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Step 1
Register a domain name. Your domain name is the web address you would like to use for your site. Since a web address can only be owned by one person at a time, it is important to secure the name you want to use as soon as possible to ensure its availability. There are a number of online domain name clearing houses where you can check the availability of your web address and register it. See the Resources section for two options. Domain registration requires a yearly fee, and most registrars offer multi-year purchases.
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Step 2
Choose a website host. Your host provides a specially configured computer server that can network your website live to the internet. When choosing your host, consider how much space (in MB) your website will need, how many email boxes you will need associated with your site, and what kind of special features you would like to have available for your website. Many website host companies offer applications such as blogging, eCommerce, email response forms and search capabilities as add-ons or standard features, depending on your hosting package. When your hosting account is established, you will receive a user name and password that can be used to load your website files to the hosting server.
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Step 3
Determine your website goals. The goals you would like to accomplish with your website will affect how your site is designed and the content you include. Will you use your site simply as an online brochure about your business and services? Will you sell products online? Will you create an online community that develops greater customer interaction? Will it be a tool to educate visitors about your industry? These are just a few examples of the many functions a website can provide as a part of your overall marketing plan. Once you determine your goals, you can work with your website developer to build an effective internet presence for your company.
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Step 4
Organize your content. Now that you've decided on the goals for your site, you can determine what type of information needs to be included. Develop a linking structure for your site that makes it easy for visitors to know where to click to get the information they need quickly. Keep your text concise, and include key words you think visitors may use to find your site in a search engine. Consider using bullet points rather than a paragraph format to make your text easier to digest in the web communication environment.
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Step 5
Program your web pages. Once you have your content ready, you are ready to enter the programming phase. Most websites use the HTML programming language as well as a variety of additional types of programming including php, cgi or perl. Your specific site features will influence the type of programming required for your site. An experienced website developer can help you determine a site look and programming method that will provide visitors with the highest usability as well as represent your company's image effectively.
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Step 6
Launch your site. Once your site is ready for public viewing, make plans to announce its launch. You will gain the most marketing impact if you plan ways to let your customers and the public know your site is out there. Send press releases to newspapers in your target markets. Email your client base with a link to new online customer services. Offer a give-away for those who visit and offer feedback on the new site. Don't forget to submit your site to relevant search engines to expedite their indexing of your process.
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Step 7
Form a plan for site maintenance. Once your new website is launched, don't forget to consider how it will be updated. Providing current and accurate information about your company and services makes your site more effective. Ask if your website developer offers any maintenance plans for providing weekly, monthly or quarterly site updates. Designate a member of your team to monitor the site regularly, to determine areas that need updating and to interface with your maintenance contractor, making sure changes are made in a timely manner.
