that those businesses who have not jumped onboard with their own

professional Web sites are being left behind.

Unfortunately, the Internet is a complex, technical industry that can

leave business owners feeling unsure of where to turn or how enter the

online arena.

However, like with any big project, by breaking down the Web site

development process into digestible pieces, business owners and those with

personal interests can accomplish their Internet goals. This article, a

broad introduction to the process of development, is the first in a series

which will explore the keys to a successful Web site.

Begin by researching the domain name for your business. Also known as the

Uniform Resource Locator (URL), the domain name is the string of letters,

numbers, dots and dashes that make up your Web address. An example would be

http://www.mgmdesign.com.

Optimally, your domain name should reflect the actual name of your

business, but don't be surprised if your first choice is not available. To

check, visit Network Solutions (http://www.networksolutions.com).

Once your domain name is secure, you are ready to start thinking about

designing your site. Most businesses look to hire an experienced firm to

ensure their site accurately represents the quality, integrity and

professionalism of their company. However, there are plenty of free or cheap

solutions as budgets permit.

When making this decision, it is important to remember that there are

millions of bad Web sites out there, but even a novice Internet user knows

when they have come across a professional, trustworthy operation vs. one

developed by someone who is not an expert with commercial Web site design.

As your site design progresses, the next step is referred to as hosting.

The basic concept involves placing your Web site files on a very fast

computer server with high speed, constant, commercial connections to the

backbone of the Internet.

After your files are on the server, your domain name is directed to those

servers so your site is available to the world 24 hours a day, making it

possible for Web surfers to type in your name and find your site.

When looking for a host, it is important to have one with very fast

connections, excellent customer service, the ability to update or handle

problems with your site, e-mail addresses that use your domain name and

detailed statistics available about your site.

Promotion is the next logical step to launching your site. With millions

of other sites on the Internet, the concept of "Build it - they will come -"

is highly misguided. So, remember that it is essential to the success of any

site that you begin organizing your marketing plan long before your first

page is built.

Effective marketing strategies are different for every business, but a

combination of Internet promotion and traditional advertising are usually

the most effective.

Check in Sept. 24th when this series will continue with an in-depth look

at domain names.