Know How To Do You Website - Don't Let This Happen to You!

I have decided to send out one of the articles I wrote seven years ago because it is just as important now as it was before. 

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I am always getting e-mail from business owners who, in their crunch for time they have opted to go to a host/web design/web development/domain registrar all rolled into one…

Not a good idea!

Let me tell you why, this is just my view, but it is an educated one. I have dealt with many, many business owners who have been burned. They now have to deal with the difficulties of redoing mistakes that didn't have to occur in the first place.

Many business owners who are brilliant at what they do are also clueless when it comes to the Internet and all the things that must be done to develop a website, register a domain name and host that website.

On the other hand, they may know enough but want the convenience of a one-stop-shop, so they can be free to operate their business.New 

Sound like a great idea right! WRONG…

REASONS WHY YOU “SHOULD NOT” PUT ALL YOUR SERVICES IN ONE BASKET.

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Mistake #1 

When you register a domain name through a host, you are at the host's mercy.

Unless you know what you are doing – the host who registers your domain name may actually be putting it under their name - you are not the domain name owner you are “renting” the name.

Scenario, you register your domain name with a hosting company and find that you do not like the host – your website has a lot of downtime – you cannot get the emails to work right, etc.

You go shopping for another host – then you find out you cannot transfer the domain name, and you have built your business using that name … that can be devastating – you have worked so hard to build your business what now?

Let's say they just don't want to transfer the domain name, don’t release the domain name and play games. Where do you go?

Well, that is the 24 million-dollar question.

Solution: Register your domain name with a service like godaddy.com. They have inexpensive domain names; you have complete control over where you point those names and host your website.

If you find you are unhappy with a host you have chosen, find another host and re-point that domain name, with no interruption to your business.

Problem solved.

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Mistake #2

Scenario, You have found a host that also designs. They will design your website inexpensively. So you have the host put together the website for you.

Guess what – you more than likely will find that you do not own the website, the website you get will have to stay with that host, you cannot transfer it… On top of that – a lot of these hosts will give you a brochure site that is not a true marketing site.

Let's say initially you are happy with that small static website, then you get educated and realize you need more and want to market to your visitors. You want an autoresponder, and you need to build an online database. That is when you pay  - they usually charge you, an arm and a leg to update your site.

You end up spending more, and you may find your so-called custom site is actually a cookie-cutter site that is customized (the same site as other businesses just a different banner).

Solution: Find a web developer that can converse with you about your needs. If they are a true professional, they will have no problem helping you with questions you may have about hosting, domain registration, autoresponders, etc. Make sure you are comfortable with the individual you are thinking about hiring.

Don’t mistake – arrogance with knowledge? Do make sure you have an experienced professional, someone who knows the tricks of the trade, a person who understands how to build a marketing website, with knowledge, who will know how to help you reach your ultimate goals.

When you pick the right professional, they will be willing and able to direct and guide you. Educate you on how to build your online business, helping you to break down the costs and work within your budget. If you can’t initially afford to get the whole thing done in one-shot  – it shouldn’t be a problem for your web developer to build your website in phases.

Make sure you are working with the designer/developer themselves, and you are not working with the sales rep.

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Mistake #3 

Scenario, let's say you have found a host that allows you to build and design your own website. How cool is that!!

Sorry to break the news, but let me remind you – most of you are not designers!

Seriously, most business owners do not have the talent or the knowledge to design a website that will look professional. Most of these programs that allow you to build your own website are very limited in what they can do. You have to use their graphics and banners.

On the other hand, you have to be a graphic designer to know how to design and upload your own graphic, on top of that these hosts are usually very expensive.

So what should you have done?

Solution: When you realize you will be hosting your website (basically forever) at such a high monthly fee – you will realize you can afford to pay a professional web developer to build a beautiful site you will own, pay a host a small amount each month and save a lot of money. Get my drift?

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I could go on forever telling you the horror stories - but the bottom line - in essence - be careful, do your homework,  make sure you are working with a credible professional.

One option you may want to consider is hiring a consultant/project manager that knows the ropes.

This profession should be seasoned and have worked with the internet - someone who has been in the business and knows the ins and outs, someone who can outline your options and give information that will lay a solid foundation for your business.

Someone you can trust to guide you to make the right choices…

I do offer all of these services so if you would like to get a f*ree consultation, please email me with "F*ree Consultation" in the subject line - if you have a website. Please add it to the content of the email. I  will contact you, and we can make an appointment.

