The previous modules focused heavily on management issues, with some guidance on Internet applications. Many of those topics centered on using websites. If you decide that a website is what your business needs, there are several technical issues that you will need to understand. This module provides some guidance on a few important issues related to developing a website and keeping it up to date.

If you are still unsure whether you want, or need, a website for your business, Kim Tait suggests getting on the Internet and looking at similar business's websites to determine whether a website is right for your business. Look at what your competitors are doing. If everyone else has a website then it's a pretty good bet that you should also have a website. If few or none of your competitors have a website then consider that a website may put you on the leading edge and help to either draw in new customers or retain current ones. Keep in mind that if you decide against creating a website at this time, you should revisit this decision periodically in the future. What may not be something you want to undertake now may be something that you want or need to undertake in the future. See also these videoclips of what our other experts have to say:   Joe Phillips Cindy Latchaw

The complexity of website design is highly variable. You have to strike a balance between design and content. However, developing a website does not have to become a complex exercise. There are two important aspects to a good website; easy navigation and clear, concise information. People want to move easily from page to page and have clear directions where they need to click to get to the next page or go back to previous pages. Having uncomplicated access to information means that it is easy for someone looking for information to find it quickly and easily on your website. If someone is looking for product information it should be clear to them where to go to find that information. Menus or tabs on a page are a great way to guide people to the information they're looking for.

This module will cover the process for developing a website, and once that's done, what you need to consider for its maintenance. We will cover technical aspects such as domain names and hosting, as well as more general issues such as content and design.