Websites 101
To begin building a website, there are several things to take into concideration.
- What is the purpose of the website? Are you wanting to sell an item or service or do you just need a presence on the internet to let people know what you are about and how to contact you?
- What kind of content is going to be presented on your website? Are you needing a shopping cart, written copy, photographs, video, or news feeds?
- Do you have someone that can provide the needed content if you cannot do it yourself? Even though most people that build websites can create the needed content, it is a separate service than building a website.
- Will your site need to be updated on a regular basis? Once a website is designed, finished, and launched, the web designers duty is finished. If your site needs to be updated, inquire about maintenance fees in order to keep your information fresh and up to date.
- Do you have a hosting service? Hosting is the space made available on a webserver where your site and all of its content lives. Most hosting services charge a monthly fee to host websites.
- Do you want your own domain name? Most businesses and professional websites choose to register a domain name. Instead of typing http://www.internetprovider.com/~jpatterson, you would type http://www.HaircutsByJohn.com. Domain names are not purchased, but rented by the year and can vary in cost.
- Most webmasters charge by the hour for their work and are professional business people. You may be required to sign a contract, a non-disclosure agreement, sign off on designs and work done, and to keep appointments regarding your website.
- Be prepared to discuss the budget you have alotted for your website as well as a launch date.