Getting a website can be confusing and extremely time consuming. Faced with the challenges of purchasing a marketable domain name, finding inexpensive but reliable hosting, setting up email, connecting to the internet and uploading files, and even learning new languages to write html code the price can be quite high. Furthermore, just because you have a domain and some hosting doesn't mean that it's organized well or that you'll remember how to update it in a year or two. The web is constantly growing and your web presense will only increase over time which means you want things to be organized and accessible.

There are a few turnkey solutions out there but none of them provide the customization and branding emphasis that most small business owners would like. What's more, there is a big difference between having a stand alone web page vs. having a useful resource that will actually be found by your customers. Imagine owning a five page site with an interactive map built on technology powered by Google, an easy to use contact form that won't make your email address vulnerable to spammers, analytics tools that show you where visitors are coming from and how they found your site, and all with the ability to login with a single username and password. One of the most important features of a small business website is the ability to update pages quickly and efficiently as the business grows and new services are offered. You can only do that if you can remember how and where to login.

Having been a webmaster for over eight years I have identified three great tools that make having a website easy and affordable.

1. Firstly, you need a content management system - this is a system put in place by a designer that automatically formats your web pages and writes html for you. It makes updating your website, approving comments, and even adding pictures a breeze.
2. Second, you need to offer useful tools to your users and present a professional front. This step requires a coder who can work with the best technologies on the web and add "plugins" to your site. A plugin could be an interactive map, an email contact form, or an RSS feed that would allow users to "subscribe" to your website announcements.
3. Finally, you need a way to track your progress. Understanding your customers needs is the most important step to selling any product or service. In marketing it is the first question that is always asked "is there a need for this product". Assuming you are already in business it is reasonable to say that you are already in touch with your customers. In order to stay in touch it is important to track how people are finding you, what region they are from, and what they are searching for.

People don't use phone books anymore, they use search engines, and search engines crawl the web for free! That's the good news, the hard news is that you have to have an accessible website that is regularly updated in order to reach and stay at the top of search results. There is always the option of "pay per click" ads on a search engine listing, but that's a cost that will never go away, and you will still need a professional looking site or else users will simply "bounce" when they do click your ad.

I started Sustainable Online Solutions because my uncle needed a website for his chiropractic business and I wanted to help. You can actually see his site at www.ryechiropractic.com live today. I knew he had a limited budget and would be scared away by an initial fee of hundreds of dollars. Instead, I designed a way to bring together the best services on the web in a way that only costs him $25 per month. He has a map, a contact form, email, analytics, and his very own hosting space, content management system, and domain name! This solution was configured specifically for him with custom colors, images, and content all for the monthly fee of just $25 which he can easily afford.

With this solution any small business owner can get online in under one week with no hassle. The SOS solution is designed to let you focus on running your business but still come out ahead online without spending too much. Having worked at Google, Hewlett Packard, and Accenture I have a great knowledge of what works and what doesn't on the web and that knowledge is applied in every site that is designed here. Sites are done one at a time and I personally speak with each customer, so give me a call today at (800) 280-1364 or fill out the contact form and we can discuss your custom website. Did I mention that when you go with SOS your website will be 100% environmentally friendly?