1. Resources should always reflect main theme of a Web site and be complimentary to main Web site, as well as other products, services, and resources that already exist. E. G. An Internet Marketing site should, in all probability, only contain links to products, services, and resources that reflect Internet Marketing.

2. Resources should always be "content rich" and interesting to visitor. A smattering of lackluster, "same old, same old" type resources does Web master little good, and may even hurt Web site, by reducing its sales effectiveness.

3. Resources should be updated at least monthly, to keep site "fresh and lively" for return visitors. Visitors quickly lose interest if a site seems stagnant.

4. Resources should be plentiful enough to fill out a site, however, they should never overshadow main theme of a site nor should they take away from main purpose. They should be placed in an orderly fashion, and laid out for easy accessibility and readability. Clutter should be avoided at all costs, and a clean look maintained. There is a fine line here between "just enough" and "way too much".

5. Avoid gimmicky, poorly written, ethically substandard resources. A Web master must use judgment when choosing resources that are truly an asset to site. "If in doubt, don't" is a good rule of thumb here.

Resources not only add quality and backend sales on a Web site, they enhance Search Engine placement by providing content and incoming links. They give visitors a good feeling about site, and they set Web master up as an "expert" in any given field.

However, quality must always rule over quantity, when placing resources and additional products and services on a site. If prudence is used, resources will enhance sales and traffic, and keep site "alive and well" long after other competitive sites have disappeared!

Hiring a Professional

›› How much time do you have?

Designing your marketing materials(website, business card, stationary, ezine, postcards, etc.) is not just about learning about graphic design software and, in case of web design... learning HTML. Your designer will know how to harness color theory and how to organize your content & information to readable chunks, allow your viewers to focus on important benefits, evoke a certainfeeling or thought, and add supporting graphics that clearly and effectively communicate your message.

›› Don’t you want to concentrate on business?

When you are a small business, you probably play role of sales, customer service, accounting and need to concentrate on strategies to build business. Hiring lets you make decisions to take your business to next step, communicate your wants/needs but then hand it off to someone who can effectively and productively implement project.

›› You do care about quality, right?

You get what you pay for. A quality designer will only want best for you and your business. They live off long-term relationships and want great testimonials from you.

›› Don’t think “service provider”.

Think long-term partnerships.