Continuing on from Part , I would like to share some
of the things I have learned about web design and
promotion. Building and maintaining a website can
be a lot of work. I have learned some ideas and tips
for making your website more effective.
Update Your Site Regularly - You must continually add
new content to your site. You cannot just throw up some
information and then just leave it there forever. Your
visitors will stop coming because there is never anything
new for them. You could put up a what's new section
where you would tell your visitors what you have recently
added to the site.
Do Not Overload Your Website - While lots of pretty
graphics may look nice, they can be a hindrance
to your site. Your site will take too long to download
and people might just not want to wait that long. Make
sure your site is not too flashy and is easy to navigate.
If people cannot find what they are looking for, they
will go to another site.
Learn To Be Your Own Webmaster - You want to be in
control of your own website and to be able to make
changes and improvements without having to depend
on somebody else. There were many times when I
needed something done and had to wait for my son
(who built my site) to be able to do it. Now that I can
take care of things myself, things get done when they
need to get done. Here are some sites to help:
http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/
http://htmlgoodies.earthweb.com/
http://www.stars.com/
Make Your Website Unique - Add some of your personality
to your site. Have an About Me page and let people
get to know you. There is something about your site that
is very unique and that is you!
Always Have Something For Free - There are many things
you can give away for free at your site. Free resources,
eGreeting Cards, eBooks, contests and more. Check
out these sites for freebies:
http://www.absolutelyfreebies.com/
http://www.thefreesite.com/WebmasterFreebies/
Start An Ezine - You definitely want to publish your
own ezine to keep in contact with your visitors and
to keep them updated on your site and/or products.
Publishing an ezine is a lot of work, but it is work
that is enjoyable. You want to provide resources and
information in your ezine as well as updates on your
business. There are some good sites that can help
you get started with your ezine:
http://www.e-zinez.com
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/ezine-publishing.htm
http://www.ezineuniversity.com/
Start Writing Articles - This is by far one of the best
ways to build your online business. People read your
articles and it establishes you as an expert in your
field and helps build your reputation. You do not
have to be a professional writer to write articles. All
you have to do is write as if you are talking to a friend.
Tell them your views and what you know about the
subject at hand. Do some research to back up your
information.
http://216.147.104.180/articles/data/20010112183709.shtml
http://216.147.104.180/articles/data/20000424053207.shtml
http://216.147.104.180/articles/data/20000518194727.shtml
Set Your Goals - Decide on what your main goal is and
then break it down into smaller goals or steps. Work
towards one step at a time and your goal will be that
much more attainable. Do not let doubters and skeptics
deter you from your goals. Work at it, do not lose faith
in yourself and you will reach all your goals!
I wish you the best of success in your business venture
and I also hope that some of these things that I have
learned help you with some of your business decisions.
Always remember: Do not give up and you will succeed!
About the Author
Terri Seymour owns and operates MyOwnEzine.com
MyOwnEzine.com is a website, ezine and service which
provides the resources, tools, guidance and more to help
you start, publish and promote your own ezine. You can
contact Terri at mailto:ter02@newnorth.net Subscribe
at mailto:subscribe@myownezine.com or visit
http://www.myownezine.com for lots more info.