Some online mistakes to avoid

When you are considering putting your business online there are some practical points to consider and basic mistakes to avoid

Your domain name
It is too easy to start your web site with some free space from your internet service provider. It is far better to look for and register a Domain name that reflects either the name of your business or what it is that you do. www.knott.co.uk, for instance, is perhaps more memorable than knott23@anotherisp.co.uk. Once the domain is registered it is yours whilst you continue to pay the registration and renewal fees. This brings us onto the next mistake to avoid.

Own your own domain name
Registering your own domain name may cost a little more than allowing someone else to register it for you. The problem lies in that the domain then belongs to them and not to you and should you ultimately wish to change it may well be expensive to purchase the domain later.

Time to load
Many small business web sites involve graphics and or pictures which slow down the time taken to load the pages. Whilst pictures, where appropriate, are very useful, ensure that you reduce the file sizes so that the pages load quickly.

Layout and design
Too many web sites use busy background wallpapers. When you are choosing a theme for your site stick to one uniform, clean and easy to read background.

Old information
Putting the web site up is only the first step .Unless the site is a basic static advertisement the information will age and needs to be constantly monitored to ensure that the content is and remains appropriate and current.

Contact information
There are few things more likely to lose potential customers than not having contact information prominently displayed on the site. Ensure there is a link to your contact information on every page. Unless there are very good reasons not to, you should include your business address.