What is a website?
A website is a business' presence on the Internet. A website consists of one (or many) pages, including images, information, and e-mail. Sub-pages could include product descriptions, lists of contacts, frequently asked questions, hours of operation, or directions to your location.
Why should my business be on the Web?
It's like asking in 1950, Why should a business be on TV?- The web is a 24x7 billboard visible around the world.
- The web is a storefront that is always open.
- The web makes you visible to customers who would otherwise never know about you.
- The web is an advertisement that lets your customers ask questions and send messages back to you.
- The web lets small business compete with the Fortune 500.
- The web moves your business into the Third Wave.
How will customers find my website?
- You'll include your website URL (www.mycompany.com) on your correspondence, business cards, stationary, and advertising. This is called "hurl the url".
- We'll register your website with the major search engines, so that when a customer searches for your products or services, your site shows up in the list.
- An important exercise is to try to anticipate what two-word or three-word phrase people will use when looking for the things you offer.
How does my site get on the web?
We recommend NidHog, a Pittsburgh company that provides "web hosting" services for business sites. They're reasonable, efficient, and customer-focused. We don't mark up the host fees; you'll get the bill direct from the host.How will I get my e-mail?
If you already have web access, we'll set up your computers to check your website email. If you don't have web access, we'll arrange it for you; we recommend Stargate, the area's most reliable internet service provider (ISP). This costs about $20 a month. You'll be billed directly from the ISP.How do I pick my site's dot-com name?
You can check to see if the name you want, or some variation of it, is available at www.whois.net. We can take care of registering your site name, which involves a $35 annual fee.What should I get out of my website project?
There's a few things you should make sure of.- Make sure your URL is registered in your name.
- Ensure the site works with Internet Explorer, Netscape, and AOL.
- Make sure the work includes search engine coordination.
- Keep copies of your hosting and access agreements and passwords.
- Store copies of all website documents and image files.
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