There
are a lot of incorrect assumptions about the internet.
We've put the (myths) in a green text under the headings they are
related to,
with the corresponding facts next to it.
Searching and finding
*****Everything you read on the
internet is true and comes from a trusted source (myth)
Baloney. Garbage in, garbage out.
Many people simply copy what they see
on another site. Only by searching and comparing information can
you get accuracy.
*****The item at the top of the search engine list
is most likely what you want (myth)
It may be totally inappropriate to your needs, and may
only be there because someone paid to be there. You may find something much better
with a slightly different "search string" or set of keywords.
Finding what you want on the internet can be very aggravating. There's a lot of junk out
there. First, you need to know exactly what you are trying to
find, and then structure your search words ( called a "search string") properly.
Don't use the common fill words, like "of" "the" and so
on because most search engines ignore them. Try different combinations of
words to see what comes up.
Designing websites
*****Designing a website is
difficult. (myth)
It's often done by kids and high-school students.
You can buy site "templates" for as little as $ 30 that only require you
to type in your info and add some images.
*****Websites don’t need a lot of
maintenance.(myth)
Good ones need a LOT of maintenance. Does your business grow?
Your website should, too.
*****I need to have a domain name that's the
same as my business name.(myth)
Not necessarily; in fact, not always desirable.
What if your business name is long? Quite simply, all you need is a
domain name that works for your business, and if you're creative, you may find a a very
catchy, available domain name that "says it all" for your kind of business.
Put your business name prominently on all your pages.
Any reasonably intelligent person can design a basic website using a popular,
off-the-shelf software program. In most cases it’s just a matter of
typing text, and cut-and-pasting images. However, you need to have a
plan. What to say, how to say it, what images to use and how to use them.
You also need to know who your audience or customers are, and how they will
likely look for you. A truly great website requires a lot of thought and
continuous "tweaking" of the site to get it noticed and working properly.
If you have a small business, you very likely need only a small website with maybe up to
10 pages. You can create it yourself or buy a standard "canned"
website template designed for your type of business. Then you need to enter
all your own information into the template, save it, and publish it ( load it up to an
internet website host's computer ).
Living Being Media™ website design
Getting your site noticed
*****Getting a lot of visitors is what it's all
about. (myth)
What's the use of getting noticed if you don't have
good content and if you don't deliver what the customers are looking for?
Anybody can pay to get a brief spike in their ranking but it's consistency
that wins the game. "Surfers" don't come back to a bad
site,
so you better deliver the goods and make it a nice place to go if you want
to stay on top.
*****A number one position on a
search engine is a guarantee of successful commerce.(myth)
First of all, not everyone goes to the "number
one" site, in part because they know many are "bought and paid for" by
"sponsors" Besides, people like to explore new places.
Secondly, it's all about CONTENT, not a position.
Internet search engines are looking for, quite obviously, content that
matches the search. If you have good content, the search engines
will surely find your site.
Thirdly, ask yourself, "number one for WHAT ! Do you have any
idea what people will type in a search field to find your site?
Everyone thinks differently, so you need a large variety of relevant
keywords on your site.
*****You need to pay for a good position on a search
engine.(myth)
Another big myth. Plenty of businesses would
love you to believe you have to pay them to get noticed. Clever site design and
knowing your audience is far more effective. You must design a site
that WORKS with the internet. A fancy-dancy site with only a few
visitors is like shouting in the wilderness. Nobody cares.
Your site should fit the internet system like a hand fits a glove.
***** I just need to be "on the web" and business will start
rolling in.(myth)
"Build it and they will come....." Not
so. You need to promote your site in every way possible. Attracting
attention on the internet can take several months after a new site is launched.
Getting noticed on the internet requires some thought, persistance,
and patience. If you can provide substantial and interesting content and some
relevant links, your site will slowly get noticed. Put your site address on
all your signs and business promotional material, letters, email "signatures",
and so on. Offer to exchange links with sites you like and that are related to your
content.
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