Websites come in all sizes and shapes, styles and goals. One size does not fit all! That's why it's a good idea to develop a plan before you start. In the long run, it will save you time and money.

Your website is a powerful reflection of you and your business. Often that is all customers will see of you, so it's important to create a professional presence that implies quality and reliability.

Determine exactly what you want your site to do for you. Here are just a few things to ponder:

• Will it be informational only or do you wish to sell products or services?
• Will you use it to promote and create awareness of your service business?
• Build relationships with current and potential customers?
• Drive customers to your brick-and-mortar shop?
• What kind of experience do you want your online visitors to have?
• Who is you intended audience, and what do they need?
• What is the image you wish to convey?

To help you through this process, we recommend an excellent, free e-book from Entrepreneur Magazine titled "10 Easy Ways to Improve Your Website, Plus 9 Disasterous Moves to Avoid."