With the Internet increasing in size every minute, it is now more important than ever for websites to catch the eye of their target market. Effective web design is far from an easy accomplishment. There are certain factors that can confuse visitors and lose customers that many novice designers and amateurs are not aware of.

*           *          *

INFORMATION FOR THE BEGINNER...

The Big Question: Why do you want to build a website?

To develop a successful website, you must determine the purpose and target audience of your upcoming website before we start.

1. Determine your site's purpose.

2. Create a demographic profile.

3. Ask yourself "What can viewers gain by visiting your site?

    

   By answering these questions and even sketching out how you might like your site to look, you can get a much clearer vision of your finished product.

   • BASIC STAGES OF WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT:
     
     

1. The idea, or intention.

2. Getting the design right.

3. Web Hosting.

1. The idea, or intention. Drawing a simple or elaborate sketch and making plenty of notes is a crucial start in developing any website. Not only do you need to get your priorities in order, you also need to start getting a vision of what the future holds for your site. Who is going to visit the site and why?


2. Getting the design right. Pretty simple and exciting at first, but many people who are unfamiliar with designing a website may have difficulty attaining their vision. That's why having a web designer who you can communicate one on one with and who can quickly produce the results you imagined can be a much more enjoyable experience.



 3. Web Hosting. Many newcomers are not aware of what web hosting actually is. It is basically "space" on the web. You need to rent space on the internet for your new site. This is where novice website owners can get a little confused simply because of the many web hosting sites that promise good rates.... but for what reason? The first thing to consider is how much space you want space on the web. How much space are you paying for? Space means information that the hosting will allow you to upload on your site. That includes pictures, slideshows, flash images, animation and music... as well as text.

• I've found that BlueHost.com is one of many web hosting companies that provide a lot of space at a great price. Note: Their prices are really based on yearly rates. Once the website is functional, I can assist you in the fairly simple process of uploading your site and getting you ready.