Step 2
in
Creating a Website

Now that you know "why" you can look at
"WHAT"

You now have a good idea of why you want a website. Don't worry, this is NOT carved into stone.  What this does do is give you an idea of what structure and features you would like to see built into your website.

First of all, let us look at the most common types of websites you might find today:

• Traditional websites ( this is one of them) have a well ordered structure.  Everything is in an easily accessable place.
• Blogs are always on the move.  The focus is on what is new and what you are thinking at that moment in time. They are all about you and your thoughts on a specific topic.
• Portals are hub sites.  In a way they are an index of opportunity dedicated to one specific area of interest.  They can be a page of links like my personal page or a review site, or a place for people to place ads.  "Deal of day" is a popular one.

Now look at features you might want on your website:

• Pictures are always great.  They can be included in a number of ways.  You can have pages devoted to the display of pictures, or a nice neat picture display courtesy of google picasa.  But are the pictures an addition or the primary focus of your site?  This will determine how much of your server resources you want to dedicate.
• Forums are fun and dynamic, but take a lot of tending.  Do you want to build a community?  Are you seeking to find and develop bonds with like minded people? Then you should add a forum to your website.
• Blogs can be the main focus or an add-on for a website.  ( I tried using a blog structure to start this website, but soon found that it demanded a traditional structure...but i will add a blog on to it, after it is restructured)  You have to decide what you purpose is for the main website..then decide whether a blog will be right for that.
• RSS and Press Releases.  These are great ways to add dynamic content to a website.  This way, your website can stay current without great effort on your part.  Do you like a certain RSS feed?  Will you feel comfortable with their content on your website?  Then great.  Make room for these features. ( pssst...xcitepro makes this a snap)

I will now tell you a million dollar secret on how to build a successful website.

Add relevant content on a regular basis.  This can be done in the following ways:

• Articles are a darling of the internet.  You can go to www.Ezinearticles.com and find articles written on a multitude of subjects.  They are free if you include the author sources and credits.
• Check your favorites/bookmarks folder.  Look for the RSS icon on your favorite websites.  If they have one, then it is easy to add their new content on your website using an RSS reader.
• And keep a look out for google gadgets.  They are wonderful little programs that will add content.
• If you are interested in top quality articles designed to include the best quality keywords, then you must check out Mike L's Article Underground.  I've been following him and his training for years and am amazed at the generosity and talent there.  BUT, this is for people who have decided to use the internet to produce income.
• And lastly, but most importantly, write your own material. 

 The "what" to add to your website will change as technology changes.  The trick is to be firmly grounded in the "why".  This will be your touchstone.

Did you catch that?  I hope so, because it will save you thousands of dollars.

Now we can go on to Step 3........