your target audience are, and what different people with differing requirements will want and expect when they get to your website

» Choose a good domain name, you can register a domain name on UK Superweb, aim for one that’s snappy and easy to remember, one that customers will recognise when returning to do business with you again.

» Write your websites content, be as comprehensive and clear as possible giving as much detail as you can about the chosen topic subject. Do not cut corners and remember that “content is king”. For many years this saying has stayed with me since first reading it back in 1999 in CTW – Computer Trade Weekly. It is of high importance that you understand that content is how search engines help determine the relevancy of your WebPages. So think very carefully about where the content for your site is coming from. On the web, every point you make can count if you express yourself, if you don not have a way with words then you can get someone with experience of writing for the web to help you or get a Copywriter to go over your work and provide assistance.

» “A picture paints a thousand words” and this saying is never more true than in website design, but to give a professional impact your images must be relevant and high quality – with digital technology available today go for shooting some images or employ a professional to get the job done ! Differentiate between WebPages that can benefit from creative images to support your brand from those where functional images are needed to support a product or service description. As mentioned if necessary get a professional photographer in to take images – costs can be less than you might think, plan ahead to ensure you get what shots you need before hand to get the best results.

» Finishing off think about how your website will be updated. You shouldn’t think that the task is done when your site is launched. Content can quickly become out of date, and a well maintained site with regular updates about your business is an effective business PR machine.

» A website is like a well polished sales, customer service or support person and can combine all of these roles into one, by following the processes outlines here you will be well on your way to adding a valued additional member to your team.

Learn more about the costs involved in website design.