"The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow."
Bill Gates
BLOGS. They are everywhere, the talk of the town. Everyone has one it seems, but do you really want a blog to represent your company? Basicly a blog is merely a web log. This online 'tool" can and does generate a lot of interesting personal comments and information. They are popular because they are easy to setup and very inexpensive. A blog can even help advertise your business.
A website on the other hand, becomes your web address. Your domain name is as important as your business name to the internet. You will find web addresses on business cards, newspaper ads, and advertisements. It gives a strong business appearance and can link with many advertising revenues. Promotes confidence with new consumers and adds a professional touch. It is important to decision which style will be best for your business.
One Step At A Time.
Lost already? The domain name is the name you choose as your internet business name. Most try to use their actual business name, but it may have already been taken. In this case, you need to get creative and find a name that is similar.
Our business name is DarkStone Data. We could have choose : dsd.com, darkstone.com, or maybe ds.com. We went with our full name as it was available. darkstonedata.com. Some prefer a shorten version of their name, less to type in. Besides ".com", there are many domains to choose from as well. .com, .net, .ca, etc.
It is very important to choose wisely. The domain name identifies your site and becomes a part of your business both online and offline. Your domain name becomes very visible when sending email. Due to the amount of spam sent, many business people will read the 'addy', the web address, before opening the email.
staff@darkstonedata.com may have a stronger appeal than darkstonestaff@freeanyonemail.com. Too often email will be deleted if the company addy is not recognizable.
Appearing stable and professional online will increase your chances at making that sale or contact.
Once you decide on a domain name, you need to find out if the name is available. Do not be discouraged if the name you first want is not available. Doing a domain name search online is easy. One site that offers free searching is Instant Domain Search. Just type in your name to see if it is still available.
Prices for domain names have really come down in price. The average domain name cost is $10 for one year which is very affordable for the home and small business to have an online presence.
Now you need to choose a registrar.
A registrar is an organization that takes the domain name you choose and records your ownership in a central registry controlled by ICANN (The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).
You can search the internet for information about each registrar and their cost or a more convenient option may be to allow your web hosting provider to take care of the domain registration process for you.
Letting your Web hosting provider take care of registering your domain makes a lot of sense. They are experienced with domain registration issues and definitely qualified to recommend a reputable domain registrar. Going through them can save you time and money. Often your can sign up for your domain name at the same time as choosing the hosting plan you want.
Which brings us to which hosting company to choose.
Take your time here. Spend a night researching. The cheapest host may not be the best host. If they are not reliable, your business may be affected. Loss of customers is not worth the money you may have saved.
Questions to ask.... How is the customer service? How many years in business? What is all included? One of the best review sites for this information is Upper Host an INDEPENDENT hosting review site. Definitely worth a visit.
We are asked who we host with. We host with Host Gator 
and we are AFFILIATES. What does that mean? If we refer any clients their way, yes we do receive compensation. By clicking the picture of the gator, you will be directed to Host Gator.
Why did we choose Host Gator? First of all, they are a green host and this was important to us. They offered a package that was within our budget and provided what we need. Their plans start at $4.95 and up. You can read a review at Upper Host about Host Gator or any other web hosting company. Note: If you do decide on Host Gator, be sure to click on the gator picture to sign up.
What size package do you need? This will depend on your type of business. If you are planing on a retail store you will a larger package then a company that is providing an information package about the services. Most hosting companies will alllow you to upgrade to a larger space if you require it down the road. Be sure to ask the host company before signing up all the questions you may have. The way they answer your questions will give you an idea of their customer support. Some companies have real time customer support. You simply click on their customer support and wait your turn.
Html code, Php, Css ... Need help?
Begin by writing down what features you are looking for. Are you selling a product? Will you want a shopping cart or are you selling through an auction site such as ebay. Will you need a credit card processor or will you use PayPal? Will you ship your products? Do you have photos of all your products? Do you need a online credit application for repeat customers? Do you prefer one on one customer contact? Do you prefer an information site leading to meeting your clients? Do you want a contact page? Do you have a logo and color scheme in mind? Browse the internet for different ideas if you are not sure exactly which direction you are leaning towards.
Our fees.
You may have noticed we do not list our fees. This is not a ploy to get you to contact us.
We start with your budget. You know what you want to spend and what you can afford at this time. If your budget is light, we can help you design a lighter package that gives you that web presence with a professional touch. Remember, your website can grow along with your company. So feel free to contact us with your budget, your ideas, and we can work from there.
You don't need to be intimidated by complicated designs or expensive websites. Nor settle for the bleak look that comes with standard templates. We can help add your personality and image to your website and work with your budget to give you the opportunity to have a professional look now. Sometimes just adding a logo or a catchy phrase is all it takes to get your site noticed. Small businesses are struggling to survive with the economy. You need every advantage possible to get ahead.
Whether we assist you in designing your site or complete the project for you, you decide on what you can afford with no pressure or heavy sale pitch.
If we can do it, so can you. Look around our own site here at DarkStone Data. If you like the quality of our work, email our staff for more information. Our prices just might surprise you!
