Your web site is the window to your organization. It is essential that it makes a good first impression on visitors. An amateur site will reflect the same onto your organization. Websites can be a tool to distribute materials, educate the public, and efficiently and effectively collect donations.

An unprofessional web site can do more harm to your reputation than having no web site.

The Internet is full of badly designed sites which have poor content and imagery, which are badly marketed, confusing and not linked to the overall goals of the organization.    Remember, an unprofessional web site can do more harm to your reputation than having no web site, however, not having a web site means losing out on the potential benefit that it can bring if done properly.

Design your site so it looks professional (or is appropriate for your purpose).

Potential customers are continually judging the effectiveness of your online presence. A well designed website compels viewers to stay longer and gives them added confidence in your company.

Website do's and don’ts

Do get your own domain. Your website image is crucial to your organization becoming more successful. Your own domain (www.yourname.com) is professional and makes it easier for people to remember you when they're not online.

Don’t leave your business website design up to an amateur designer. At first glance, an unprofessional website will permanently reflect on your organizations image and will turn visitors away before you've even had a chance to show them what you're about.

Employing professionals will ensure that essential business perspectives and techniques are utilized so your visitors see your organization at it's best. You might think you're saving money by having an amateur create your website, but you're actually losing immeasurable opportunities each time someone passes over your site because it's not professional enough, or is full of errors because your designer was not skilled in correctly coding websites. You wouldn't leave your company accounting to an amateur; why would you leave your website to one?

Do keep your content current. There's nothing worse than visiting a website in 2004 that was last updated in 1999. If your visitors believe you don't care enough to keep your site information current, will they trust that you care enough to stay current and attentive in your field of expertise?

Do include your website address in all your advertising. If no one sees your website, then it really exists for nothing. There are many ways to get people to visit your website. Some great ideas:

• Include your website in print ads and commercials
• Put your website on your vehicle
• Put your website in your signature line at the bottom of all your emails
• Put your website on your business card
• Always look for opportunities to let people know about your website!

Contact us today to discuss your organization’s needs. It doesn’t cost anything to get a proposal for the solution we would recommend to suit your goals but it will cost you a lot if you get it wrong.