The first thing you need to do is secure a domain
name (also called a URL or address—Example: www.mvwebdesing.com).
This is very easily done over the Internet. Several sites offer domain
registration for a small fee. Be sure to shop around as the fees vary
dramatically from one company to the next but they all provide you
the same basic service.
You may check with your existing Internet Support
Provider (ISP) as well as other places like Yahoo. You may also perform
an Internet search by typing “Domain names.” If you prefer,
I can secure your domain name for you for a yearly fee of $20.
After you have a domain name, you need to choose
a company to host your web site. A “host” is the company
that will provide you with space on their servers so that your web
pages can be seen on the Internet. You may do this through your existing
Internet Support Provider (ISP) or another provider. There are many
free hosting companies available on the Internet; however, most free
hosts will add banners that will clutter your site. I offer hosting at a rate of $12.50 per month (billed annually).
Create
a plan for your site. It is very important to think through the organization
of your site in detail. This assists in making the process of designing
the site more efficient and assures that you will receive a site that
meets all of your needs. As soon as a plan is established and all
text, graphics and links are acquired, we can begin the process of
designing the site.
Gather all text, photos, logos, video clips, etc.
that will be used in the site. The process of gathering the elements
you wish to have in the site will often help you sort through your
plan in greater detail. It is also helpful to gather any publications
that your company puts out such as brochures, newsletters, letterhead,
business cards, etc. This will help insure that your web site carries
the same theme as your publications for a more polished corporate
identity.
Spend some time on the Internet looking at the web
sites of other companies in your field of work. Supplying a list of
these competitors can help me design a site that stands out above
your competition. During your search, take note of the sites that
you like and what appeals to you in them. This will give me an idea
of the type of feel you would like your site to have. Look at things
such as color, layout, navigation, use of images, and the amount of
white space.
