49°
The following is the seventh in a 12-part series by Fairfield County Venture Mom Holly Hurd. If you have articles you would like to submit, send them to cdonahue@thedailydarien.com.
Week Seven Take It To The Web
Don't let the idea scare you. A website is essential in this age of technology, even if you have nothing more than your contact information on one page. And getting your venture to the web should be at the top of your to do list.
First, go to one of the hosting sites and secure your domain. If your first choice is not available, come up with an alternative. For example, if your venture is called Cakes by Pam and that domain is taken, consider adding your state or town, www.CakesbyPamSeattle.com. Other things to add to the domain would be "llc" or "4you" or your ZIP code or a significant number. Or you can try shortening your name if your full name is taken, or try adding a period or dash between words or letters.
Many sites offer hosting for $2 to $20 a month. Some that I like are NetworkSolutions.com, HostGator.com, BlueHost.com and GoDaddy.com. A variety of templates are available on each of these sites. You can put up a simple website by choosing one of their templates and go live in about an hour. And you'll be able to update it yourself. If you want a more customized site, you may want to find a Resource Mom on VentureMom.com who can help you.
Second, research it's always back to the research. Two areas to look at are: What do others who do what you do or sell what you sell have on their websites? Keep a list of sites you like in your notebook for reference. Keep a list of features you like as well. Then look at sites that have nothing to do with your venture to get ideas on structure and layouts. What do they have in their navigation bar that you want in yours? How have they structured each link?
Subjects to put in your navigation bar: Home, About, Product/Service Info, Pricing and Frequently Asked Questions. FAQs are one of the most important links. This is where you tell users what you do and how you can help them. Look at similar products or services and use the FAQs they have answered and answer the same for your venture.
You want the user to get information on your venture readily and find the site easy to navigate. Remember, even if you only get one page up with your contact information, do it this week. You can add more details and pages later.
Next week's topic is marketing.
Holly Hurd www.VentureMom.com
How are you coming along with your venture's website? Post a link in the comments below!
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
