In 1998, I decided to get a website for my business at the time. I found the process to be confusing, expensive and frustrating. After five months, two web designers and several thousand dollars — and a still unfinished site — I just knew there had to be a better way.

Much later, I discovered that if I were somewhat familiar with the web design process and could formulate key questions to ask potential designers, the process would have been much smoother and less expensive.

Outlined below are five steps all freelancers and/or small business owners can take to simplify this process of getting their business on the web.

1. Do a little research: Become familiar with basic web language: web page, host, domain name, server, et cetera. If you have little or no knowledge of technology, this is especially important and will be immensely helpful when you start interviewing web designers. What you don't know CAN hurt — and cost — you.

Information is available everywhere — books, online, friends who have websites, your geeky, teenage nephew. You don't have to become an expert. Just learn enough to be able to converse with a potential web designer.

2. Ask for references: Ask for at least three sites the designer has completed. Be sure to speak with the owners of those sites. Web design is like art — designers are proud to show off their work. If they can't produce at least three completed sites, move on.

3. Ask questions: Don't be intimidated. This is easier said than done, especially once the "tech talk" starts. However, remember that this is a critical part of your business. If you don't understand something, ask for it to be explained in plain, every day language. This is a hallmark of a good designer.

Questions you might want to start with are: How long have you been in the business? May I have three references? How long will the process take from start to finish? What exactly am I responsible for? What will be the ongoing costs (if any) — eg, graphics, content, maintenance? Who will own the site?

Note: Please make sure that you own the site outright — do not be flexible on this.

4. Avoid site overload: Don't be talked into peripherals that you may not need. The simple fact is, most web surfers are looking for information — especially those that are serious about buying.

Your site should load fast and be easy to access and navigate. Do not inhibit this process by adding jumping animals, dancing text and other "bells and whistles" that obstruct the selling process. Very few sites need these extras. Usually, they only serve to make your site look less than professional.

5. Give the designer room to create: Once you have relayed your ideas to the designer, give them room to breathe and create your vision. Calling constantly, offering tidbits as you think of them, and asking to view pages before the designer is ready to show them only delays the process.

Once the site is ready for viewing, your web designer will show it to you. At this point, you will, depending on the arrangement between you and your designer, be allowed to request changes. As this is an artistic endeavor, every arrangement is different.

Be sure that you are at least able to make one set of changes after the designer has completed your site. It is rare indeed for a designer to create a website that requires absolutely no changes. These changes should be minimal, however, unless you have changed your mind on some aspects. In this case, be aware that your designer may charge extra to implement your changes.

When your site is finished, begin marketing it (hint: Internet marketing is now cheaper than ever!). Treat the marketing of your website like any other add-on to your business. Make it a priority, and the returns will be well worth it.

Note: Order How to Get Your Small Biz on the Web Quickly & Affordably: An Easy-to-Follow Guide in Plain English for Those New to Internet Terminology & Web Technology here.
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