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Creating a Web Presence is only the Beginning

Ok, let’s assume that you have the answers for all or most of these questions. Before you start to shop, you should be aware that establishing a web presence has several other factors that also have a cost associated with them. All of these costs are on-going so they must also be reflected in your yearly web site budget.

1. You need one (or more) domain name(s) starting at $16.00 per year each.
   
   
2. Your web site must be "hosted" on a computer connected directly to the Internet (called a "web server"). Hosting services may start "as low as $5.00 per month" but realistically, you should be prepared to spend about $25.00 per month to host a dynamic web site with a reliable web host.
   
   
3. Just like a car, a web site requires regular maintenance. The content must be revised continously. To maintain your web site on your own, you need access to an online Content Management System otherwise you will need to hire a web professional to maintain it for you.
   
   
4. You need to market the web site! It must be prominently listed in the major web search engines and directories. You may also wish to consider offline advertising.
   
   
5. Finally, you must be prepared to give the site a "face lift" about every two years so the site doesn't become "dated" looking.