• if he or she is a professional, provides you with references of satisfied clients

• provides you with examples of online work

• is committed to carrying over your printed publications "style" into the Web site design

• speaks in as non-technical terms as possible

• is committed to creating a site that someone in-house or a volunteer can make regular changes to without needing assistance of the designer

• is willing to work with staff and volunteers in the Web site development, listening to their wants and needs for the site

• turns over ownership of all graphics created for the site to you

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Harmon Associates has formed a new division called Kizer Hosting.  Through Kizer Hosting we can now host your web site.  There is no need to deal with a separate company for your hosting.  We are now a one-stop-shop.  Visit our new site http://kizerhost.com/ for additional details.

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Do You Need a Website?
EVERY small or home-based business should consider a website. There are certainly some businesses where a website offers nothing of value but for the vast majority a website can be a very effective sales channel and marketing tool. However, there are some "rules" to follow to ensure the success of your website. This article will list the steps we have taken that have resulted in a successful website.

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WEB BASICS

Decide if you are going to develop your own website or contract with a developer. If the latter, search the web for possible candidates. If you are doing it yourself, visit a bookstore or search the web and pick up one of the many excellent references on Web Publishing and html. If you don't have the time, hire someone and ensure they have the required expertise. A child can write html code. Designing an effective website takes an expert.

Apply for a domain name. (You can do it yourself over the internet, or have your ISP do it for you. Think up three names ... it is likely you will not get your first choice. Take your time ... this domain name becomes your identifier!

Carefully outline and organize the material you want to place on the web. Don't do it "on the fly."

Decide on the "look" of your pages. Browse the web for ideas.

Your website MUST provide a service as well as present your product or service that you are selling. In our case, we provide useful small business related information (tax advice, start-up and money saving tips, etc). We then gently steer the visitor to the books we are selling. It works!

Your website must be EASY to use. The design of the site must make it easy for the user to navigate and not get lost. A confused visitor will simply leave.

These are basics, for more information, click the contact button & I will respond to you as soon as possible.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.   ~Matthew 6:33

Copyright 2007, Harmon & Associates.  All rights reserved.