5 Ways to a Low-Cost Web Presence

Small business owners are thinking frugally these days, and a professional web presence may seem to be out of range.  But it doesn't have to be.

Below, I've listed six ways you can have a healthy web presence and stay within budget.

1. Have a plan.
   The more you plan your web presence before you begin, the easier (and therefore cheaper) it is to add content later.  You may wish to hire a coach to help you create a plan that fits your goals.
2. Blog.
   Blogging is a great, low-cost way to keep a conversation going on your website and attract visitors.
   
   If blogging doesn't suit you, ask your web professional to modify a blog template to look like a website.  You'll have a nice-looking informational website that you can easily update yourself, for less than half the cost of a custom design.
3. Hire a Virtual Assistant.
   For your main business website design, I recommend a web designer's expertise.  But for basic sales pages or site maintenance, a Virtual Assistant may charge less, get the work done faster and take care of periodic administrative tasks to keep your site functioning at its best.
4. Send information and revisions in batch mode.
   Web professionals charge by the hour, and most have minimum rates.  A two-minute wording change can cost the same as larger changes.  If you request several revisions at once, you'll get more done in less time.
5. Stay connected.
   Whether you have a blog, newsletter or large ecommerce website, become familiar with the various social networking tools: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and many others.  Most of them are free.  LinkedIn has a special "Answers" section where you can share with and learn from other professionals like yourself. Maybe I'll see you there. :)