Web Promotion
Value-added businesses find that creating a Web site is an effective way of promoting their business and its products/services. Creating a Web presence may seem like a daunting task but it can be accomplished relatively easily.
However, creating your Web site is only the beginning. You must continually update your Web site and promote the site to the audience you want to reach. You should periodically review the information posted on your site to make sure the information is correct and current. The Web site provides an image of your business. If the information on the site is old and out of date, visitors will get the same impression of your business.
Promoting your Web site and inviting people to visit it is one of the most difficult aspects of have a successful Web site. You may consider making a plan of how you will reach your target audience for the site.
To help you understand how to create a Web site, read Creating your Web Site. Another part of creating a Web site involves Domain Names. For those of you interested in actually marketing your products/services on-line and conducting business over the Internet, visit the section titled Email Marketing and Electronic Commerce.
For more information on this topic, see the links listed below of articles posted on related Web sites.
Using E-mail
- The Eleven Commandments for Controlling Your E-mail - HBS Working Knowledge - Do you use e-mail effectively? What is the proper etiquette?
- E-mail Privacy – NOLO Law for All -- If you want privacy, don't count on email. Here's why.
- You’ve Got Spam – NOLO Law for All -- Learn what it is, how it works and what you can do to stop it.
Understanding the Internet
- Understanding the Internet – Small Business Administration -- A brief history and discussion of the Internet.
- Getting on the Web – Small Business Administration – Should a small business get on the web?
- Glossary of Internet Terms – Small Business Administration.
- Beginner's Web Terms – Case Western Reserve University.
- Glossary of Internet and Web Jargon – UC Berkley.
Domain Names
- Choosing and Registering a Domain Name – NOLO Law for All -- How to pick, register, and protect your website's unique address.
- Domain Names and Trademarks FAQ – NOLO Law for All -- Get answers to your questions about domain names and trademarks, and how the two can conflict.
- Avoid Trademark Infringement When you Choose a Domain Name – NOLO Law for All -- How to choose a domain name and stay out of trouble.
- What to Do if the Domain Name you Want is Taken – NOLO Law for All -- You may find that someone else has snapped up the domain name of your dreams. Here are your options.
Creating a Web Site
- Creating a Small Business Web Site– Entrepreneur.com -- A strong site is one that works in conjunction with your company's strategic plan. Here are 10 tips for building a site that works.
- Is Your Business Ready for a Web Site? – Small Business Notes -- Should a Small Business Get on the Web?
- Planning Your Business Web Site – Small Business Notes -- Before beginning the execution of creating a website for your business, spend some time determining if you're really ready.
- Promoting Your Web Site – Small Business Notes -- If you've decided that having a web site is right for your business, what can you do to ensure your target audience discovers it and comes back again and again?
- Questions for Your Web Developer – Small Business Notes -- So how do you find the right designer for you? It seems like everyone is doing Web development work these days, many with no prior experience.
- Efficiency in Marketing on the Web – Mplans.com -- Build a better website and they will come? Not a chance. The value of your website will depend on traffic, and traffic depends on marketing.
- E-business Start-up Basics – Entrepreneur.com -- Articles on Website basics.
- What to Look for in a Web Host– Entrepreneur.com -- Find out how to select the best host for your site and get the most out of your Internet budget.
- Creating a Web Site for Your Service Business – Entrepreneur.com -- If you’re interested in setting up a shop on the Internet to promote your service, these simple strategies will help you bring in the business.
- Increasing Traffic to Your Website – NOLO Law for All -- Tips on building a loyal audience for your website.
- Web Design Team -- A website design and development company.
Legal Issues
- Getting Permission to Publish: Ten Tips for Webmasters – NOLO Law for All -- Think you can use someone else's work on your website without a licensing agreement? Think again.
- Meta Tags and Customer Confusion – NOLO Law for All -- Improper use of someone else's trademark in your meta tags can land you in legal hot water. Here's what you need to know.
- Legal Issues - Entrepreneur.com -- A series of articles on legal issues.
