These days most internet network marketers know the importance of designing a winning website, but many still are unsure of how to create a website without the great expense generally associated with hiring a design company. In this article I touch on a few key points to help you design your own, easy to use and inexpensive website. And for those of you who still feel totally overwhelmed by the process, I have included several options for finding good quality companies that can help you achieve the website you’re looking for.
So take a deep breath and relax! Learning the necessary skills and tools for hosting and maintaining your own professional website is easier than you think.
So, why should you have a website at all? Well, the number one reason is Self Branding. In business today people want to feel they are connecting with a real person, not just a website or company. A well designed website will allow you as the business owner to personalize and individualize you – not a company or system. This self branding sets you apart from all of the self replicated websites out there that search engines hate!.
A great way of self branding is with photos and videos of yourself, your interests, hobbies and family. Remember, you are unique and everyone one of us has a different story to tell. So find yours and expand on it! This is the beautiful thing about the internet – it gives each of us an opportunity to express or real selves – not some generic, computer generated pre-fab model! I would be very cautious of relying solely on a company provided website. While I agree that using a company site is a good idea, it should never be your only means of promoting your business. The key is to promote YOU, not a company, the company owner or the products directly.
There are a number of low cost website creation tools and resources that will allow you build your own website using a variety of different templates, colors, themes, etc… The key to choosing the right company should include the following items:
> Cost – Most Website Creation Companies should cost no more that $20-$50 month.
> Support – Does the company provide easy to use tutorials that show you how to create your website?
> Domain Hosting – A good company will give you the option of hosting your own domain or you can use their service at no cost.
> Templates, Banners, HTML Builders, etc.. – Make sure the company has a variety of features you can take advantage of.
> Unlimited Websites – Make sure you can create unlimited websites for one flat fee.
These are just a few of the items you should consider when selecting a company, and most companies will even give you a free test trial period to use their software and determine if you feel comfortable before purchasing their products.
So, now you have selected your company. What now? A few simple to follow rules will help in creating a content rich website that helps you easily convert traffic, the main focus of any website!
1. Keep it simple – Don’t go overboard on special effects. This can actually have a negative effect on conversion rates. People get distracted by lots of flashy lights, blinking signs and flying banner ads! And if it takes to long for these to open people will click off your site, thereby defeating the whole point.
2. Content is king – Give good value and useful information. People are fed up with scams and rip offs. Your site needs to convey why someone would want to do business with you, and if they have to send you $50 to even find out what you do, most people will be turned off by this.
3. Offer FREE information – Think like your prospect. If you where doing research on a specific topic, wouldn’t you be interested in getting more information for FREE on a related topic via E-Book, or article or course? By freely giving something of value you set yourself apart as a legitimate person and as an expert in your field.
4. Always have a call to action – Always use words such as “To find out more now” or “To get started today” Inspire people to take action NOW!
5. Have an Opt-In box on your website! – This is critical to any business. This allows you to capture a potential prospects information so that you can market to them repeatedly. Did you know that most people do not make a buying decision until after the 6th contact? By marketing to them over and over you have the opportunity to create value, give the prospect a chance to get to know you and make a buying decision on their own, without feeling “sold”.
Once you have mastered the art of creating multiple websites related to a variety of products, you are truly in a position to take any business to the next level.
Now, for those of you who still feel either overwhelmed by the whole process or you simply don’t have the time it takes to create a website and maintain it, then it might make sense for you to outsource this to a company. A simple, fast and easy way to locate both low cost and high end web design companies is on Google, Yahoo or MSN.
However, be aware that hiring a company to design, host and maintain your website can cost you anywhere from $200 for a basic one page design to $5-$10K. In addition, if you are outsourcing this, you will have to wait on the web designer to make changes and updates to your website. This can take days or weeks depending on how busy the company is. For the average business owner this expense and time constraint is simply not a viable option. If however, you have the funds available to you, make sure and do your homework and be clear on what the company will provide and at what cost.
> Ask for referrals
> Ask for a breakdown of all costs ( start up, maintenance, changes, hosting)
> Time frames – what is the companies average time frame for design and changes
No matter what course of action you feel is best suited to meet your needs, never doubt the importance of having your own website. Take action sooner rather than later, focus on good quality with a clear vision and watch your business grow!
Bethany Ashby is an experienced online marketer and coach and writes on many different subjects. She lives outside Dallas, TX and enjoys helping others grow and improve their online business. She can be found by visiting her International business at [http://www.theteetimetraveler.com/]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Bethany_Ashby/442824
