Google Sites - A Free No-Hassle Option for Business Owners

If you own a business, you most likely want to bring in business from the Web. You also want or need a website. But the problem is most of your options take too much time or cost too much money. So you're still frustrated and still don't have a website.

An option is Google Sites. As the name suggests, it's a site made by Google. There are four reasons why Google Sites are great if you want a website right away but don't want to waste time or money. There's also one problem with them (which is actually not that hard to fix).

Here are the strong points:

1. It's free. That includes hosting, which usually costs about $70 a year and is tough to set up if you've never done it. Nor do you have to worry about buying the website design, so you're not getting whacked for a design that just looks nice to programmers.

2. Google Sites are quick and easy to set up. Usually, you have to do a ton of work just to get a site just up and running, or you have to know HTML. With Google Sites, you don't need to know any programming. You can put a functional site on the Web with just the brass tacks you need, and worry about changing it around later when you feel like it.

3. Your site isn't covered with ads. Many business owners get duped into buying pre-built sites for free or cheap. There's a catch: the outfits that sell these sites don't tell people ahead of time that they're covered with ads and logos. Google advertises in plenty of places, but not on Google Sites, which are clean and ad-free.

4. It's simple, clean, and Google-friendly. A lot of sites are littered with flashy trinkets that distract customers or irritate them until they leave. The layout is straightforward, which is good for when customers go to the site. The behind-the-scenes wiring (the coding) is efficient-which helps you on the rankings.

The only downside is you get a bad website name when you create your site. Google automatically gives you a name like "sites.google.com/site/yoursitename." That's too long and confusing. If your name is that difficult, potential customers won't remember how to get to your website, or they might not be able find it in the first place. There's a way to get a better, simpler name. It's kind of involved, but easy if you know how to go about it.

Especially if you get around the issue of the way-too-long name, getting a Google Site is the shortest, cheapest way I know to get a solid website up and running for your business.

Philip Rozek invites you to watch a free video at http://www.letsgetyoufound.com on how to get a Google Site for your business. He will also show you how to get a short, simple name for your Google Site, and more.

Website Building Software - Top Website Builders Reviewed

If you still think you need to pay some wizard programmer a couple grand to build you a professional looking website - I've got something else you might want to consider before signing that check. During this past decade technology took a giant leap in this area. You could build cleaner websites during your lunch break - than the overpriced web designers take a month to do.

Building your own website doesn't have to be a hassle

Some people may have you believe that in order to make a website you need to be a geek with ultra high IQ, have some expensive software and spend years learning some alien looking codes. Trust me, there are other options.

Here are a few top website builders to consider:

• Site Rubix Website Creator
• Xsite Pro Webdesigner Software
• Bluevoda Website Builder

A brief overview of some of the key features of each one:

Bluevoda Website Builder - If you're on a tight budget, this builder is definitely for you. It's free, so if you need something to hold you over before you're ready to invest some money into something better, this one is the way to go. It comes with an array of pre-designed templates and very easy to use. Drag and drop function is nice, no knowledge of any code required.

The downside is that you're tied up to their host and eventually could be a problem if you're trying to run a website which requires higher bandwidth. Hosts like that tend to run slow because of their popularity - there are currently about 3 million people who use Bluevoda.

Another big con is the fact that it can only run on Windows based platforms. So if you're on a Mac you're out of luck.

Xsite Pro Webdesigner Software - Regarded as one of the top builders out there for the price. This builder will set you back about $200. One of the biggest advantages of Xsite pro is that it's the first builder built with Internet marketer's needs in mind.

• The most regarded feature is instant SEO (Search Engine Optimization) checker. It automatically analyzes your website and suggests the best possible way for you to get listed in the search engines painlessly. This feature is what makes it unique.

• It also comes with hundreds of templates to choose from

• Automatic sitemap creation feature built-in. Another handy feature for Internet marketers

• Affiliate link wizard. A marketer's dream. You can store all your affiliate links and just pop them in into any page at a click of a button

• Full tech support 24 hours 7 days a week, plus a user forum is nice

Again the downside is it's only compatible with Windows systems and for the same price you could get a professional edition of Adobe Dreamweaver if you're planning on learning more advanced techniques in the future.

Site Rubix Website Creator - This builder is by far the most versatile and user friendly I've ever come across. Some of its key benefits:

• Extremely user-friendly and intuitive interface. It's also known as WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get). No HTML code knowledge on your part is required. You just drag and drop every component of your website into place.

