Serving the Dan River Region: City of Danville and Pittsylvania County, Virginia

Four Steps to Establishing a Web Site

Are you ready to establish a web presence for your organization or business, but are overwhelmed by what appears to be a complex process and considerable expense? Establishing a web presence need not be confusing if you follow these four steps:

1. Website Name Registration
Choose a name that best represents your business or organization. While a short, concise name is generally preferred, sometimes a longer name may be remembered by potential users and thus be a better choice. www.danvillesoccer.com is not the shortest name possible for the Danville Soccer Club website but it clearly describes the type of site and is easy for the user to remember. When selecting names, come up with several alternatives because your first choice may not be available. Stick with either a .com or .org extension. Most other extensions will not be remembered by your users. Even if you are not quite ready to develop a website, consider purchasing your desired name, if available, since the cost is limited and the name may not be available in the future. The annual fee to maintain your name is $35.

Contact eDanvilleOnline.com to register your domain name.


2. Website Design

The cost to develop a website can vary dramatically. Cost is affected by many factors including the amount of content and the complexity of the site. However, a simple one page site that is essentially an online flyer can be created for as little as $250. If you are unsure how a website will help your business and your budget is limited, start with a simple site with several pages. This will limit your investment while letting you get a feel for how this site will enhance your business. You can always expand your website at a later date. Do not allow yourself to be pushed into starting with an elaborate site. Remember, a website should enhance your business and improve the bottom line like any other investment.

Contact eDanvilleOnline.com for a website quotation.


3. Website Hosting
Your website can be hosted on one of many reliable servers throughout the country including several local companies. Keep in mind that the location of your web server is insignificant to the user. While hosting fees vary depending upon the client needs, a simple website that is essentially an online brochure should cost no more than $12 per month.

Contact eDanvilleOnline.com for a recommendation for a reliable server.


4. Website Maintenance
Maintenance fees will vary depending upon the number and type of changes. Before hiring a web designer, be sure the maintenance fees are detailed up front. Some designers charge a low design fee but pad their maintenance fees. A simple online brochure that does not require many changes should have limited ongoing maintenance fees. If you are capable of doing routine maintenance, consider having the designer review your site quarterly or semi-annually to be sure the site maintains the appearance initially created.

Contact eDanvilleOnline.com for a quotation to maintain or update your existing website.


Following these steps will allow your business or organization to establish a presence on the World Wide Web.