The vast array of options one has for creating a web site can add even more confusion and chaos to an already harried new entrepreneur.  One way to begin considering your options is to decide if your needs are simple or complex.

• SIMPLE:  If your business is not web-based and you merely want a “brochure-ware” place on the Internet, you have many off-the-shelf, even free, products and services that might be all you need.
• LESS SIMPLE:  If you are going to be selling products online and need to set up an e-commerce site, there are somewhat inexpensive and easy-to-set-up (really, though… easy-to-set-up for WHOM? is my question) products and services.
• COMPLEX:  If your site is going to be the basis of an online business, then developing it may involve a great deal of time and resources to create and launch.
• VERY COMPLEX:  If your site is going to contain vast amounts of content and data used in a specialized way, it will also require custom development to create and launch.  Make sure you hire a professional team to tackle this level of project.

Now, for your domain name… Sometimes called a URL, your domain name is the “web address” string of letters that will serve as a means for people to find your web site.  You must register your desired address through a domain registrar, someone like GoDaddy or Joker.com.  Costs for registering can be just a few dollars per year, or if you have to purchase a name from someone who already controls it, many thousands of dollars. 

Creating a web address that is unique and has not been registered is a real challenge.  In fact, I highly recommend that you not even name your company until you determine its URL availability.  Many of the obvious short words and letter combinations have been taken.  However, with some creativity, you (or your Web Design / Creative team) can come up with an address that is appropriate for your business.

1. The shorter the better.  The longer the name, the easier it is for peopole to mistype or misspell and not find your site.
2. Combine your company name with a city name.
3. Consider dropping “silent” vowels– like Flickr.
4. Add another word to your company name:  “buy” “shop” “think” or other words may work.
5. Consider using common keywords in your domain.  Having these words makes it more likely people will find your business online.  Ex:  “mikesbreadbakery.com” is probably better than “mikesboulangerie.com” since mroe people will search on bread or baker or bakery than boulangerie. 
6. Many registrar services will suggest alternative domain names if the one you want is taken.

Choosing the domain name is very important because it remains constant.  They are your “real estate” on the web and your company message to the world.  You will probably change your site’s design many times over the course of your business, but you should never change the name URL.

Alright, we’ve established that you’ve got to have one, now the question is: 

Should you hire a developer or do it yourself?

Doing it Yourself–

PROS:  You’ll save money by doing it yourself, not to mention having complete control over the look and feel of the site.  If you make yourself the administrator, you have the freedom to update and make content changes whenever you feel it’s necessary.  If you already have a working knowledge of basic web design, there are free tools (I can’t recommend WordPress highly enough!) that will allow you to create a professional looking web site on your own.  However, if you can’t even spell HTML…

CONS:  If you don’t know much about computers and/or web design, it will take a while to learn everything and get your site up and running.  Also, if you choose to become an administrator, you will have to spend even more time dedicated to making any updates anad changes to the site.

Hiring a Professional–

PROS:  You will get a clean, well-designed, professional looking web site in a short amount to time if you hire an expert.  Ask around.  Get referrals from satisfied businesses whose sites you like.  Also, a web developer will take care of any changes and updates in the future.  A professional designer will have the ability to create a completely unique site that is beyond the scope of what you could do yourself.  Plus, it will give you more time to devote to the other 29 million responsibilities you have in running your business.

CONS:  You may not always have as much control over the outcome of your site.  However, my experience has been that odds are you’ll like what a professional creates even more than anything you could dream up.  Another possible con is the fact that some busy (read “good”) developers may take a while to get your site completed.  Anything less than 6 weeks is an optimum target due date. 

The most important thing to remember about hiring a developer is to do your research… get multiple bids and ask your network of other business owners and/or techy friends.  If you are going to pay the money, make sure you are going to get the result you want and in the time frame you expect.  By asking for a portfolio of their past work and references from their client list, you are making every effort to find a great match between you, your company, and your goals on the web.

Color me shocked and amazed, but it’s true… most small business owners don’t (yes, I said DON’T) have a web site.  Nothing, zero, nada.  Unbelievable.  In it’s first survey of small-business web sites last April, Jupiter Research found just 36% of all businesses with fewer than 100 employees had an Internet presence.

Small business owners who have made the effort have realized that the expense of having a functionable and brand recognizable web site is by far eclipsed by the profits and market share won.  The Kelsey Group, a market research company in Princeton, N.J., estimates that sales revenue from Internet yellow pages, searches for local businesses and searches on wireless devices will increase from $3.4 billion in 2005 to $13 billion in 2010. 

However, the learning curve in establishing an effective web site may be steep for small business owners.  Marketing and branding experts agree that entrepreneurs should be aware of the fact that a web site must be updated on a regular basis.  A static site may damage the credibility of your business… broken links, outdated information, and contacts (people) who have left the company are all signs of neglect. 

Small businesses need an online presence as much as they need a phone or mailbox.  Customers and clients- both current and potential- expect you to have one.  For some firms, a web site has become the primary selling tool, a means to access inventory and/or collaborate on client projects.  Other small businesses have launched constantly updated blogs or detailed service-oriented resources.  From simple to complex, web sites have become a requirement for doing business in many industries. 

Steve Krug, author of the web usability guide Don’t Make Me Think  (2nd Edition, New Riders Press, 2005), says that what looks great to a business owner may be totally lost on a new user unfamiliar with the site.  He suggests that business owners watch outsiders walk through their site, and devote several hours a month (after each “upgrade”) to the process. 

Today’s excerpts taken from Dallas Morning News, Thursday, August 21, 2008 and New York Times News Service.