Websites 101

• Content: If you already have a successful business, this part should not be difficult, but it will involve some time commitment. If someone else is designing your site, you will need to provide them with text describing your services, products, contact information, a few pictures to dress the site up a bit, and anything else you want people to know about your business.
  
  
• Domain Name: A domain name is a name which simplifies the address or URL of a website, making it easier to find, such as "amazon.com" and "ebay.com." Domain names are purchased on a subscriber basis, usually annually. Once you purchase a domain name, no one else can take it from you, unless you neglect to renew it when your subscription runs out.

  Yes, it is possible to have a website without a domain name, but I would not recommend it, simply because they are so valuable and at the same time, very inexpensive to purchase. We use 000domains.com, whose price is currently only $13.50/year. Browse on 000domains.com to find a name that is available and suitable for your business.
  
  

• Hosting: A website is made up of text and image files. Your hosting company is simply the place that stores your files for you. This is usually billed on a monthly basis. See my services page for my fees.

  A real world equivalent of a hosting company would be a place that rents storage compartments. They are responsible for making sure their buildings are clean and well cared for, and usually offer some degree of security, but are not liable if your TV you have stored there stops working. The same is true with a hosting company. They store your files, but have nothing to do with whether or not they work. That is the responsibility of your webmaster, another crucial commodity for any website owner.

  You should plan on having a backup copy of all your files that you store separately from your hosting location. A good webmaster will know to keep backups.
  
  

• Website Designer: This is the person who creates the original design for your website. Some of your choices include: a student, a do-it-yourself template generator, or a professional designer. Your current budget and size of your company will determine how much you are able to spend, and who you are able to hire.

  Keep in mind that it takes time and practice to develop any skill, and web design is no different. You usually get what you pay for. Your website will play a big role in establishing your company's presence and reputation. If your budget will allow it, be wise and entrust this responsibility to a professional.
  
  

• Webmaster: A webmaster is someone who maintains the files for your website. He/she keeps your website working and updated, and is available as a computer professional when things go wrong.

  This is probably the most neglected ingredient of small business websites, and the reason why so many sites become stale, stagnant and useless. You simply cannot have an effective website without someone to maintain it.

  Have you ever gone to a website and found their calendars outdated or their style a few decades behind the times? Are you going to trust them or order anything from them? Probably not. Don't let this happen to your website.

I hope this has been helpful. If you have questions please give me a call (704-799-9405) or send me an email.