- Internet Checklist -

The Studio likes you to be prepared. We have added this little section to the site to help you formulate the best course of action in setting up or maintaining your web site. This page will layout out the areas you need to be concerned with to help you stay on top of your internet game.

Assigned It - Who is in charge?
The first thing when managing, owning or running a web site is to make sure it is assigned to a specific person. Whether a single owner or company owner do not make the web site a project that is all Chiefs and no Indians. Someone has to manage the site, communicate information and keep the Chiefs happy. This also helps in the process of working with providers, designers and the like, keeping the site under strict lock and key avoids minor to serious site problems.

Organization - What's the plan of attack?
Make sure you keep a constant handle on organization. Even a old website needs to maintain its integrity. Keep all information about navigation structure, graphics, content, hosting, etc current and easy to find incase of problems, etc. With new sites this area is crucial to the pre-site development. Make sure you write up a game plan for your site to include its performance, how it will be used, your audience and site navigation, otherwise these things will come back to haunt you.

The Internet Connection - Is the ship fast enough?
Though its not practical to say that everyone should be on a broadband connection, it is right to say find a reliable ISP (we recommend at least 56k.) Your connection to the Internet is your personal gateway to how others view your site, site performance and general usage. A poor connection can have large impacts on the amount of time and effort involved in maintaining or starting a web site. Even more make sure your internet connection to your site from the provider is standard to superior. This is relative to visitors with no bearing to connection. A site on a slow server connected to the internet is just as damaging to your web site. Don't be afraid to ask your ISP questions.

The Host - What am I getting?
After you take the steps needed to secure your site on the net make sure you know exactly everything that is offered from your web host. Ask a lot of questions and demand answers. At this point it might be beneficial to ask the advice someone with the knowledge of hosting and hosting options. Even better is feel around different hosting companies to see what's out there. Educating yourself though sometimes not practical is essential in the internet world. Keep a special look out for web space limitations, whether is has web statistics, transfer cost, setup fees, minimum contracts, question dodging, technical support and hidden cost. If you have a service you are paying for get the facts and even possibly enhance your site. Take advantage of what you have bought into.

My Site - Keep it clean!
Whether new or existing make sure your site is kept clean, organized and up to date. The worst think you can do to your site is jump into it. Formulate, dissect and make your site pro-active. Keep in mind the needs of the customer and your web site goals. Once you have taken the time and involved yourself in the site, it will return to you what you want. Remember also it takes time and a web site wont make you rich overnight. With a powerful site in handle do not make the mistake of letting your site get out of shape. Keep your site up to date. Set aside time once or twice every month to go thru your site and edit as needed. This maybe more frequent depending on the dynamics of your business, etc. 

Function and Use - Is this site working?
Make sure your site is functionally easy to use. Think of its design as useable by anyone, any age, etc. You will find more traffic on your site if they feel like it was designed for them especially... so keep it simple! As for use make sure depending on traffic that your site has room for improvements, advancements and appeal. People always want what's up to date so keep it fresh. When you see lack of use or problems maintaining your site for any reason, reconsider a new approach.

Web Presence - Keep them coming?
A great web site is only as good as its presence. Along with normal advertising and URL pushing make sure you are on the search engines somewhere. Do this by search engine submissions, keyword juggling and search area changes. These are very touchy areas on the net so consult your host, designer, or a company that specializes in web marketing. Don't be fooled by instant presence schemes.

Other Checks - I have a specific need, can you help?
Though the information in the section is specific to certain areas, some questions maybe over looked. Please feel free to consult the studio about specific questions you may have about your internet checklist. Thank You!