This holds true, even if you have a budget and you plan to pay to have work, such as HTML coding, done on a commercial basis. If you know at least basics of a given task, you're likely going to get more bang for your buck if you pay to have someone else do it. If process of coding HTML (or any other aspect of Webmastering) is a complete mystery to you, then you leave yourself wide open to getting a poor deal, if you're paying someone to do it.

The analogy is same as if you take your car into a garage to get it repaired. If you're reasonably knowledgeable about basics of auto maintenance, odds increase that you'll get repair job done right, and for a fair price.

At same time, you should work hard to build up relationships with other Web site owners (preferably those who are roughly at same stage of development with their sites as you are). As time goes on, you can share tips and advice and even specialized tasks.

If you try your hand at all aspects of running a Web site, then in time, you'll inevitably discover which tasks that you have a knack for. In my case, I discovered early on that my HTML and programming skills were mediocre---but that I had a talent for writing copy, site layout and site promotion.

These days, I rarely write raw HTML code any more. I farm that work out to my colleagues who are HTML gurus. In return, I can offer them my help in tasks in areas that I do well in.

On other hand, I know enough about basics of HTML to where I can go in and make tweaks and adjustments to a page, if need be.

The bottom line is: if you want to succeed as a Web site owner, then it's important to learn basics of all aspects of running a site early on.

Then, as time goes on, you can work to develop a network of friends and colleagues that you can share tasks and projects with, as your site grows and develops. And you'll be in much better shape to protect yourself from being scammed if you decide to pay someone to do Webmaster-related tasks for you.

Equally crucially, you'll know at least enough about basics of various Webmaster tasks that, in a pinch, you'll be able to jump in yourself and tweak or fix things in a pinch, instead of having to rely on someone else to get a crucial project done quickly.

2. Learn to write (or pay for services of someone who does know how to write). The fact that anyone can set up a Web site by definition means that overall state of writing on Web is pretty atrocious these days. Even if you have a well-designed site and your information is accurate and honest, your credibility will suffer unless your writing is well-done. Sites that are full of misspellings and typos are much less likely to be taken seriously. You don't have to be a Hemingway to run a successful site. Indeed, you don't even necessarily need to know all proper rules of English grammer. But you do need to know how to write clearly and be able to communicate your information in any easy-to-understand manner. The very fact that so few sites out there accomplish this means that few sites that do are going to be rewarded over long run. Remember, vast majority of people on Web want one thing: information. The fact is: a well-written site can succeed without a flashy design, Flash animations, cutting-edge technology and multimedia content. But on other hand, even most cutting-edge, high-tech sites can't succeed without well-written content.

3. Strive for media attention. Accomplish two goals above and you'll be on your way to succeeding in achieving media attention for your site. If your site presents accurate information (and it's well-written), your odds of gaining media attention are greatly enhanced. A media feature, whether it's in a newspaper or a magazine, or a broadcast, can do wonders for cementing your reputation as a credible site (as well as drive loads of traffic your way). Media attention also has a way of snowballing. Once you get a couple of major media mentions under your belt, you'll often find that others are forthcoming. As far as getting attention of media, there's really no shortcut. Most Webmasters I'm aware of that have gotten a media feature have pointed out that they never submitted their sites for feature or article in question. Of course, it can't hurt to contact journalists, computer and Web columnists and other writers and ask them for a feature. But, by and large, you'll find that journalists come to you; not other way around.

If you're worked hard, paid your dues and built a credible site, it's really only a matter of time before you'll find your site featured in media. Despite vastness of Web (and millions of sites competing for attention), sites that've worked hard to achieve credibility are invariably rewarded in course of time.

Gaining credibility is toughest challenge you'll face as a Webmaster. But it's a goal that any Webmaster can achieve, with enough dedication and hard work.