Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

By the way, Steve, I DID check out your site and I would not at all say that it s*&ks. I do, however, have 2 quick suggestions for you:

1. Hide your email address behind a javascript to reduce the amount of spam to your in-box coming from mail bots (Belive it or not, there are actually creeps out there who crawl the net looking for mail links to add to their spam lists)

2. You have a page called "Planning Your Project" - instead of offering that valuable info directly at the web site, why not create a file of that same info that you can email to any one who requests it. That way you can capture the email addresses of people who are interested in your services and then follow up with them on a regular basis.

It looks like an awesome service that you provide. Best of luck!

I have a website domain with GoDaddy and have not set anything up yet.  I have been getting ready for some EBay sellling, and also don`t know where to begin to get a website up and running.  GoDaddy can assist with the design for a simple site, but is that enough???

Hi Watergal,

 I just finished my website.  www.thebridesmaidparty.com

I designed it myself.  It cost me about $500 for some technical advice.  I am now adding in a flash page to make it a bit more cosmopolotian.  I work in Boston and think your idea is great.  I am funding my business out of pocket and starting up part time as I work full time.  I can help you with design if you need it.  Let me know if you have any other questions.  email me at info@thebridesmaidparty.com

I just started my first one also. After playing around with Front Page and a couple of other web programs I did the smart thing and hired someone to help me out. After doing some research I chose KTwebdesign and I think it was a good decision. Janet walked me through the process and explained everything to me without any condecension. She will help you with the server and all the other million things you will need to keep in mind. I had her make me a fairly basic site for just under $500 and it was well worth the price! Unless you are a graphic designer and really know the web building program I strongly advise you to find a pro, it will be worth it in the long (and not so long) run.

Her address is:janet@ktwebdesigns.com. Just tell her the guy from Dynamic Learning Systems sent you!

Ps: Since she built my site I have had the time to learn the basics of Front Page and can now tweak or even redesign my site myself and she is always there to help me out. Great company.

To all of you who helped Jo out.....YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How cool is it that so much great information is made available by people who care about helping others realize their startup dreams.

I am just thrilled.....

Jeff

KAren had a smart response in that I find it helps to know exaclty what you want on the site before you design it.

I thought i knew what i needed until i sat down and wrote it all out.  Then i thought of a few extra things, and i`m now moving stuff around to fit everything i want.

If I`m not too badly mistaken, i believe the Small Business Administration has a great document on their site that can guide you through some of the things you should think about when designing your site from information to include to the beginnings of a marketing plan.

good luck,

craig

www.id-hp.com