To success beyond measure - and friendships that last a lifetime...

Pamela Jacob - Artista Design

pamela@artistadesign.com 801-910-4825

A Must Read for Entrepreneurs

If you are an entrepreneur then you cannot pass this article up - very valuable a must read...

Here is an article that really hits home. Almost everyone I work with is totally overwhelmed with the amount of knowledge they think they need. They don’t know where to start and even when I get them pointed in the right direction, they are unfocused.

I was sent an article that was so good I wanted to pass is on to you. Even I saw a few things I needed to do better (hint: buying a product – putting it away and buying something else before I even start with the first one).

Enjoy

Get Your Focus Back!

By - Charlie Page

During these calls members have been free to ask me any question and they have asked many questions.

But there is one question I asked every one of them, and their answers surprised me.

My question to them — “What is your #1 challenge to succeeding online?”

While I received a variety of answers, the #1 answer by far is this … “I’m suffering from information overload! I bought the courses and products and still don’t know what to do next!”

It’s understandable really. There is SO much information out there. From free information on blogs and in articles to courses ranging from $27 to $7500 (or more) there is no lack of information.

So why isn’t everyone succeeding online?

While there are almost certainly many reasons why people are generally not achieving their goals online, I believe a big factor (maybe the #1 factor) is this.  More…

To success beyond measure and friendships that last a lifetime…

Pamela Jacob Artista Design 
8 Crucial Steps to Social Media Dominance (Free) + Bonus

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Goals - Getting Back on Track

Getting back on track once you have put your goals aside is not always easy…

Interested in the 100Day Challenge * Rocket Fuel for Success? Only 3 Days Left

No matter how determined we are life gets in the way. Our resolutions are put on the back shelve, and we are in the same position month after month, year after year.

You have all heard the saying “keep doing what you’re doing and keep getting what you are getting”.
This is such a true statement – how many people do you know who are stuck in the same rut – unhappy – spinning their wheels and still doing the same thing over and over.
It is not easy to reach your goals – if it were everyone would be successful. It takes determination, a specific plan, and doing what it takes every day. If you want a change you are going to need to change.

"The little things in life make the biggest difference – if you manage your day you can change your life."

You need to set specific goals – the more specific the better. Goal setting is a powerful process when done right. By knowing precisely what you want to achieve and breaking it down into bit size chunks your ideal future will become a reality.

I am a firm believer that nothing is impossible – if you change your thoughts, beliefs and how you talk to yourself, you will be amazed at how different life will become. When you truly believe you can achieve that goal and take these specific steps – you will achieve what you really want in this life.
Goal setting made easy…

First you need to look at the big picture – what is truly important in your life – where do you see yourself in 5 years. By really thinking about this and writing it down on paper you will be able to create a plan that will take you where you want to go.

• Be very specific the more detail the better.

Then you need to break it down – into smaller and smaller targets. Create a one year plan, six month plan, and one month plan of progressively smaller goals.

• What are the things you can do today and tomorrow that will lead you in that direction?

What actions do you need to take to make this a reality? Each of these steps should be based on the previous plan.

• When you have broken it down – you need to make a daily “To Do List” of things you will do to make your vision a reality.

You may be saying to yourself – whew to much work for me or when will I have the time? This is your life and you can make anything happen unless you make excuses. You have the time if you will make it a priority.

• Envision your goals, see yourself where you want to be – what will your life be like – how will you feel.

It is not easy – but it is simple when you follow your master plan. Don’t let your head get in the way – negative thoughts are your worst enemy. Don’t share you goals with people who will not support you in your dream. When you share your vision with people who are negative or don’t believe it can be done, you are opening yourself up for self-defeating thoughts.

• Write down what you say to yourself – and change the negative into a positive.

Everyone will have times when they run into obstacles, it is what you do with them that counts. This is the time when tenacity and belief in you will make a difference.

Put together a vision board you can hang up – this may seem silly but it will really help cement your vision. When you start getting discouraged look at it and remember you can do what ever you are determined to do with a strong vision and a good plan you can become unstoppable

I have a secret weapon it is like Rocket Fuel for Success. It is called 100Day challenge and it is only opened up 4 times a years. If you are determined to reach the top of your goals and are not afraid of hard work check it out.

For help in getting your dream off the ground - Contact Me!


Pamela Jacob - Owner of Artista Design

801-910-4825

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