Just A Little Advice...Part 2
Continuing on from Part , I would like to share some of the
things I have learned about web design and promotion. Building
and maintaining a website can be a lot of work. I have learned
some ideas and tips for making your website more effective.
Update Your Site Regularly - You must continually add new
content to your site. You cannot just throw up some information
and then just leave it there forever. Your visitors will stop
coming because there is never anything new for them. You could
put up a what's new section where you would tell your visitors
what you have recently added to the site. Do Not Overload Your
Website - While lots of pretty graphics may look nice, they can
be a hindrance to your site. Your site will take too long to
download and people might just not want to wait that long. Make
sure your site is not too flashy and is easy to navigate. If
people cannot find what they are looking for, they will go to
another site. Learn To Be Your Own Webmaster - You want to be in
control of your own website and to be able to make changes and
improvements without having to depend on somebody else. There
were many times when I needed something done and had to wait for
my son (who built my site) to be able to do it. Now that I can
take care of things myself, things get done when they need to
get done. Here are some sites to help:
http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/
http://htmlgoodies.earthweb.com/ http://www.stars.com/ Make Your
Website Unique - Add some of your personality to your site. Have
an About Me page and let people get to know you. There is
something about your site that is very unique and that is you!
Always Have Something For Free - There are many things you can
give away for free at your site. Free resources, eGreeting
Cards, eBooks, contests and more. Check out these sites for
freebies: http://www.absolutelyfreebies.com/
http://www.thefreesite.com/Webmaster_Freebies/ Start An Ezine -
You definitely want to publish your own ezine to keep in contact
with your visitors and to keep them updated on your site and/or
products. Publishing an ezine is a lot of work, but it is work
that is enjoyable. You want to provide resources and information
in your ezine as well as updates on your business. There are
some good sites that can help you get started with your ezine:
http://www.e-zinez.com
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/ezine-publishing.htm
http://www.ezineuniversity.com/
Start Writing Articles - This is by far one of the best ways to
build your online business. People read your articles and it
establishes you as an expert in your field and helps build your
reputation. You do not have to be a professional writer to write
articles. All you have to do is write as if you are talking to a
friend. Tell them your views and what you know about the subject
at hand. Do some research to back up your information.
http://216.147.104.180/articles/data/20010112183709.shtml
http://216.147.104.180/articles/data/20000424053207.shtml
http://216.147.104.180/articles/data/20000518194727.shtml
Set Your Goals - Decide on what your main goal is and then break
it down into smaller goals or steps. Work towards one step at a
time and your goal will be that much more attainable. Do not let
doubters and skeptics deter you from your goals. Work at it, do
not lose faith in yourself and you will reach all your goals!
I wish you the best of success in your business venture and I
also hope that some of these things that I have learned help you
with some of your business decisions. Always remember: Do not
give up and you will succeed!