Websites

renking replied:

Hey there!

I find the website I have created (freewebs) has actually generated more leads for me.

I love that it has a Mailing List feature (so I can blast my customers with emails whenever a new offer or promotion comes up - it leads them straight back to your website... where they can see the latest products etc you've added)

It also has a tracking ability, so you can evaluate the traffic flow etc to hit your webpage.

You get something like 20 pages - so you can have your own forum for your customers (or if you've designed it for your Team, your team-mates) can interact in. Gives you the opportunity to answer any questions they may have etc as well.

There's tonnes of free templates to choose from too... you can have one pretty much already setup (just insert the content), or do what I did, and create it from scratch!

Of course there's the standard "guest book" and "links" pages - among many others... and there's always the option of upgrading your website at any time (which will remove their adds and "freewebs" from the address line)

Hope that helps (can you tell I LOVE freewebs?! hahahaha)

scrappy replied:

I have a freewebs site but I dont get much at all through it, I also have a company one that is a pre set template with my details, online catalouge and event features, that I find priceless!! But it is one I pay $200 a year for, and only available to the comapanies consultants

Angel replied:

I also know of BRAVENET and TRIPOD. There's also GEOCITIES (I think that's it's name). Like Scrappy, I have a fully serviced company site ($50 per year) which is a real bonus and I wouldn't be without it. I also have a Bravenet one which has lots of free extra features, although it's a bit tricky to master until you get the hang of it.

dreamcandles replied:

Hi

There is also oscommerce. http://www.oscommerce.com.au

That's if you want an online shop, link is there if you want to check it out.

HandsOn replied:

From a webdesigners perspective guys, I find a website could look fantastic but theres no point in having it if you don't advertise it correctly, and optimise it so it is search engine friendly. Some websites get blacklisted on search engines because of their layout/formatting/coding. This will ensure you never show up in a search engine! Take the time to think of key words that relate to your business and include them in your text! If you sell jewellery, make sure you TALK ABOUT JEWELLERY! Not every 2nd word, but enough that it is obvious you sell it.

Then there is also options such as google adwords, which you pay per click. Some industries, clicks are as cheap as $0.5c (where as for webdesign i need to pay $10+) due to popularity.

You could also consider getting a domain name - even if you do have it point to a freewebs site, domain names are approx $30 (more for a .com.au) and can be often worth their weight in gold. It portrays a much more professional image, and is much easier to remember as well!

If anyone ever has any web related questions, don't hesitate to contact me i'd love to help! Even if its just with ideas and suggestions for your website. I am not a money hungry monster, i just want to help! :)

Cheers,
Jo x

Kala replied:

Speaking of Search Engines, I had someone send me this link to a free e-book on Search Engine Optimisation.  It's relatively easy to follow, and explained a lot about how the Search Engines work. Search Engine Optimisation E-book

Myself, I have both the domain name and a paid monthly server (only because I have more than one site) and use the free zencart as a shopping cart.  Check it out here: Zen Cart