Several Years ago I was a total internet newbie, truth be told I am still relatively new to this ever developing technology and find it a full time job just trying to keep up.

Anyway I remember being paid a visit from a Yellow Pages sales person who told me that if I didn’t sign up with them I would be basically left in the dust of my competitors. Why would I be left in the dust? They (The Yellow Pages) were going online..woohoo!

So began the push from the geeks ( I now wish I was a geek) and their sales dudes to sell me online advertising and try to convince me that I need to buy a web site from them, don’t worry they said we have a special offer for a cheap web site design for your small business. I bet you had a similar experience right?

I thought to myself I need to stay ahead so asked where do I sign up?
The real pain in my head began when they told me it was only going to cost me $10,000 plus hosting, graphic design cost etc etc

To this day I am still receiving calls emails and letters trying to get sell me a $10,000 + web site. The good news it does not have to cost you anything to get started, just a little enthusiasm and some time.

A no cost start up for you would be to start a blog and these days you can start free to get some experience with basic design, posting contents and navigation. For a free blog and basic tutorials do a search using your favorite search engine and you will be up and running in no time.

Next move on to registering your very own domain name which is basically your web address, you then need to find someone to host the web site for you. Hosting is cheap but the cheapest is not always the best, if you like good customer service it is worth spending few more dollars. Join some online groups and spend some time searching online for a recommended provider.

While you are learning to get your own web site up and running keep your free blog working as a temporary solution. There is blog software that can be integrated into your paid hosting account so all of your content can be moved and can become your new web site.

While it is worth developing your own technical skills it does take time. As a small business owner myself I understand time is something you do not have much of right?

If all this sounds like too much work it is worth considering hiring someone to complete your project but remember it is not necessary to spend a fortune.

Do a little research, find someone you can sit down with chat to and feel like you can trust. It is a good idea to develop a good relationship so when you need to make changes to your site it will be done quickly and hopefully be included as part of your deal.

A very professional looking but cheap web site design can be acheived to meet the needs of your business and customers and keep your bank account under control.

David R Blundell

Manly Web Sites