How to Set Up a Web Site for a Home Building Business

The home building business is unique in that it really does have a lot to do with looks and style. It is also unique in that women are the primary people have the builder has to sell, even if a male is doing all the bargaining. It comes down to, if she does not think it feels like home, it will be sold before you lay the last brick.Home builders are like artists, and most have their own unique style. Like the builder who loves everything to be circular or symmetrical, so how does he sell a woman that is not looking a house, but a home.The purpose of the site is to introduce your company, show your "portfolio" and get the viewer to make an appointment to discuss their building needs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen
• Paper
• Computer
• Pictures of Projects
• Domain Name
• Hosting Account

1. 
    
   Home Depot Uses an Interactive Video for its customers

   Look at award winning sites for ideas . You don't want to steal their ideas, but look for things that are consistent in them, the flow, how many pictures to use, and the amount of interaction:

2. 
    

   Map out a design for your home building site including the best features that you can afford. Looking at the Home Depot vs the Capital Home you should know that the Home Depot is much more costly since it uses video, and it knows when you have not clicked on the page it told you to. HD uses a flash movie and java scripts, while CH uses java scripts to change out the pictures in a timely manner.

3. Gather all your pictures together for the project. Capital has a few pictures that flash in a row, which is a simple design to make with a java script. Ten flashing is good, because it gives the viewer a chance to see your style. If you want to show more then consider putting in a gallery page.

4. 
    

   Hire a designer. If you do not know web design, then please hire a web designer. But if you are one of those people who love a challenge then lets plug on, and I will give you some tips to save yourself time.

5. Use a design program or a template to do your designing. Programs live Dreamweaver, Frontpage, or something where you can see what you are getting. You can also get free java scripts online . Java scripts are ways that your site will do certain things automatically. Godaddy as a Webhost connection that includes management systems, e-commerce systems and the like.

6. 
    
   A Sample of How to Narrow Down What the Buyer is Looking For

   Include the following standard pages:Home page-the page they see firstWhy you should buy from...Home Designs (If you have a series of designs that you like to you)PortfolioFinancing (if available)F.A.Q.Contact Page: Use a form, so you can get all the information you need to serve the buyer.

7. Get your domain name and hosting package.

8. Test the site for any bugs. Fix any that are found then go live. You have designed the perfect page for your company and have included all the essentials. It is now time to put the site online. With Godaddy you can upload your site through their system. It would be easier to upload through a FTP program which is free.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a member of the BBB then please let your customers know. It is the first thing that consumer advocates tall them to look for.
• Let them see any awards you received
• Update your news portion of your site often (We should not be seeing 2005 calendars in 2008).