Organizing your thoughts, before building a website

Most businesses and organizations are finally recognizing the significance of the web and how you can use it increase awareness or generate revenue. Thank goodness, people are finally catching on. I have seen more 'non technical' owners and organizations get more involved and start to welcome the web and the opportunities it has to offer. This makes me feel great an Internet Marketing professional.

Okay, you finally have the momentum to get going and use the Internet for your business. Yes, a website is needed. You and I both know that, but a business needs to get organized before getting started. Here are a few tips on things you need to know before you get started:


Getting your thoughts organized to build an online presence..

1. Understand your business goals and how they will relate to your website.
   
   You must have solid understanding on the goal of your website and how you are going to use it to leverage your business. Some use website to offer standard content and information about what they do etc., others sell products or services. There are so many different things you can do, it is all based on your goals.
   
   
2. Know your website users or consumers
   
   Understand your business or organizations audience, because they are the main category of people who will be visiting your site. This is important because you need to keep them happy. The marketing and content you provide is all based around your consumers and how you are going to target them, therefore this information is key to a successful online presence.
   
   
3. Document your website pages and content
   
   It is crucial you know what information you want to promote on your website. We "the developers" call this your website pages and/or site map. For those of you who don't know what a site map is - it is a single source that lists all of the pages of your website. The basic information a developer needs is your page title and the content within that page. This will make the process move much quicker, as you get started on the project. If you are concerned about writing the page content, don't worry about it to much. You and your developer can get started before all the page content is done. However it is recommended you have a "Site Map" created, so the developer can build the architecture of the website.
   
   
4. Think about 'Interactive ways' of engaging your consumers
   
   This may be one of the most fun aspect of creating an online presence.. thinking about interactive and engaging ways to grab your website users attention. There are few ways to approach this aspect. Let's think about different site applications, such as an interactive photo gallery, buy products online, live feeds, link to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn ( internet marketing examples). All of these opportunities are fairly standard ways to engage your website users. Another perspective is... think about getting creative, based on the goal of your website. For example, you want to stimulate discussion, create a side blog, market it and link to from your website. That is just one " out of the box " idea.. you may not think of off the top of your head. Take a moment and think about.. what type of "Interactive Application" would enhance your website users.
   If you need help brainstorming, let me know. I would be happy to help.
   
   
5. Domain and Hosting services
   
   Buy your domain name. This is significant because it will save time and get it out of the way. If you need assistance with buying your domain name or selecting which name to buy, ask your developer or reply to this blog post.
   
   Hosting service is important, as well. This is where your website will be stored. There are so many places to buy hosting on the net. If you don't know where to start, it is okay to ask your developer for assistance. They may be able to point you in the right direction. ( aka, the best quality services, at the best price. )

This is by far not the complete list of "SHOULD HAVE'S" before you begin, however will help you and the developer get organized for the project at hand.

If you have any questions, feel free to reply to this post.

Knowing what you want. Go out and get it.

Yes, I said it. Buck up. There are so many challenges in life, with business, friends and family. However, if there is something you want to do in life, go out and get it. Over the past few years, this is how I have lived my life. That is how I started my business. Building a client base and continue the efforts of creating value for the services I provide.

Anyone can do this.

Figure out what you to do. If this is a goal you have for your business or organization, sit down for 15 minutes and think about it. Come up with a plan. If you are lacking resource, start researching what you need. If you are lacking the funds, think about how you can bring in more revenue. It all starts with a positive mind set and then the concentration to move onward, no matter what.

I was inspired to write this post today, because I have fallen into a wonderful situation of pursuing my masters degree in Business Administration. I love business and I wanted to learn more about it. My undergrad was in Website Development and Management, which I got through Champlain College. Although my passion for technology is evident, I still wanted to learn the "nuts and bolts" of business.. so I then wanted to pursue graduate studies.

I am still here writing a paper for my Business ethics course and thinking... Wow. I accomplished something else I wanted to do in life, because I made it happen. I am enrolled in a Business Graduate Program. Don't ask me how I did it. Oh wait, how about a positive mindset and the momentum to push and reach for my goals.

You can do the same thing for your business or organization. Perhaps it is something for yourself. Do not limit your opportunities.

If you need to get motivated, reply to this blog post.

I will inspire you.

Keeping the conversation going...

I thought it would be helpful for me to document and keep the conversation going for all those out there that have an interest in Internet Marketing and other web udpates. There is so much changing daily and I thought it would be helpful to put a bit more content out there to support those who need it.

This blog will not only be a resource for those who need it, but I am here to answer anyones questions about the Internet Marketing industry and what to really do with it.

To start out.. feel free to read MGB Designs current approach to Internet Marketing.
We presented it in a 1,2,3 format because it would give the new Internet Marketers an overview... We do more complex strategies, but this is what we are presenting for now. Those who speak to us will quickly recognize our approach is modified based on the companies need.

Well that's all for now. If you have any questions about Internet Marketing, do let me know.