• Multitude of pre-built templates to chose from

• Dynamic drag enabled menus

• Built in FTP program (most other ones don't have this)

• Instant screenshot tool

• Template and banner swapping

• Media Management Support (Video, Images, Screenshots)

• Flexible Operating System Support

Overall I'd say Site Rubix is the best of both worlds. You can run it on either Mac or Windows based systems. And it has every feature that all the other programs offer. What makes it stand out is the fact that it's tied into it's own forum where not only you can learn how to build websites - you could also become a top level Internet marketing professional with the 1-on-1 coaching program that's offered.

To see my review on it, visit Site Rubix Review at my website. To learn how you can take full advantage of the forum and the coaching program, see my Wealthy Affiliate Review

How Corporate Web Design Can Generate Leads For Your Business

If you own a business you know that your first priority is attracting customers. While this is usually done through basic advertising and marketing on a day to day basis, there is something to be said about a company that opens up a second stream of opportunities. Technology has made that infinitely more simple, and made it possible for the first time to create a real, viable customer target on a national and international front.

I am speaking, of course, about creating an ecommerce web site, that will be used in addition to your main company front. By establishing a website you will be able to widen your target net, reach more customers, and increase profits significantly. It is in this way that corporate web design consulting can improve your business in a very real way. Hiring someone to handle your website will allow you to implement one of the biggest benefits of the Internet in the business world, and put you in touch with an resource that is growing by the day.

Just imagine being able to reach customers across oceans, and to increase your client base within your own home country, all in a convenient, affordable way. By moving a portion of your company onto the World Wide Web, you will be establishing a revenue stream that can boost sales dramatically, and open up doors that were a mere pipe dream only a few decades ago.

The benefits of creating a presence online are enormous, and beyond just increasing your prospects. It is all about competing in an ever more competitive market, where small businesses are become the more popular choice for consumer needs. Even large corporations have seen the potential (and profit increases) possible with a website, and entire departments have been dedicated to that purpose. By utilizing the tools created with corporate web design consulting, you will be put on more even footing against those sellers who have outsold you in the past.

A survey was recently conducted among consumers who had moved from long-standing companies to new ones in recent years. When asked why they made the switch the consumer admitted that the availability of a website had made it easier for them to fit shopping into their busy lives. Likewise, one of the top reasons that consumers choose a company is now based on the existence of an ecommerce site. Not only does it bring new customers to a business because of easy access, but it increases customer confidence to know that there is a place online to check out a company or product before committing.

Corporate web design consulting has become a huge industry in the last decade. That in itself should be enough to show that the future is truly in ecommerce, and that failing to take advantage of this resource could be a serious disability in your profit potential. Don't decrease your marketability. Instead, increase it by implementing corporate web design consulting into your regular marketing strategies. It is the most important move you can make to securing the future of your company.

All web development Projects Require Corporate Web Design Consulting to achieve a Successful online Presence. If you need Corporate web Design Consulting feel free to visit Creative Web Design Consulting by [MN]interactive.com.

4 Tips For Making Your Personal Website - The Foundation For Your Web Presence

Enter into the web world of an eternal flow of interaction and insight. When making your website, you need look no further than your own experience, knowledge, and interest to build your site foundation. Some timely tips will ensure your endeavor is an easy and fun procedure.

The basics is format and inspiration

All unique ideas and novel touches of personal spark is the result of a seed of inspiration. Your web presence is the collection of your inspiration and the presentation of this insight. A basic site format will include clean form, concise blocks of text, bold subtitles, and avoid an over busy construction.

Your subject is your unique expertise

There is no limit on the potential theme of your site and is determined by the area of your personal knowledge, your experience in your field of work, hobby interest, or a special talent you are aptly qualified to expand upon. Showcase your talent, your specialized interest, your humorous creation or a spotlight on your beloved pet. Choose a theme you know well, that holds your focus.

A little on web dreams and realities

While your intent may be strictly a personal sight, often personal sites entwine with a business model. Caution is to be applied in recognizing the fallacies of web dreams and realities. If it appears too good to be true, then it probably requires more consideration. It is too easy when beginning to incur more expenditure, than you have income. Web expectations and the learning process of reality can be an expensive lesson.

Build your site with focus and intent

Start with a clear theme, a point of interest for your site, and a destination based on focus of your goal. Make your personal site easily adaptable for your business ventures, and aptly engaging your personal intent. Unique as your intention, so is the attention to detail and application. A niche theme of a broader source of relevance is required. You may bring to light a garden like paradise, but a garden is a broad term, and a more niche theme would be growing a garden attracting butterflies, or a garden of sweet purple violets, myrtle, heather and lilac. All purple, or all a similar combination of likeness.

