This is easy, cheap and doesn't take much time at all.

Start by using domain search engines like nameboy to determine whether the domain name you want is available.

If you can't think of a name, there are several name generators like the dotomator that might help with some ideas.

Note: Make sure the domain name is registered in _your_ name, not the person or company who registers your name.

This step is very important because not only will it come in handy as a tool to keep your project organized, but you would also be doing your web design firm a big favor.

For the uninitiated, a site map is basically an outline of your website's structure. For example:

1. Home

2. About Us

    2.1 History

    2.2 Our Mission

3. Services

4. Contact Us

It's really that easy.

Now is the time to develop the actual content of your web site. Not just the words, but everything you want on your web site. Do you want any pictures or graphics on your website? Where?

Take your time and play with different combinations until you find something you like. Additionally, if you want to increase your search engines rankings, find ways to include industry key phrases into your content. This will probably happen naturally as you develop your written content more ( has more information on search engines).

Search engine optimization (or SEO) is the process of structuring your web site so that search engines can find and index them better (Lost? might help demystify SEO for you).

The best way to do this is to put yourself in the shoes of someone looking for what you're offering. What words would they use in a search? Make a list of these words, and their derivatives, and you'll be well on your way.

Additionally, you can use an online tool like Google's Keyword Tool to help you generate these phrases. Even if you think you've done a good job, it might help if you used one of the tools as a check.

This is not as easy at it sounds. A recent Google search returned 491,000,000 results for "web design company" (a staggering amount if you ask me). It can be very difficult to separate the good from the bad, but there is hope. There are some people out there that genuinely love what they do and honestly want to help.

As you talk to the web design firms, consider:

• how much listening do they do?


• how long have they been around?


• are they willing to give you references?


• are they trying to capture your vision or do they tune you out?

This checklist is a good guide to choosing the best web design firm and has other angles you should consider as you search.

Most web design companies have in-house logo designers and usually offer this. In fact, I would be a little wary of companies that don't because a lot of designers like to design web sites around the logo so the website maintains a uniform look and feel.

It doesn't seem like there would be a difference, but whether the logo comes before the web site (or vice versa) makes a huge difference. Be wary of companies that seem flippant about it. The look and feel of your web site depends on it. Alternatively, there are a lot of companies that specialize in logo design and do a fantastic job. If you have a good idea of what you want your logo to look like, this might be a good solution for you.

Like web design companies, there are tons of hosting companies. In fact, many web design firms offer hosting as an add-on. However, it's just as easy to end up with a bad hosting company as with a web design firm.

When looking for hosting companies:

• Find out if they offer 24/7 support


• If necessary, test their support claims before going with them.


• Some other things to keep your eyes peeled out for are PHP 5, MySQL 5, SSL, and an uptime guarantee.