Three things to consider to ask before starting
- Will the web site bring new business?
- Can the web site be used to eliminate office tasks?
- How can the web site better serve existing customers?
Chicago Web Management can help you answer these questions, and
these steps to successful web development have been honed through
experience. Print this page out, share it with collegues and when
you're ready, email us or call (773) 213-7747.
Initiating web site development for a new domain
- Determine business need for web site
- Research domain name availability and select winners
- Register domain name (you don't 'own it, you merely license it)
- Setup Web Host (usually leased space on a shared server)
- Outline site's purpose, scope and requirements
- Form internal 'team' for web project (even if its only you)
- Determine site needs, scope and goal
- Map responsibilities chart to support project
- Create Request For Proposal to get bids from developers
- Select winning bid and begin Web Development
The web development process (or redevelop)
- Outline site map
- Prioritize areas and purpose of each page
- Develop HTML based on coding needs (PHP, ASP, CFM, HTML)
- Integrate or develop database (SQL, MySQL, Oracle)
- Design images and site template ("look and feel")
- Create placeholders and insert client-supplied content
- Agree on final design and apply
- Load web pages onto server selected in step #3
- Test all pages (proofread content)
- Test all links, ensure compliance within different browsers
Marketing the web site to build traffic
- Submit URL of web site to major search engines
- Submit URL to directories and industry listing agencies
- Analyze traffic results with Google Analytics or WebTrends tools
- List URL in all marketing materials
- Continue to update site and 'keep it fresh' for steady returns
- Use forms for interaction, such as contact, proposals,
questions
- Exchange links with other URLS (allows higher ranking in Google)
- Optional: purchase keywords on Search Engines to boost traffic
- Have employees ask customers "how did you hear about
us?"
- Quarterly: Review site usage and update accordingly
Its a marathon, not a sprint
Steady traffic and returns from web sites don't happen overnight.
It takes time, effort and careful consideration for successful web
sites. Don't expect the developer to instantly bring you new business,
that's your job. Our job is to support, complement and enhance your
ability to generate business. We'll show you the way and
give you the personal attention that your business requires.
Ready? Contact
us or call (773) 213-7747 to learn how we can help you!
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