The idea is make it your own, while embracing a basic original concept. Tweak it as you like. How to's always require clear vibrant photos, and an eye for detail. Personal themes are a mirror of your interest, cause, expertise, and commitment.

Dannie writes website tips more on the basis of site format and inspiration than technology. Visit http://www.websitetoptip.com for more timely web tips, and your own easy website free trial.

The Importance of Communication Between Lawyers and Their Web Design Firm

Effective communication with a Web design firm should begin long before you actually hire the designer who will build your site. This is because the most efficient way to hire a Web designer is to know what type of design you want for your law practice. If you know what types of designs you like in advance, then you will have a better idea of whether or not the designer can build the site that you envision.

One of the best ways to brainstorm ideas for Web design is to start with the competition. Find out how other Websites are targeting the clients you want to attract. When you "shop the competition" you can learn a great deal about how the Internet is used to generate business. If you see a design you like, ask if the designer is capable of building a site similar to it.

While you might think this is the designer's job, not yours, the process will be much more successful if you and the designer are on the same page about where how you view the final product: a Website that looks as good as it performs.

You may never have access to the true ROI a law firm receives on its Website, you can tell from a user's point of view, how effective the Website is in creating a compelling online identity.

Also, before you hire the designer, it's important to pick a point person to communicate with the designer, who will eliminate miscommunications between the designer and the law firm. This person should receive feedback from as many people as possible regarding the desired design of the site. The feedback should be complied into ideas that can be expressed to the designer.

Once you have hired a designer who you feel would most successfully execute the firm's and have a point person in place, you can begin the editing process. That means that the point person will bring the latest versions of the Website back to the law firm for feedback.

When it comes to feedback to the designer, be kind. Remember to treat the designer with the same respect that you would treat other law firm members. A little constructive criticism can go a long way and is the key to keeping your relationship with the Web designer a positive one. When you critique the designer's versions, be kind, but also be direct so you can get the changes you need.

Once you have completed the revision process, and have a final Web design, be sure that the point person is thorough by getting feedback from everyone in the law firm. There's no sense in accepting a design that decision makers have not reviewed. Be sure that the point person has the authority to accept the final design.

Finally, announce your new Website design. Submit press releases about the release of your new site. Redesigning or launching a Website is great news that should be shared with the media so you can get the proper recognition your Website deserves. Don't forget to change the Web address, if necessary, on law firm business products such as letterhead and business cards.

Sarah Van Cott, started her Web development back in 1999. She currently is the content development manager for WebJuris, an attorney Website design and legal marketing firm. Her career includes content development for SignOn San Diego, Law Info and the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Top 6 Worst Website and Web Design Mistakes You Must Avoid For Online Success!

How often are you browsing online and you come to a website and leave immediately on the look of the site? If you're a normal person, then that happens a lot. The challenge as website owners and web developers is to retain people on your site and to get them to take action! It's important to think of everyone that is viewing your website. Not everyone will be using the same browsers like Internet Explorer and people will have different aspect ratios meaning your website might not look the same on each computer. There are 6 deadly mistakes that you need to stay away from for website design. About 85% of websites make at least one of these deadly mistakes so make sure that you read this and keep your website mistake free!

1. Side to Side Scrolling - The last thing you want is your website to be too wide for people to view it all without having to scroll from side to side. People are programmed to scroll up and down on websites, not side to side. This causes a lot of frustration with web browsers and frustration equals them clicking the back button. You'll want to make sure that when your website is built that your design isn't too wide. So what is a comfortable size for website width? All of the websites that we build are 800 pixels wide. If you stick to this then you don't have to worry about anyone having to scroll from side to side.

2. Left Aligned Websites - Left aligned sites look unprofessional and outdated. I see a lot of websites that are aligned to the left and they just don't look right. On some computers they will appear to be aligned centered because of that computer's settings but on computers that have higher aspect ratios they will appear on the left. Don't overlook the simplicity of making sure your website is centered and not aligned left.

