Keep your message short - Studies show that over 80% of people online don't read but they scan. Take the text you planned on using for your website and cut it in half, then take that and try to cut it in half again.
People like to watch TV - Since most of the users won't be reading your message anyway why not let them sit back and watch or listen to your message. Video and audio is a great way to set your site apart.
Less is more - Your design, especially the homepage should be clean and not cluttered. If your site is too busy it may scare off or confuse the user. Web users are busy and they want to get straight to the facts or order a product. (see billboard design)
Billboard design - You want your homepage to be like a billboard, imagine driving down the highway and spotting a billboard, you only have a few seconds to look at it, process the information, decide if it is for you and what to do next; call or visit their website. Your homepage should be the same way, the user should know what you are about within a few seconds.
Nice address - You will want to try to get a domain name that is either short, easy to spell or easy to remember.
You get what you pay for - You could have the kid down the street or your secretary design your website and logo; but just because they own a computer that doesn't make them designers. It's the same as owning a first aid kit does qualify someone as a doctor. It's best to leave design and programming to a professional.
Tie it together - You want your website to match and flow with your current identity and other materials. Additionally you will want to put your website address on all of your printed materials.
Spiders see things different - Your website may look easy to comprehend on the outside but to a search engine spider it looks completely different. A website should be both people friendly, (Good Design, Usability, Navigation and Content) and search engine friendly (Keyword Research, Keyword Density, Site Structure, META Tags, Links and Site Maps). High ranking on a search engine can be a huge asset to your website.
Where is the party - With hundreds of millions of individuals now online the internet has formed into groups called Social Networks. To attract groups to your website try starting a newsletter, blog or even create your own podcast. Let your creative side show with these emerging technologies and let the party begin.
