Making a Web Page Resourceful for Business

The World Wide Web contains a plethora of information where a person can find anything they need or want. The web provides resources at your fingertips that can be helpful in school, business and everyday life. This is why it is so helpful to small business owners to have their own website. It is the easiest and cheapest way to get your company name out into the world. If you are creating a company web site there are a few key points you want to remember to keep the site a resourceful and trusted resource.

Step One-Content:

• Take a look at your targeted audience. What is your sites purpose? For example, if you have an educational site directed toward small children it should contain only information suitable for those 12 and under. The interface should be simple to use and the content should be easy and appropriate to read.
• Is the information you list complete? If you are selling a product, can the reader purchase the product with one click of the mouse? You never want to have a site that gives a reader a few lines of information only to require them to click on a link for more that sends them off to a completely different site full of advertisements and junk.
• If you are going to include links make sure they are all relevant and appropriate to the topic. Also if you are planning on doing a “link exchange” program, which is not highly recommended, make sure the links are being evaluated before being posted.
• Keep your site up to date and list the last time it was updated. It will give you the upper hand if you have the most up to date information on your topic.
• Does your website present a multitude of resources on the topic listed? Ie, books, videos, pod Casts etc..

Step Two-Contact and Source:

• Is your contact information presented clearly and if you have a form, does it work with all browser types?
• If you include any educational resources on your site, were they written by someone who was an authority on that topic?
• Do you include the credit and source information for those resources?
• Do you have an FAQ page?
• Is your e-mail listed in a way to protect you from spam bots?

Step Three-Site Structure:

• Is your site easily accessible to a person who may not be ‘internet savvy’?
• Does it have graphics? If so make sure they serve a function and are not overpowering. The more graphics, the longer the page will take to load.
• Is the layout easy to follow, do the links send people directly to what they are looking for?
• Is there an option for the disabled to enlarge print or to use only audio?
• Do you have a translator button at the bottom for those who do not speak English?

Links to Other Resources:

Create a web site:A great tutorial that covers step by step every aspect needed to create a good web page.

7 Step Method: A great page that explains in seven easy steps how to create a web site of your own.

How to Make a URL for your Business: From eHow comes a great tutorial on how to choose a URL for your business.

Designing a Small Business Website: A great page that explains the essential pages to include on a business website.

HTML Basics for Business Owners: Find out the best and fastest ways to learn HTML for your business web site.