tips of the trade

So you're ready to bring your small business or organization to the World Wide Web. That means you first have to create an online presence – your business web site. Don't underestimate the importance of this spot you're about to create. This will be many people's first (and possibly last) impression of your business. You want to make it a good one.
Many small businesses have taken this step before. That means they have figured out a lot of "dos and don'ts" along the way.

slow spots
Many small business sites load too slowly. If your web site takes more than ten seconds to load over a 28.8k modem, you run the risk of losing visitors. Graphics and photos with large file sizes are often the perpetrators. All of the images in the eSpotRun library are sized so this won't happen. If you're bringing in your own graphic elements, be sure that the file size is no more than 10k for each item. Also be sure the dots per inch are no more than 72 dpi.

text heavy
Many businesses wouldn't dream of sending out a brochure that was all text and no photos, yet that's precisely what they do with their web sites. Images can give you a physical presence and let visitors get a feel for you and your business. But you have to be careful that the file sizes are not too large, and that the photos aren't grainy or of poor quality, so as to detract from your site presentation. It is a good idea to have a professional photographer take the photos. Keep in mind that many more people will see your web site than will see a print brochure, so it should be the best thing you've ever put out.

don't just sit back and wait
Do not assume that because you now have an Internet presence, you can sit and wait for customers to start visiting. You need to market your firm online. There are many things you can do, including listing your site on search engines, finding sites with which you could trade links or collecting visitors' email address so you can continually lure them back to your site. Also, don't forget to put your web address on your business cards, stationery and advertising materials.

contact
Remember to include your phone number on your site, and make sure it is prominently located so customers can find it easily. It is very common that a customer's core use of the web site is to find a phone number and map to locate the business. It's also a good idea to put the businesses address on the site, unless you're working from home. It's a way to make the business feel more "real" to visitors.

keep your spot up-to-date
You have to maintain your web site to keep it current. When your site has obviously dated information, it makes your business look like you're not on the ball. Make sure someone is responsible for the web site's content and that it is checked and updated regularly.

clearly state your practice
Your web site should clearly convey what kind of business you do and which products and services you offer to customers. Your home page should include a short description or mission statement. Consider as well adding a photo or graphic that makes it clear what you do.