Once again check with your web designer or developer and see if they can perform any of these tasks economically or give you some help. If not, then some of these activities may have to be outsourced. Search engine optimization and submission, and even reciprocal linking, activity of finding link partners, can be contracted from among hundreds of companies offering such services.

You or a designated member of your staff can learn some of these tasks by reading online tutorials, e-books and newsletters (like this one!). Though this takes time, again it gives you flexibility and an ability to work at your own pace and within your budget.

Finally if you can't afford outside services needed to maintain and develop site, and if you are not sure how to train yourself or your staff, a third solution exists in form of Ken Evoy's Site Build It (http://buildit.sitesell.com/webpromote2.html). In which powerful hosting, design, maintenance and promotional tools are provided along with step-by-step guidance enabling complete beginners to build, develop and manage effective websites.

Even before you start your website you should be thinking one step ahead, so that you can develop site intelligently and vigorously, and ultimately be successful in your web project.

Donald Nelson is a web developer, editor and social worker. Hehas been working on the Internet since 1995, and is currently the director of A1-Optimization (http://www.a1-optimization.com), a firm providing low cost search engine optimization, submission and web promotion services.

In Addition, keep in mind that cost is only one of many variables that should be considered.

Shop around for a designer with whom you are comfortable. If you are unsure whether a website will help your business, and your budget is limited, start with a simple site consisting of several pages. This will limit your investment while letting you get a feel for how this site will enhance your business. You can always expand your website with additional pages.

Do not allow yourself to be pushed into starting with an elaborate site if you are not comfortable with this. Remember, a website should enhance your business and improve bottom line like any other investment.

3. Website Hosting

Your website can be hosted on one of many servers throughout country including several local companies. Keep in mind that location of your web server is insignificant to user. Pick a web host that you feel is both affordable and reliable. A simple website that is essentially an online brochure should not cost no more than $9.00 per month to host. However, an e-commerce site could cost well over $80.00 per month.

In addition to cost considerations, choose a host that has a reliable track record. Most hosts will provide data on "Down Time" and you should beware of using any host that is unable or unwilling to share this information with you.

4. Website Maintenance

Maintenance fees will vary depending on number and type of changes you make to site. Before hiring a web designer, be sure maintenance fees are detailed up front. some designers charge a low cost design fee, but pad their maintenance fees.

Once again a simple online brochure that does not require many changes

and should have limited on-going maintenance. Consider having designer review Your site quarterly or semi-annually to be sure site maintains appearance initially created.

Following these simple steps will allow your business or organization to establish a presence on World wide Web.