Devoted to small businesses and those who run them

By now most business owners are aware of how important a presence on the Web can be to their company's marketing, sales and public relations efforts.  Some of you may want to build a website for your business by yourselves, performing each step with your own hands (and keyboard).  Others may find it more efficient (and less frightening!) to hire a professional web designer to do the deed for you.

No matter which option you choose for the actual building of the site, you'll still need to sit down and think out some basic information.  Jill Hart, founder of Christian Work at Home Moms (CWAHM), has pulled together an easy to understand description of the process.  Her article over at BestSyndication will walk you through buying a domain and mapping out a website and thinking through your requirements...from there you can create the site of your dreams or pass on your requests to your web team to be toiled on.

Trying to decide what you do and don't need?  Here are my "musts" for both now and later.  Remember, it's better to preplan for future needs than to be left trying to figure out how to add them on at the last minute when you discover you want them.

I believe every business owner should have a site that offers them:

• An opt-in e-newsletter (this is an amazing marketing tool!)
• A shopping cart (even if you're not selling anything just yet)
• A press room page (for media releases and media kits)
• A blog area (for adding a personal "face" to your site)
• A frequently asked questions (FAQs) page

Add these to your wish list then map it all out!  You'll be happy you took the time to plan ahead when you compare your professional look to a competitor's mish-mosh of information!