WHERE

WHERE

WHERE

WHERE

WHERE

Where do you start?

You've already taken a big step in researching the web design process.  But before you tackle the site of your dreams, there are a few things you should take time to do. 

• Browse the web

Before you lock into a certain design or theme for your web site, spend some time browsing the web for sites relevant to yours.  Write down at least three sites that you admire and why you like them.  It may be because the graphics are awesome, or they are simple to navigate within, or maybe the colors grab you.  This information will greatly help your web designer build you a site you will love.

• Choose a Domain Name

Your web site will need a name.  The biggest mistake people make when choosing a domain name is making the name too long.  Another common mistake is making it hard to spell.  You want something catchy, easy to type, and avoid items such as punctuation marks or underscores.  The best domain names contain the business name and business type.  Examples would be smithfurniture.com or joneskennels.net, etc.  If you have an unusual last name, often this is a good choice, providing it is relatively easy to spell.  

• Choose an E-mail Name

Your web site automatically offers the option of an e-mail address attached to it.  If the web site name is joneskennels.com the e-mail address could be anything@joneskennels.com.  Keep the e-mail address short and even more simple than the web address.  Having it be pertinent to the business type is always a good idea.  Examples would include dogs@joneskennels.com or bordercollies@joneskennels.com.

• About Hooplahs and Doodahs

There are millions of little flashing icons and interesting sound effects that can be incorporated into a web site.  But we suggest you save those for your favorite e-mail pen pals.  These "doodahs" take a lot of time to load and not everyone's computer is capable of viewing or hearing them how they are intended to be viewed and heard.  At Stoney's, our tastes lean toward keeping your web site simple, classy and clean.  Your site will load most quickly and attract repeat visitors more readily if they don't have to sit through a "doodah" for the 29th time.