NetClimber Web Design is available to discuss all your web site needs. Whether you are trying to determine if your business is ready for a web site or if you've made the decision but need to set a budget, we can answer your questions. We have added some recent articles written by Diane Askin of NetClimber Web Design. These will assist you in finding solutions for your business.

Is our business ready for a web site?
Web sites are as important to business as a phone number, fax number or Yellow Pages’ listing. People are using the Internet to do their research and your business web site can provide the information they seek. Even the most basic web site can market your company with brochure-like information, offer 24 / 7 access to your business, reach customers in new areas and optimize telephone queries.

Where to start?
Every web site needs a web developer to design the site, a domain name that is the location of the site on the internet, and a host that will provide a storage place for the site. In most cases the developer will act as a consultant and provide solutions for all these needs. Developers may be found through business relations, your local Chamber of Commerce, or business association, the Yellow Pages, or through sites researched on the internet – most developers have a link on any site they have designed.

How much will it cost?
Will it be dynamic or static? A multi-media design? Will it provide e-commerce functionality? The number of pages, graphic design, and content availability all factor in. As well as design, there are two other costs to consider. There is an initial domain registration fee for a domain name (.com, .ca, .org or other) - cost $35./year. Once the domain is secured, hosting of the site is necessary. This is a monthly rate which varies from host to host. NetClimber Web Design Inc. provides hosting starting at $20 CA per month. Hosting includes pop3 email accounts as well as forwarding and aliases, server extension support, backups, web stats, mySQL, msSQL, .asp, php, WordPress and other services and applications. A free consultation with the developer will help you determine all costs that must be considered.

Budget Planning for your web site "Building in Phases"
Most importantly, set your goals - You must know what you want to accomplish with your company web site and make sure your designer is aware of the end results you expect. Once you have determined your goals, outline your budget to your designer and have them review your goals and budget for the best options.

The following is a good way to start when the budget is limited or the expense needs to be balanced over a period of time. Remember that the initial page will usually be the most expensive because it is the page that determines the layout and design.

1. Start with a main page with details about the business and contact info including an email link - NOW YOU ARE ON THE WEB!
2. Add pages as it fits the budget
   • product info summary
   • service info summary
   • location
   • about us
3. Add more detailed pages (better for the search engines)
   • detailed info about each product
   • detailed info about each service
4. Search Engine Placement Strategies
5. Forms and data gathering pages
6. Content Management Site (update content without designer)
7. E-Commerce (sell products online)

* Note: This is just an example of site building strategies and its pages and their order should be relevant to company needs.