Continuing on from Part 1, I would like to share some of the things I have learned about web design and promotion. Building and maintaining a website can be a lot of work. I have learned some ideas and tips for making your website more effective.

Update Your Site Regularly - You must continually add new content to your site. You cannot just throw up some information and then just leave it there forever. Your visitors will stop coming because there is never anything new for them. You could put up a what's new section where you would tell your visitors what you have recently added to the site.

Do Not Overload Your Website - While lots of pretty graphics may look nice, they can be a hindrance to your site. Your site will take too long to download and people might just not want to wait that long. Make sure your site is not too flashy and is easy to navigate. If people cannot find what they are looking for, they will go to another site.

Learn To Be Your Own Webmaster - You want to be in control of your own website and to be able to make changes and improvements without having to depend on somebody else. There were many times when I needed something done and had to wait for my son (who built my site) to be able to do it. Now that I can take care of things myself, things get done when they need to get done. Here are some sites to help:
http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/
http://htmlgoodies.earthweb.com/
http://www.stars.com/

Make Your Website Unique - Add some of your personality to your site. Have an About Me page and let people get to know you. There is something about your site that is very unique and that is you!

Always Have Something For Free - There are many things you can give away for free at your site. Free resources, eGreeting Cards, eBooks, contests and more. Check out these sites for freebies:
http://www.absolutelyfreebies.com/
http://www.thefreesite.com/Webmaster_Freebies/

Start An Ezine - You definitely want to publish your own ezine to keep in contact with your visitors and to keep them updated on your site and/or products. Publishing an ezine is a lot of work, but it is work that is enjoyable. You want to provide resources and information in your ezine as well as updates on your business. There are some good sites that can help you get started with your ezine:
http://www.e-zinez.com
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/ezine-publishing.htm
http://www.ezineuniversity.com/

Start Writing Articles - This is by far one of the best ways to build your online business. People read your articles and it establishes you as an expert in your field and helps build your reputation. You do not have to be a professional writer to write articles. All you have to do is write as if you are talking to a friend. Tell them your views and what you know about the subject at hand. Do some research to back up your information.
Overcome Your Fear of Writing

Set Your Goals - Decide on what your main goal is and then break it down into smaller goals or steps. Work towards one step at a time and your goal will be that much more attainable. Do not let doubters and skeptics deter you from your goals. Work at it, do not lose faith in yourself and you will reach all your goals!

I wish you the best of success in your business venture and I also hope that some of these things that I have learned help you with some of your business decisions. Always remember: Do not give up and you will succeed!

Terri Seymour (also known as "The eBook Lady") has over ten years online experience and has helped many people start their own business.  Visit her site at http://www.seymourproducts.com  for resources, $1 resell ebooks & software, free tutorials, affiliate programs, free ezine and free business ebook with Master Resell Rights. http://www.seymourproducts.com/free.shtml