When you begin to make a website for your small business, you can do so quickly and easily by following a simple 6 step checklist of things to accomplish in order to build the most valuable site.

Step 1: Name Your Site

One of the most important elements in web design is having a domain name and site title that adequately and accurately describes your business. Ideally, your domain name and your site title should match your business’ name and say what you do. Example "YourwebsiteURL - Total Website Management."

Step 2: Find Hosting

A website is not a website if it is not hosted on the internet. Otherwise, it’s just a file on your computer. You can choose between many different hosting companies to find the right option for your small business. If you can afford your own hosting package ($4.95 - 19.95 a month), that is an ideal solution. Google "web hosting" for many different options. If you are looking for free web hosting, there are a variety of sites that will allow you to build a free website and host it, such as Geocities, freewebsites, and bravenet. (This is generally not a good solution for your business - too many advertisements to distract visitors.)

Step 3: Choose Website Builder Software

Most website owners will not try to code each item for their website by hand or without using web design software. Even professional website designers often use third party programs to make a website. So an important step is for you to find great software to use to put together your site. If you have zero budget, you can also find a free website builder, but you should be aware that it may not be as robust as paid software.

There are many web design software products in the marketplace. They break down into two basic categories.

1. Power Users: Powerful, complex software programs that are primarily aimed at professional website designers such as Dreamweaver from Adobe.

2. New or Less Experienced Users: Slightly less powerful, but full-featured software programs that are aimed at individuals or small companies working on less complex sites. Example - Xsitepro2 from Intellimon.

Step 4: Choose a Website Design

Designing your site is almost as important as designing the name of your business. Your clients and customers will often associate the design of your site with your business itself, so it is important to put together something representative of your offerings. In addition, ensure that all pages within your website follow the same design. It can be helpful to learn how to make a website template to follow to keep all of your pages uniform.

Step 5: Build Elements

As you begin to build out your website, you will need to include various elements to describe your small business and show your potential clients and customers exactly what you have to offer. You may also want to include associated components to draw attention. For instance, if you will be selling products or services related to children, you can make a website for kids that is linked from your homepage. You could also entertain your visitors if you make a game that is related to the products or services that you sell.

Step 6: Upload, Get Going and Start Marketing

Once you have finished designing your website and uploading it to your server, it is time to announce its launch and begin to market it to potential customers. You can do so by submitting your website domain to search engines and can market your site by issuing press releases and submitting articles to article marketing directories.

Presto! Just fill in all the details and you’re ready for business! It’s not easy, but nothing in life that is worthwhile ever is. Feel free to contact me for more information, or if you need any additional help with any of these pieces.