There are loads of options when it comes to designing a Web site and it's easy to get confused, but one thing is for sure — you need one. A Web site adds legitimacy to any business and provides your customers with crucial information. The trick is in making sure your business objectives are fulfilled by your site. The first step is to figure out what you want to achieve.

Are you looking to brand yourself? Will you be selling products online? Do you simply want an online brochure that highlights your business services? Do you need a sophisticated tracking system or plan on changing products and content frequently? With this determined, you can begin to figure out what kind of site you will need.

There are really three different levels of sites:

1. Basic… A site that can be done from a template. These sites usually include your existing logo and consist of just a few pages describing your business, highlighting your products/services, and providing an electronic form of communication. Average cost: $1,000 - $3000
2. Intermediate… A customized job by a designer who will provide logo and site design. It can vary from the simple to the extraordinary and may include programming that allows you to receive online requests, process credit cards, sell products via a shopping cart as well as a variety of other specific tasks for your business. Average cost: $1500 - $6000
3. Complex… These sites are usually designed for intense ecommerce tasks that go way beyond a simple shopping cart. They are heavy on programming and can complete tasks from tracking inventory to running complicated databases. They are entirely customized for your specific business. Average cost: $5000 and up.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find Web sites that work

Start by looking at designs and figuring out what you like and why. Always look at your competition and ask yourself how you would improve on their sites.

I recommend: Time magazine comes out with its top sites every year. It's an excellent place to start.

Get a quote

If you're looking at something simple and you know what you want, then you may want to open the bidding process to qualified free lance designers.

I recommend: Get quotes from designers on Elance.

Find local designers

If you need a site that requires coding and upkeep, you should really try to find a designer or firm that is local and you can sit down with when needed.

I recommend: Webdesignplaza.com provides a directory of local designers

Do it yourself

For those who want to do it themselves, you will need a selection of templates and online design tools.

I recommend: DesignLoad.net offers a huge selection of packaged Web sites and widgets for a low membership fee.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get a contract that ensures you will own your site and the coding in full
• •  Compare designers. Make sure they have portfolios and references
• •  Don't be intimidated by tech talk. Tell them what you want and ask how they will do it
• •  Many designers have deals to host your site, too. Make sure the hosting company is legit
• •  Make sure the process is done in steps and that you can okay each one before moving on
• •  Only use designers who put in writing that they will train you to use the applications
• •  Keep it simple. You may like how applications like Flash look, but they can slow down your site and give problems to users without the right technology