The BannerView newsletter is a biweekly publication providing tips and advice for conducting E-Business (Business on the Internet). BannerView.com, a Cenicola-Helvin Enterprises brand, is a variety of e-business solutions ranging from Web site development to email marketing software, e-commerce systems, custom online database solutions to Web site hosting & maintenance. In each biweekly newsletter, you can depend on helpful tips and advice for conducting business online. As always, archived versions of previous newsletters can be found by visiting the newsletter archive.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT E-BUSINESS SOLUTIONS FIRM

Creating a successful online presence isn't necessarily the strongest suit of most small businesses owners. Luckily, options are available to make the setup process much easier, such as a BannerView.com E-Business Solution. There are many Web development and design firms out there, but finding the right company for your business can be tricky.

This is an important step in establishing your online presence. Just as you would not rush out and make rash purchases for your office, don't rush yourself into making a snap decision about hiring a Web developer. Be methodical when making your decision because it will save you time in the long run.

The first place to start is with you. Start by assembling ideas about your new Web site. Identify what your short and long term goals are. If you already have a Web site and it needs an updated look, think about what's not working and why. Then, spend some time looking at Web sites both inside and outside your industry. Make note of their layouts, functionality, content and put together a list of Web addresses with your notes about why you do or do not like the sites.

Next, consider the following questions:

• Will your Web site have any special functionality requirements?
• What is your budget?
• What is the projected due date for launching the new Web site?
• Do you know how many content pages you'll need?

These questions are meant to jump start your mind and get you thinking about your Web site. Don't be surprised if the questions trigger even more thoughts and ideas. Just make sure to write them all down. You'll need the information you've gathered to effectively communicate the project with your Web Development candidates.

The next step to hiring a Web developer is finding the Web Designer. Usually, the physical location of your Web developer doesn't matter. Virtual business relationships can be just as powerful as teams that work face to face. If you prefer someone local, try your telephone directory under the "Web Design" heading.

Word-of-mouth and recommendations from friends, business partners or organizations can also generate solid leads to great Web developers. As a rule of thumb, select developers who have their own Web sites and online portfolios because contacting Web designers or Web development companies that do not have their own sites wastes valuable time.

After you make an initial list of developers, whittle it down to three candidates. You can do this by process of elimination. Weigh the following characteristics of each developer against the others:

• When you look at each portfolio, which developers have created sites that are fast-loading, graphically appealing, easy to navigate and look professional?
• Does the Web development company offer all or most of the services you are interested in obtaining, such as Web hosting, e-commerce systems and graphic design in-house?
• Experience matters. Find out how long the firm has been in the Web development industry and how many clients the firm currently serves. If this is not listed on their site, make sure you ask about experience during your first phone call.

Now that it's time to call each candidate, get right to talking about your project. This is where all of your preliminary research will give the Web development company an idea of what you want and if they will be able to help you.

After you have discussed your project's requirements, turn the conversation toward the development company. Much like an interview, focus on the firm's skills, services and what it can do for your company. Ask the following questions and take notes:

• What type of HTML editing software do you use, and can you hand-code?
• What is your level of expertise for the following software programs: Photoshop, Illustrator, Fireworks, Flash, Dreamweaver?
• What kind of cross-platform and cross-browser testing do you do for Web sites?
• Do you bid per project, or do you have an hourly rate?
• What are your references?
• What is your availability?

If you like what you hear, request to have a proposal with pricing prepared, a timeline for project implementation and a list of at least 3 business references. Each developer may need to contact you for more information about your project to provide an estimate, so keep yourself available for phone calls or emails.

After you receive the information from the development companies, begin recapping the conversations you had with each and review the proposals. As you review the proposals, some developers will only be able to give you rough estimates. See if you can get them to provide a fixed cost. Of course, if you receive a bid that goes way beyond your budget range from many of the development firms, you may need to consider cutting down the scope of your project.

Lastly, what is your gut feeling about each development company? Who did you find engaging and easy to understand? Which development company took the time to get to know you and your project? Which explained their services clearly and went into detail about what they could do for your company? If you feel like you could not communicate well with the development company or they couldn't communicate well with you, they shouldn't be part of your team. Choose the company who not only has the graphical and technical capabilities that appeal to you, but the one that feels right, too.

To learn more about the BannerView.com E-Business Solutions available for your business call us within Las Vegas at 702-312-9444 or outside of Las Vegas Toll Free at (888) 221-8640. More contact methods are available on our contact page.

BannerView.com E-Business Solutions are available Nationwide. See our Television commercial at BannerView.com.

Stay tuned to the BannerView newsletter, sent every other week on Wednesday, for helpful tips, thoughtful advice and answers to questions you may be asking about how to conduct business online.

Have a question about E-Business? Send us your questions and read the answers in upcoming newsletters!

Sincerely,

BannerView.com E-Business Solutions
A Cenicola-Helvin Enterprises Brand
http://www.BannerView.com

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