Statistics show that nearly one million new web sites are launched in the U.S. every year. Having a web address and online presence has become as common place, and expected, as having a logo and business card. Business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing places a great demand, as well as dependence, on having a domain name (url or web address), company email address and web site. Why? They instill consumer confidence just like a physical office or store front, mailing address, phone number and business card.

At some point your business will be ready to enter the World Wide Web. A little research, planning and preparation are essential to the development and success of your web site.

It is recommended that you consult with a business or marketing professional to determine the marketing goals of your web site before you actually begin developing or designing the web site. The marketing goals (why you are creating the web site) should drive many of the decisions you will make, including the selection of a domain name, email account set up and identifying the type of web site needed (content-driven, database-driven, e-commerce, members only, etc.). Web design companies can generally help you identify the type of web site best suited to meet your specific needs.

Identifying your marketing goals and the type of web site needed drive many long-term (and often ongoing) components in the development of a web site. These components include size (number of pages), content requirements, web design and programming, graphic design, and hosting requirements.

Whether you choose to design the web site yourself or hire a web designer, recognizing the value in web site planning cannot be overstated. Adequate preparation on the front-end will save you time, money and frustration down the road.

© 2007 Gabrielle Melisende. All rights reserved worldwide. Reprint rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, give author credit.

About the Author

Gabrielle Melisende is the founder and creative director of Destination Graphix, a marketing design firm specializing in graphic design, web site design and marketing strategies. She also publishes online directories such as Guide to Leander.