Search engine Optimisation(SEO) ... Start here!
A search engine expert will begin by examining the industry and your competition. Importantly they will tell you what keywords and phrases are bring searched for and how regularly. In other words they will tell you where the biggest pies are so you can go get your slice!
This information will inform your domain name/s, page names, titles and even your copy, so if you don't start here you waste time and money changing it later.
Domain Names ... Get a few
Domain names are so cheap these days that its worth getting the common variations of your site name. I also recommend grabbing a couple of domains targeting popular phrases that the SEO report tells you are highly searched for. You can use these to direct to your site or to specific landing pages on your site for those keyword phrases.
Social Media ... go viral!
With social media now consuming over 40% of all internet time around the world, you ignore it to your peril. Word of mouth and personal testimony is the most powerful advertising and people speak these days online ... facebook, twitter, youtube, linkedin.
They all have their advantages, strategies and place in your business plan. Register for all of them even if you aren't going to use them immediately and integrate them into your new site.
Site Statistics ... who / what / where?
Install site statistics (analytics) from day 1 to track the number of visitors, their habits, popular pages and to monitor how people find you online. You need a way to measure return on investment for your various marketing campaigns and strategies.
Google offer a free solution which can be added to any website - Google Analytics
Security ... travel safely
When you set everything up make security a top priority. Choose a well supported web system, a competent developer and keep your site updated. Use strong passwords (at least 10 mixed characters) and setup automated backups. A little effort getting things right will save a lot of time and money later on ... not to mention the damage caused to you if you start infecting website visitors with a random virus or display unsavoury images.
V2 Training develop websites for all kinds of businesses and organisations. We know our craft and can deliver a quality, effective online presence. Contact us to discuss your project.
