This article covers some of the common questions business owners have about websites.

From what domain name to use to hosting, payment systems and getting visitors to your site.

1. What domain name I should use?

   See Web design tips: 8 Common questions from business owners.

2. How do I chose a good host for my website

   Hosting services are usually provided as part of the web design/development package so you don't always have a choice if you want to use a particular company to build your site.

   But we've answered the most frequent questions in our article Common Website Hosting Questions.

3. Can I design my website myself?

   You can but unless you have the skills and experience this task is better left to the professionals. Not only are you putting your business on the line, but it could take many many frustrating hours of navigation through unfamiliar technical territory when it comes to the build.

   You don't do your own dental work (do you?!)

   By all means give your ideas to your chosen web professional, but don't take it personally if they aren't wildly excited by your ideas. Chances are there is a good reason why they are not enthusiastic.

   Get somebody experienced to do the job. Developing an compelling and persuasive website takes years of experience – and you can't pick it up in a matter of weeks. Even the most helpful How To guides can only teach you so much. It's likely you won't have all right the tools to do the job either – and some of these cost several thousand dollars for legitimate copies.

4. Should I choose a large or boutique design company?

   There are pros and cons with both. A smaller company can give your more personalised service and may be more economical. However you may have to wait until they are available as they will not have people waiting around ready for the next job to come in.

   A large company may have special offers that reduce the cost but can often cost more. But they have the depth of resources that a smaller company does not including specialists in a variety of areas. They will tend to have robust methodologies but they may also be less flexible if you want something out of the box.

   It's really important that you decide what you need in a company and shop around to find one that fits your profile. Your website is an integral part of your business so treat the process like you are recruiting someone with whom you will have an ong-going relationship.

   Ask around for some recommendations, pick one or two of each and use our Web Provider Checklist to help you decide.

5. How do I update my site?

   In this day and age, most websites come with a content management system. If you have the time and inclination to learn most are easy enough once you get the hang of it.

   But generally they will not let you change the colour and layout of your site at will – with good reason! Mucking about with colours and layout are best left to the professionals.

   If the thought of updating your website content doesn't excite you or you think you don't have time, whoever created your website in the first place should be happy enough to update it for you. If there not, time to change your web partner!

6. How do I sell stuff without having to have an online credit card and merchant account?

   A full e-commerce site selling products such as toys, books, clothing, cosmetics etc will need a proper e-commerce solution to handle orders of all different prices and made up of different products. But the payment service provider (who processes the payment) and your bank will clip the ticket along the way. And they will charge monthly or annual fees for the service as well.

   There are other options - for example Paypal and Paymate. These allow you to link directly to their payment services. Although it is a bit limited, it is a good way to provide a payment option via your website for services that have a set price such a e-books.

   Don't forget that accepting payment by credit card (regardless of how you do it) comes at a cost to whoever is processing the payment for you. Typically a few percent of the transaction value.

   Some small businesses allow orders to be placed via their website, but ask for payment directly into their bank account rather than pay by credit card.

   It is a decision you'll have to make based on cost, number of sales you are likely to get and the effort you want to put into tracking and processing the orders.

7. How do I get people to visit my site?

   See our post 30 ways to generate traffic to your website.

8. What about social media?

   In short, you need to be considering social media networks to help get the word out about what you do

Have we missed any?

Let us know and we'll look at doing an article about it!