Developing a website is an important part of changing the way you do business. Just like printed material your website tells your customers and clients who you are and what you do. Choosing a team to develop your professional website is as important as the content of the website.

1. Find a developer who will talk to you in language you understand. You will need a domain name, a host or Internet service provider, browser safe text and graphics, a user friendly site that provides and gathers information quickly, registration with major search engines, keywords and metatags and a plan to promote your website.

2. Make sure that you have a contract that guarantees that you own your website design and your domain name. There is no reason for the developer to own your site unless he intends to hold you hostage for future price increases.

3. Get bids for the work you want done. Prices really vary. Remember this is new technology and you want to hire technically skilled and creative people but this is not brain surgery.

4. A good developer will have a plan for maintaining your site so that it is up to date and reflects the growth and change of your business.