Building a Successful Web Site
Resources

Web site implementation involves the coordination of many crucial steps and decisions that reside with the client. Often the client is unaware of his/her role and without the guidance of a dedicated development partner the missed steps can delay a launch. We have listed some of the areas of consideration in the web site implementation process, with sources for more information.

Hosting: Newcomer to the Internet or a grizzled veteran, your web presence is defined by your hosting choice. If you are making your first foray into the world of e-commerce, a Shared Host presence may be your best option. If you have an experienced IT staff and a long-term battle plan, the total control afforded by Internal hosting could be your best option. Here are the pros and cons of each hosting service.

Shared: Shared hosting allows you to leverage the vast experience of your hosting provider. The hosting provider supplies the hardware, the software, and the bandwidth. They provide around the clock maintenance, security updates, 24/7 monitoring, and redundant systems. The down side is that you will likely have to share your physical server hardware with other web sites. Also, you will get little say in what technologies will be available on your web site. Shared Hosting, while removing all the responsibility from your shoulders for availability, also limits the choices.

Check Out >> Data Pipe

Co-location: Usually preferred over Shared, co-locating your server means you build, or have built, a server to your specifications. You choose the software, the hardware, and you don´t have to share your server´s resources with another web site. With the increase in freedom comes an increase in responsibility. Maintenance, updates, and security are your concerns. You can contract this responsibility to a third party. Many times the Hosting service will provide service contracts on co-located servers. Be prepared to pay a respectable fee.

Check Out >> Data Pipe >> Cable and Wireless

Internal: Do you want the newest and best technology for your web site? Concerned that your server may not be getting the attention it deserves? If you have a knowledgeable and experienced IT staff, and you can afford to bring your own bandwidth into your business, Internal hosting may be the answer. Be prepared to think about things like redundant systems, fail-over power sources, and even shadowed bandwidth. Internal or Self hosting gives you the greatest control, and the greatest responsibility.

Secure Server: These days you almost cannot take personal information online without using a secured server. SSL, an acronym for Secure Sockets Layer, refers to your server´s ability to encrypt all traffic between you and your client. This ensures that any data passed between your web server and the browser is not readable to the casual sniffer.

Check Out >> Thawte >> Verisign

On-line Transaction Companies: To compete in the digital marketplace today you need to make the sale and close the deal online. There are many interfaces you can subscribe to that will not only verify a customer´s payment information, but take the payment as well. You can complete your customer´s order online, including funds collection, all without adding a huge accounts receivables department, minus a small fee of course.

Check Out >> Verisign >> Cybersource

Shipping: Your web server can do double duty as a shipping manager. You can make shipping arrangements a part of your on-line process and include shipping cost for a specific carrier in the bill.

Check Out >> USPS >> United Parcel Service >> Federal Express

Privacy Policy and Consumer Advocacy: As more and more customers become aware of the Internet as a viable shopping option, the media is educating them on the pitfalls of supplying personal data without protection. Your privacy policy can define your company´s willingness to protect your customer´s information. These links can help you to win and hold their trust.

Check Out >> TrustE.com >> Better Business Bureau

Domain Name Services: The domain name is not only your address on the Internet, but who you are and how you will be remembered. It is important that you choose a name that is descriptive, applicable, and memorable. If your company name is not available, try variations of descriptive words about your company. The -.com is currently the most popular, but there are several other types to chose from, such as -.biz and -.cc.

Check Out >> eNom.com >> BulkRegister.com

Search Engines and Directories: Search Engines and Directories: Search engines are the 411 for the web. Huge databases are filled with the descriptive text of millions of web sites all over the digital world. These databases are updated almost continuously by software robots that visit web sites, read the content, and send it back to the database indexed.

A Directory is a large catalog that is built and maintained by a staff. Sites are submitted and listed in various categories by commercial companies, independent site designers, and everyday web surfers. Each directory can hold different information depending on the tastes of the clientele. Yahoo may have the best information on antique car collections, while Look Smart might have the best in fashion.

Effective use of keywords, META tags, and submissions will enable web directories and search engines drive traffic to your web site.

Top Search Engines:

Check Out >> Google >> MSN Search

Top Web Directories:

Check Out >> Yahoo >> LookSmart

Web Statistics: Unique and repeat visitors leave their mark via web server logs. These services analyze the web log information and provided essential demographics, traffic analysis, server load and referrals. This information is essential to the growth of your on-line business.

Check Out >> Webtrends.com >> Funnelweb.com