1) Decide on a PURPOSE
Brochure-Styled Websites
A "website" is a very generic term that can mean different things to different people. When you first make the decision to take your business online, you need to decide how you are going to utilize your website.
Your "website" could be your typical brochure-styled website that gives potential customers an overview of your company as well as your products and services. This is generally the type of site that people envision when they think about a "website". Brochure-styled websites are great for establishing credibility and projecting a professional image of your company. However, they tend to be ineffective for gathering leads and generating sales for your business. In utilizing this type of website, people will simply visit your website to gain a better understanding of your company, but there is rarely a call to action that will make them want to do business with you.
Once you understand that this type of website is not the most effective way to drive sales, you will need to implement a different type of "website" in order to capitalize on your visitors by converting them into leads and customers.
Landing Pages/Squeeze Pages
Landing pages, also known as squeeze pages are specifically designed websites, whose sole purpose is to capture the contact information of your visitors. These websites are generally very simple in design, and normally offer the visitor a free incentive such as a free report or free training in exchange for their name and e-mail address.
The manner in which Landing pages are designed, forces the visitor to enter their contact information in exchange for the free incentive or leave the site altogether. Generally, there is no other content accessible on this type of "website" and therefore it is a great website for generating leads and building a database of potential customers.
Blogs/Community Sites
The last type of "website" that is popular among entrepreneurs are blogs/community sites. A blog is basically a Web journal that allows visitors to read your commentary and to interact with you and your company on a much more personal level. In creating a blog-styled website, you can position yourself as an authority in your marketplace by providing valuable content to potential customers. A blog also allows you to build a loyal fan base that is sure to be much more inclined to purchase your products and services.
2) Choose Your TECHNOLOGY
There are several things you need to consider as it pertains to the technology powering your website. The functionality of your website may require a different type of technology or a combination of several technologies.
For example, if you chose to create a brochure-styled website, then you may decide to have it designed in HTML or Flash. Although both technologies are great, Flash websites generally look more professional and will add more credibility to your business. Flash websites also allow you to implement videos and other multimedia into your website.
Deciding on the purpose of your free website first will help you to determine what technology you should implement into it. However, combining a flash website with the functionality of the different types of websites above would give you an upper hand on a majority of your competition. Not only would you have a website that is search engine friendly, but you would have the ability to have a website that could serve as a brochure-styled site, a Landing page, or a blog.
Overall, try not to let the process of implementing a free website into your business model overwhelm you. If you stick to the basics outlined in this article you will be well on your way to establishing an online presence that will position your company in the best manner possible.
