First of all, congratulations for joining this program. It means you are at least considering the possibility of getting a website. Even if you might still think that it's a really complicated process and will cost you an arm and a leg!

My goal for you is to take you through a process that will give you enough information (hopefully without overwhelming you!) so that you can make a wise and good decision about whether a website is really the right thing for you at this stage of your business or art.

As you can see on the Dashboard, there are four modules listed in the left-hand column - Website Basics, Website Design, Marketing, and Building Options. In each of those modules there are five steps. And at the end of each module there is an extra section - to leave room for some special extras.

I've started with something listed in each of the modules and steps, but that may change. Why? Because this is going to be a work in progress. So as I think of other things to add, I will add or change things to make this better. Part of the change may also come because of what I hear from you (more about that in the next step).

The Dashboard is now finished (May 30/08). So you are welcome to explore the whole thing or just to explore the sections that are of interest to you. Please note that I am developing a Webplanner Workbook to go along with the Dashboard. It will be available for sale later.

Okay, now...Who is this for?
        • small business owners
        • home business owners
        • artists
        • craftspeople
        • and those with small organizations
but even more specifically, for those who want to get someone to do a website for them.

However, while that’s who I will be directing most of my comments to, this is information that would also be of use to those who already have websites, but wonder if they are really doing the job they’re supposed to do.

And it would also be of use to those who are computer literate and willing to try out any of the do-it-yourself web design programs that are out there. (But just a heads up here – I don’t work with any of those programs since I code my websites from scratch – so I won’t be giving out any advice on those programs.)

Now – providing you fit one of those categories, what next?

What are we going to learn about?
I’m going to try to keep this simple and easy, and valuable. So we’ll cover website basics like:
        • what pages to include in your website
        • what marketing information to put on your website
        • what design issues to be aware of – colors, fonts, etc
        • links and navigation
        • domain names and hosting
        • what expenses are part of creating a website
        • how to talk to a web designer
        • and a whole lot more

How to get started?
I’m going to suggest that you set up a file on your desktop for this program. Call it Webplanner Dashboard or whatever you want to call it. Take notes and file them here as you go along.

Why am I doing this?
My goal is to give you enough information so that you can go to a webdesigner and tell them with a reasonable amount of clarity, what it is that you want in a website. And to come prepared with whatever files and information they will need.

Yes, I am also hoping that some of you are looking for a webdesigner to do a website for you, and that when you see what I give you for FREE, and see the samples of other work I’ve done, that you will feel confident that I could do a great website for you.

But even if you don’t ask me to do your website, that’s okay. I have been given so much great information from others in my business life, that this time I want to just give something back with no strings attached. I was once a person looking to start a business and wanting to get a website. This is the information I wish someone would have given me back then. So regardless of your reason for signing on for this program, I welcome you and hope that the information will be of use to you.

That's it for this section. Head back to the main Dashboard to find the next section or just click on the "Next >>>" link at the top or bottom of this page.

Creatively yours,
Evelyn Grace, at Willowrose Village

PS. If you are so busy in your business that you don’t think you’d even have time to go through this program, there is another option. Call me, and ask for a consultation session. You can reach me at (403-981-5910 or e-mail). I will go through the information that I would need and then would give you an estimated price for the website.

Speaking of prices, I am directing this program at the small/home business owner and artists/craftspeople. Having been there myself, I am well aware of what kind of budgets are usually available. So I think I can safely say that you will get a well-designed and useful website that you will be happy with, at a reasonable price.