Planning

If your small business is like most, your resources are limited. You can't afford to spend thousands of dollars on advertising, and if you want something to get done, you do it yourself. That's why the Web has become such a powerful resource for small businesses. Virtual storefronts have greatly reduced overhead. And with software that lets you list your Web site on hundreds of search engines with just a few mouse clicks, the little guys can now get in the ring with the heavyweights. Online, you're as big as your Web presence.

You can build your own Web site on any budget. Without a game plan, creating a Web site can get confusing, but we've broken the process down into six main steps:
Plan your site shows you how to organize your site's structure before you get in over your head. Once you've decided what you want your site to say, it's just a matter of putting words to Web page.
Build your pages walks you through the basics of HTML.
Next, Add graphics shows you how to incorporate the design elements that will make your site come alive.
Sell it on your site explains everything you need to know about E-commerce and shows you how to open up shop on the Web.
Put your page on the Web tells you how to put your Web site online and advertise it once it's there. Plan your site

It's tempting to jump right in, but save yourself the haste-makes-waste headache and spend some time thinking and planning.
Who will be using your site?
What are their needs?
What's the best way to present your information?

Follow these tips and spin a seamless Web site.

Break it down
If your Web site is made up of more than one page, you need to decide the best way to organize the breakdown. Keep it simple. The longer it takes people to find what they need on your site, the less likely they are to stick around.

Make a name for yourself
Before you get much further you should register your domain name, or your Web site's address (yourname.com). This process involves a few legalities and a fee, so take care of it now to make sure you own your name free and clear by the time you're ready to go live. Build your pages
Now that you've decided what your Web page will say, it's just a matter of saying it in a language people's Web browsers will understand.