3. Having No Background or Boarders - Since we are on the topic of configuring your website for all computers you should have a background that can be duplicated on the sides for people that view websites with high ratios. You don't want to have a website that has plain white boarders on both sides. It looks and unprofessional and very amateur. Make sure you set your background image to be expandable no matter what the pixel size is. A good example of a cool but simple background would be http://www.mlb.com

4. Using Obscure Fonts - You'll want to stay away from fancy obscure fonts on your website for two reasons. The first is because they can be difficult to read and you want to keep everything simple for people viewing your site. The second is because if the person viewing your website doesn't have the font that you desire downloaded on their computer then they will see it in a different font. This means that you loose control over the look of your website. Now, you can set it up to have backup fonts, meaning if they don't have the first font downloaded then it will go to the next one that you specify. For example, if you want your site to be shown in Myriad Pro but a user doesn't have that font on their computer then they will see it in Verdana. Now you can do that with specialty fonts but it's not advised because each font's size isn't the same as another. Meaning you will never have full control over the look of your site. For that reason you'll want to stay with the standard fonts that everyone has on their computers. Verdana is my favor because it seems easiest to read, but other good choices are Arial, Times New Roman, Helvetica, Courier, and Geneva.

5. Poor Navigation - the best rule for websites is known as the "3-click rule." This means that any webpage is accessible to any other webpage on your site by just three clicks, and no more. When you're setting up your site's navigation or outline pay attention to your link structure and make sure that you're proactively leading your users through the site.

6. Unclear Message or Purpose on Homepage - Have you ever gone to a website and had no idea what it was about or what its purpose was? I'm sure we all have and we all have probably had the same reaction (the back button). That is the ultimate failure in website creation so you want to make sure your website's homepage is upfront and direct about what its purpose is. It must be visible in the upper body of the webpage, which is where the eyes will naturally go on websites.

Follow these simple instructions and you're on your way to a successful website!

Wes Carty is the President of Carty Web Strategies, a web design firm in Los Angeles California. Providing clients with Free Homepage Designs has been the signature of Carty Web Strategies providing superior service by allowing people to view their website before they even purchase anything. Get your free homepage design at, http://www.cartyws.com

The Importance of a Well Designed Website

In today's economy, Internet savvy business owners are realizing the importance of operating a website for their online presence. More and more businesses are switching from traditional marketing to online advertising as a way to combat the economic downturn. Businesses should make it a priority to put their efforts into recession-proof marketing techniques. These start with a well designed web site.

A well designed web site is not just pretty; it must have good content and be "search engine friendly". When choosing a web design company, be sure to ask if they create Search Engine Optimized sites. Sites that contain content, links, and html code that gets noticed by search engines like Google, Yahoo and MSN. This is key. You can spend a lot of time and effort getting a beautiful web site, but if no comes to it what good is it?

Now that you have chosen a web designer who will be sure your site meets Web 2.0 standards, what do you put on the site? Here are some keys to good content and site organization.

• Provide credible, original content in as many forms as possible.

• Update your site regularly, providing valuable, timely information.

• Share everything you learn.

• Target your site's content to your users needs.

• Be sure your site loads quickly, use optimized graphic file sizes.

• Make your site easy to read.

• Use interactivity to engage users.

• Make a well-organized site structure.

• Become the expert in your field.

• Have a secure site if you are selling online.

• What's on your web site

• Where to find it.

• How to contact you

• Why they should explore further

Everything else is just gravy. Most people will spend approximately 8-10 seconds looking at a homepage and deciding to stay or move on to somewhere else. It is called a homepage because it is the "home camp" of your web site. It is where visitors can return to, to continue exploring your site. It should thus look a little different from the rest of your site.

A common homepage mistake is to write too much. Most visitors do not read your home page, they scan it. There are billions of sites out there, who has the time to read every homepage. This is why it is important to make the homepage simple and concise. Let them know what is on your site and why they need to explore further. Create links leading to more detailed content on separate pages. The content on your web pages should be written with your visitors as well as the search engines in mind. Include the keywords or keyword phrases that pertain to your business. This way the search engines "robots" will detect the high relevance of your site when people search for the keywords that you have chosen.

Behind the scenes there is a lot going on as well. That is why it is important to choose a reputable web designer or firm. These are the invisible things that visitors do not see, but benefit from nonetheless. It is the "stuff" that gets your site noticed by the search engines and making your business easy to find on the web.

Some of the "invisible" includes:

* Architecture

* Technology Choices

* SEO Planning

* Graphic Design

* Programming

* Content Production

* Marketing and Promotion

* Maintenance Strategy

Build THE website you need to increase your brand awareness, grow your business, and explode sales.

For more information on Website Design visit http://www.emarketme.com