1. Will my website work in all browsers?

Although you may only use one browser (let’s say Internet Explorer), it doesn’t necessarily mean your audience uses it. Apple users primarily use the Safari browser which is different from Internet Explorer in both function and the way it displays pages. Firefox is the second leading browser with about 25% market share worldwide (IE is number one) and also displays pages differently than IE. Some people use mobile phones and PDA’s to view pages. And don’t forget the handicap people that use screen readers (blind people) other specific handicap-enabled browsers. Your website needs to be correctly coded to ensure it works in all browsers!

2. How visible will my website be on Google?

Of any visitor that comes to your site, Google is the most important. Google (and other search engines) will usually be your primary source of traffic to your site. While there are many techniques for increasing search engine visibility, there are some basics that many website developers simply don’t get right. Using valid standard based code greatly increases the visibility of your site to Google in comparison to older development techniques (think Frontpage, tables).

3. Will we be able to easily update our site?

Most companies want the ability to update the pages and content of their website. Ask your website designer to demo their backend application that allows you to do this. Some systems are too simple and may not meet your needs and some systems are overkill and packed with features you will never use. If you are going to be doing a lot of creation or editing of your own website make sure you understand up front how easy (or difficult) it is to modify your web pages.

4. Can you provide 5 (10, 20) URLs of websites you have built like the one you are proposing to build for me?

Ask for the URL’s of the websites the developer or designer has created. There is a lot of great website designers out there, but there is also a number of inexperienced newcomers. Find out what type of components or custom programming they have experience with. E-commerce, forms, database applications, email marketing integration are a few important skills your website designer should possess.

5. Will my website work with any hosting provider I choose? What specific platform will you be using?

Just who are you trying to get to visit your website? Define one primary audience. Lump everyone else into your secondary audiences. Create an audience questions document. For each audience, list every question you can think of for someone in that audience that is visiting your site? “What do you do”, “Where do I start”, “How can I contact you”.

Creating these questions will produce a powerful tool to evaluate all your content against. Does your content answer these questions? If not, then get rid of it. Use these questions to help create a sitemap (high level menu view of your site) for your website.

2. Define your goals.

Just what is it your are trying to do with your website? You can get elaborate or keep it simple. “We want to capture 25 emails per week.” “We want to have our PDF report downloaded 50 times per month.”

Be specific. Be measurable. There is plenty of tools available for tracking your web statistics, including the free Google Analytics.

3. Create a content schedule.

An important document. It simply defines the content item, person(s) responsible, and due date. You may choose to include budget as well if you plan on using a copywriter.

4. Collect and create content.

Stick to your content schedule and begin to collect and create your website content. This may include old web pages, documents, images, logos, and pdf’s.

5. Create an ongoing content strategy.

To keep your site up to date, ensure you establish publishing procedures for your business. This may be simply all content is delivered to one of your employees that has tech skills and will directly update the website. Or you may choose to have a full-time editor – copy is submitted to the editor, they do writing and then pass to a HTML/developer/designer that adds your content to your website.

Behind the most productive small businesses is a server-based network. With it, your employees can share resources like documents, applications, and printers. In short, a server-based network streamlines your day-to-day needs. What else can it do? A server also lets you set up a web-sharing and email platform for employees, which not only makes your business appear more professional – it also makes you more productive by improving the flow of information between employees.

A server provides one central place to organize and store company files, helps increase security over vital business data, and enables employees to share information more easily and effectively.

How much? Around $1500-$3000 for 5-10 people.

Prices continue to drop and a good PC can be purchased for around $500. A decent laptop for around $750.

When purchasing a new (or used) computer, you need to understand these 4 things:

1. Processor. Think of it as the brain of the computer. Usually the larger numbers like 2.8, 3.0+ mean faster, “smarter brain”

2. RAM. The adrenaline of the computer. Think Red Bull. Think caffeine. More RAM equals faster computer. Get 2GB or more if you can afford it.

3. Hard Disk (or hard drive). The storage unit of your computer. My Documents, My Pictures, etc. 80GB is the default size on my most new computers, but usually $25 will get you an upgrade to a 160GB drive.

4. Video. I usually upgrade the video card when buying new. Read some online reviews about the cards that are offered and choose one you like. If you want two monitors, make sure you get dual VGA or DVI outputs.

So how do you get the biggest bang for the buck?

You’ll need to balance your mix of ‘body parts’, but RAM is usually your best investment. Try to get 3GB if you can afford it. Your computer or laptop will simply perform better.

As far as the processor, you really aren’t going to go wrong with many CPU’s out right now. Most are so fast they are going to run your Office apps, Internet Explorer, email, and media player without breaking a sweat. If you plan on purchasing a video camera and want to make home movies on your computer, go for the fastest CPU you can afford.

As far as peripherals like mice, keyboards, and monitors some name brands are better than others. When purchasing a new computer, I usually upgrade the keyboard/mouse to a nicer Logitech wireless combo. More expensive keyboards are usually nicer to type on and nicer wireless mice have better ergonomics and “feel better”.

Should I buy online or at an electronics store? Typically the prices online are usually cheaper, but you may have to wait up to a week to get your computer. Dell and HP have the strongest offering and you may even get a free monitor with some PC specials. Electronic stores typically try to bundle printers and other peripherals to increase the price by a couple hundred bucks.

If you know what you want you can save money by buying a refurbished model from Dell or HP for sometimes hundreds of dollars cheaper than a new price. I have had really good luck buying these type of systems. Typically they are unopened returns from incorrect orders and most refurbished models carry the original warranties. Read the fine print!

It is usually my first task on a new computer. Start, Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs, Adobe Reader, Remove. See ya Adobe!

Although I thoroughly enjoy (and use daily) a number of Adobe products, the Adobe Reader seems to always cause me grief. It’s a huge application, takes memory, and opens PDF’s way too slow.

All I want is to have my PDF files open immediately. Simple. Just open fast.

A few years ago, I discovered a small development company called Foxit Software. They make an excellent PDF viewer called Foxit Reader that is ad-free, super fast, and reliable. Try it out. It’s free.