Tired of Cyberbabble and Technogarble? Follow These Essentials for Creating Home Pages that Work. Do you want to Advertise on the Internet but feel unsure about how to get there? If you answered yes, you are among thousands of Americans experiencing this new anxiety. With more than 40 million users of the Internet, thousands of new home pages are being created every month. But the Web Page creation process is new and leaves many confused and uncertain. You can avoid this confusion and uncertainty IF you answer these WebSolution questions that are the essence of a successful Web Page. Answer these questions and you will be well on your way to a successful site on the Internet. 1. Why Do You Want a Web Page? Some people just want to say they have one, some want to sell products. Others want to advertise themself, their products or services. There are no correct answers. But once you know WHY you want a Web Page, the answer gives focus to the right process, then ask ... 2. How Will I Know If I am Getting Results? There are many ways to measure results. The number of visitors (hits) to the page. The amount of E-Mail generated. The number of requests for additional information. The number of sales. Even the number of comments people make about your page can be an indicator of success. Be creative, but be concrete. Track your results, and make changes if you are not getting the results you want. One of the compelling features of advertising on the Internet is that changes can be made very easily, and at very low cost. After you Know Why and How, ask yourself ... 3. What Strategies Can I Use to Accomplish My Goals? Know your target audience. Do they use the Internet? Can you add afford to add a Web Page to your current marketing budget to support your decision to have a Web Page? Use your Web Page address (URL) on your print advertising pieces, letterhead and business cards. Have people respond with a "Department #" with some identifier that indicates the contact was generated as a result of your Web Page. Knowledge of your customers and your product line helps you identify the CONTENT of your Web Page. Continue to evaluate the effectiveness of your Internet advertising, and make changes if what you are doing doesn't quite work. One of the compelling features of the Internet is that changes can be made within minutes rather than days or weeks as with other media. Why, How and What are covered, now ask ... 4. Who Can Help Me Identify and Address Related Issues? Are there any legal, regulatory or ethical issues to be addressed? What about Copyright Law, intellectual property laws, privacy considerations, business licensure or tax requirements. Answering these questions leads you to experts in the related area. Knowledge is good protection. Estimate the direct and indirect costs of planning, implementing and managing your Web Page. You might need outside help if this is all new to you. Asking good questions helps you cover your bases. Why, How, What and Who? Now ask ... 5. Where Will I find the Resources to Help Me Put My Ideas on the Internet? Do you have the ability to put up your own Internet Web Page, do you want to learn to do it your self, or do you want to hire someone else to do it? If you are a Do-it-yourselfer, start at the computer store the bookstore and on the Internet itself to find the technical tools to assist you. For those looking for a consultant, ask your friends, check with the Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, the newspaper, Yellow Pages . Watch for articles in local business publications. Ask for references, check out their work on the Internet. Talk to the consultant about your content. Ask about design and service options. Set a time frame that allows you to plan and launch the site and evaluate it. Identify the costs for site management and changes to your site. Be sure the consultant is a person you feel good about and who can provide the services your business needs in the short and long term. Ask these questions, and get answers that make you comfortable. Good questions and answers will go a long way in getting your business on the Internet with results that you want. Take the time to think through the process. This removes confusion and discomfort. Finally, create a Web Page work plan and implement your project. This information provided by: WebSolutions. 2251 N. Rampart Blvd. # 309 Las Vegas, NV 89128 EMAIL: Bschnei729@gnn.com bill121248@aol.com Copyright 1996 WebSolutions