It is not necessary to be a computer “wiz” to develop your web site. You do have to know your product or service and be able to follow directions. Even if you have a web site consultant, “hands on” content and presentation development will be your responsibility—the buck still stops with you. Before you hire that web site expert, consider following information. It may save you money and unnecessary waste of time.

One strategy is to utilize web site packages that provide software to enable you to select number of pages needed, choose background color schemes, and will include “download” features that will identify various products and services you offer. These packages offer you control over content 24 hours, 7 days per week, as opposed to contracting someone at $450-$600 for initial development then $50-$75 per hour to generate inevitable changes in content as you grow your business. In addition, most web site consultants include “fine print” detailed costs for adding pictures or changing landscape.

Although you do not have to speak an unfamiliar computer language to master development of your business web site, you do have to know your product or service and a commitment to marketing and developing your business. Let’s take a look at basics of web site development for a five (5) page site:

1.What do you want your visitor to see when they visit your site? Begin with “colors” for background and printed words. Depending on service or product, it will either be a soft gray background with black or maroon print or black or dark blue background with white print. Others may have pastel colors with soft print. Color selections are based on product or message.

2.What information should visitor see first? The Welcome page should be viewed as same as welcome mat at your door. Its content will convey purpose of your business or service. Your welcome message can be developed using executive summary section of your business plan.

Remember, you are introducing product or service and giving your visitor a brief overview of what they can find on other pages of your site. You are letting potential customers know they are in right place. You have 15 seconds to capture your audience. Not unlike other personal presentations, don’t waste time on unnecessary words. Get to point. Entice them to want to know more. Information on this page, therefore, must be prepared by someone who knows company and its products or services. Even with a web site consultant, no one can better describe your company than you. The basic facts will come from you. NO passing buck here.

3.Who are you? The “About Us” page is your “brag bag” opportunity. This is where you talk about business accomplishments and expertise, awards and recognition. You can also provide a brief overview of yourself (especially if you are promoting consulting services) or background and expertise of any partners or key staff.

Do You Have Family Support For Your Home Based Business Idea? Starting a business is challenging and difficult. Even with money and inventive ideas, family backing and emotional support are primary ingredients to success. Home based in itself means that more than one person will be affected by changes in environment and living conditions. Many home based businesses falter because owners fail to take into account adjustments that naturally occur when working out of home. Before embarking on any “at home” business take time to explore idea with all involved. Make a list of advantages and disadvantages together. Especially when children are involved, be sure to include them in this important phase of planning. Discuss “do’s” and “don’ts” when parent is on “work time”. Clarify “quality time,” so that you diffuse resentment of changes in lifestyle patterns. Make sure everyone “buys in” to concept of a work at home business. Most importantly, develop marketing strategies and projections so that each family member has assignments and business related “jobs” that encourage a sense of shared business ownership. Remember succeeding in business is difficult enough without certainty of family support.

How Will You Know If You’re Ready? Home based businesses are more than a run-of-the- mill idea. One important consideration is selecting something not only of interest to you, but is also something you are capable of doing. It should be a business for which you have a high level of expertise as a result of professional and/or career interests and abilities or because of a hobby you’ve practiced over years. Never elect to start a business based totally on new untested ideas or based on a dependency on ideas of another. If you have not fully developed your idea, take time to investigate and explore it from various viewpoints. Take time to research your topic and write a vision for your business plan. It might also be worthwhile attend seminar or workshop training sessions on developing and writing a business plan. Keep family involved in these early stage development plans. Remember, two heads are better than one. You also encourage continued family ownership in business development.

How Much Money Will You Need? The amount of money needed for starting your home based business depends on product or services you are selling. Bridal consulting businesses, for example require low overhead costs. A computer and printer, telephone, file cabinet, paper, pens, etc. are some of basic start up materials needed. However, arts and crafts, floral arrangements, or gift baskets will demand purchase of items needed to prepare products for sale. With proper planning and business projections, you will be able to develop financial projections based on beginning inventories, expenses and estimated sales. Planning business income strategies and cutting costs for inventory investments can create a need for additional family discussions. What luxury items must be sacrificed or detoured during business start phase? What family vacations will be delayed or eliminated and for how long? Up front and open family conversations at beginning of business planning can help eliminate unnecessary disappointments later.