The first time someone comes to your website they will get an immediate impression of you and your company. According to an article of Canadian researchers a person who visits your website will form a first impressions in as little as 50 milliseconds (1/20th of a second).
Will this be true of all people?
Maybe not, but for the ones it is, you want them to stay once they found you.

It is extremly important that your Web Site portrays the right image.
The overall look and feel of it will influence their purchasing decisions

You obviously wouldn’t want something giddy and lighthearted if you are a professional person such as a Lawyer, Doctor or Accountant.
You will also want the theme and any color choices to coordinate with what you are offering as well.

It is helpful to check on line to see what your competitors’ sites look like, to get an overall feel of the look they are going with. Keep in mind though, having a different look is not a bad thing. In fact it may even make your site stand out a bit more from the rest, but stay within good boundaries and don’t go over board.

In the long run it all comes down to the fact that only you know the target audience that you want to attract and your website needs to make them want to do business with you instead of someone else.

Even though the internet is a wonderful business tool,
your business will require more than a website.
You will still need a well thought out business plan.

Things to consider

• Look at your site from the point of view of a prospective customer.
• Use consistent & simple navigation to make your site easy to use
• Avoid using too many graphics, videos or any flash banners etc.
  (this increases the time it takes for your pages to load)
• Keep the file sizes low
• When using Audio or Videos - be sure the person has a pleasing voice
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You want your website to portray

• Credibility
• Usability
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Picking a domain name

• Is it unique and does it stand out from the others
• How well does it describe your product or service
• What image comes to mind when you hear it
• Unless it is warranted try not to be too cute or creative
• Is it memorable after seeing it once
• Could you remember how to spell it
• Consider claiming all endings when choosing .com,.net, etc.
• If it is one you like and it is available claim it RIGHT AWAY
• Visual impressions last a long time when remembering a company
• Audio/Video - be sure the person speaking has a pleasing voice
• Think about it fitting on a business card

Abide by the Laws

• American Disability Act (ADA)
  or the
  UK Disability Discrimination Act (DDA 1995)
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