ly, the “bots” – search engine robots that cull the web for site content and relevance – will recognize that the site has no new information and place it lower in its search results making it harder for prospective customers to find you.

Once you have your site up and running, and filled with fresh, relevant content, it’s important to let your prospects know its there. Everything that has your business name on it should also have your URL. A beautiful, content-rich site does no one any good if they don’t know it’s

Many businesses think a website is a no-brainer – use the “free” site hosting offered by one of many providers, add some content and wait for the money to roll in. But just as you wouldn’t plunk down thousands to rent a store and wait for the customers to come flocking through the doors, nor should you so blindly put together a website.

There are several steps business owners should take to maximize this important investment in their business. Hire a good designer with whom you can work with over the months it often takes to develop a strong on-line presence. Keep your site up-to-date with relevant content and information for your visitors. And make sure that everything you send out with your business name has your URL on it so people know where to find you on-line.

Finding a designer that you will have a strong long-term relationship with should be the first thing you do. “I get frequent calls from business owners who have lost control of their domain names or who hired ‘a friend’s brother’ to do their site and who no longer returns their calls,” says Jann Mirchandani of Mirchandani Consulting Graphic and Web Design. “It may seem like you are getting a bargain, but in the end you save yourself time, money and aggravation by working with a pro.”

Mirchandani advises all her clients to register their domains themselves so they own the URL they are investing in. Likewise, she has her clients set up their own hosting accounts or works with them to do so, so they have all the information they need to maintain control over their website. “But,” she cautions, “make sure you consult with your designer or developer first to make sure you are getting all the features you need, and not paying for those you don’t.”

Another mistake businesses often make, says Mirchandani, is putting up a website and forgetting about it. It’s important to keep your website content fresh for several reasons. Most importantly, visitors will not come back if your site is out-of-date or does not contain information that will provide them with something they need or want. Additionally, the “bots” – search engine robots that cull the web for site content and relevance – will recognize that the site has no new information and place it lower in its search results making it harder for prospective customers to find you.

Once you have your site up and running, and filled with fresh, relevant content, it’s important to let your prospects know its there. Everything that has your business name on it should also have your URL. A beautiful, content-rich site does no one any good if they don’t know it’s t

n takes to develop a strong on-line presence. Keep your site up-to-date with relevant content and information for your visitors. And make sure that everything you send out with your business name has your URL on it so people know where to find you on-line.

Finding a designer that you will have a strong long-term relationship with should be the first thing you do. “I get frequent calls from business owners who have lost control of their domain names or who hired ‘a friend’s brother’ to do their site and who no longer returns their calls,” says Jann Mirchandani of Mirchandani Consulting Graphic and Web Design. “It may seem like you are getting a bargain, but in the end you save yourself time, money and aggravation by working with a pro.”

Mirchandani advises all her clients to register their domains themselves so they own the URL they are investing in. Likewise, she has her clients set up their own hosting accounts or works with them to do so, so they have all the information they need to maintain control over their website. “But,” she cautions, “make sure you consult with your designer or developer first to make sure you are getting all the features you need, and not paying for those you don’t.”

Another mistake businesses often make, says Mirchandani, is putting up a website and forgetting about it. It’s important to keep your website content fresh for several reasons. Most importantly, visitors will not come back if your site is out-of-date or does not contain information that will provide them with something they need or want. Additionally, the “bots” – search engine robots that cull the web for site content and relevance – will recognize that the site has no new information and place it lower in its search results making it harder for prospective customers to find you.

Once you have your site up and running, and filled with fresh, relevant content, it’s important to let your prospects know its there. Everything that has your business name on it should also have your URL. A beautiful, content-rich site does no one any good if they don’t know it’s

returns their calls,” says Jann Mirchandani of Mirchandani Consulting Graphic and Web Design. “It may seem like you are getting a bargain, but in the end you save yourself time, money and aggravation by working with a pro.”

Mirchandani advises all her clients to register their domains themselves so they own the URL they are investing in. Likewise, she has her clients set up their own hosting accounts or works with them to do so, so they have all the information they need to maintain control over their website. “But,” she cautions, “make sure you consult with your designer or developer first to make sure you are getting all the features you need, and not paying for those you don’t.”

Another mistake businesses often make, says Mirchandani, is putting up a website and forgetting about it. It’s important to keep your website content fresh for several reasons. Most importantly, visitors will not come back if your site is out-of-date or does not contain information that will provide them with something they need or want. Additionally, the “bots” – search engine robots that cull the web for site content and relevance – will recognize that the site has no new information and place it lower in its search results making it harder for prospective customers to find you.

Once you have your site up and running, and filled with fresh, relevant content, it’s important to let your prospects know its there. Everything that has your business name on it should also have your URL. A beautiful, content-rich site does no one any good if they don’t know it’s

,” she cautions, “make sure you consult with your designer or developer first to make sure you are getting all the features you need, and not paying for those you don’t.”

Another mistake businesses often make, says Mirchandani, is putting up a website and forgetting about it. It’s important to keep your website content fresh for several reasons. Most importantly, visitors will not come back if your site is out-of-date or does not contain information that will provide them with something they need or want. Additionally, the “bots” – search engine robots that cull the web for site content and relevance – will recognize that the site has no new information and place it lower in its search results making it harder for prospective customers to find you.

Once you have your site up and running, and filled with fresh, relevant content, it’s important to let your prospects know its there. Everything that has your business name on it should also have your URL. A beautiful, content-rich site does no one any good if they don’t know it’s

ly, the “bots” – search engine robots that cull the web for site content and relevance – will recognize that the site has no new information and place it lower in its search results making it harder for prospective customers to find you.

Once you have your site up and running, and filled with fresh, relevant content, it’s important to let your prospects know its there. Everything that has your business name on it should also have your URL. A beautiful, content-rich site does no one any good if they don’t know it’s there.

“The most important thing to realize,” advises Mirchandani “is that your website is another aspect to your business. It’s another way to provide a service, sell your product or provide information.”