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If you're serious about using the web to generate business, you need to have an idea how to use it. Here are some useful links to get you started.
SEARCHING: There are millions of web pages and sites. Many are listed in search engines and indexes. Here are the big ones:
Yahoo! [Directory] The most popular site on the web, this index is carefully checked by people and makes searching simple.
Open Directory: [Directory] Rather like Yahoo, not as influential but still important, its data is used in several search engines.
Alta Vista: [Search engine] Massive list of individual web pages (indexes list sites). Plenty of good links mixed with completely irrelevant ones.
Google: [Search engine] They claim to list well over a billion web pages, so you can find anything here. Uses link popularity (much linked-to sites are seen as more 'relevant') to rank results, giving better relevance than any other search engine.
Metacrawler: [Meta search engine] Searches across all the major web indexes and search engines in one go. High relevance.
Others worth looking at are Looksmart, Webcrawler, Hotbot, Excite, Infoseek, UK Plus, UK Max, MSN, All the Web and more.
GETTING ONLINE: To access the internet you need a computer with a modem and phone cable, and a phone line. You also need an ISP - Internet Service Provider - for access to the internet. Most new computers include software which helps you set up a 'dial-up' account to the internet. You can evaluate the ISP market at the excellent and comprehensive Net4Now site, which also explains ISDN, ADSL and cable connections.
BUYING A COMPUTER: If you haven't got one yet, here's the good news: computers have never been as fast and cheap as they are now. These come in two main flavours: Mac OS and Windows. The PCs which run Windows can also run the robust and increasingly viable Unix-based Linux operating system. Windows (PC) computers are slightly cheaper than Macs. We prefer Apple Macs as they are easy for non-technical people to use, whilst being very powerful. Many people are happy to use Windows. Current baseline prices: Apple iMac in a range of trendy colours from £549+VAT from Apple Computer. Or 500Mhz PC with 128mb RAM, monitor, keyboard about £500+VAT from RAM Computers
SOFTWARE: Software is essential. New computers come with the basics, but anything else you'll need to find. Find freeware, shareare and demos at Tucows or Download. |
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| OnlineWales offer a comprehensive range of services covering all aspects of website creation and management for businesses and organisations of all sizes.
 Website creation
We take planning, graphic design and site building seriously. The better your site looks and works, the more effectively it will represent and promote your business.
Copywriting and photography
If you're unable to prepare the content for your website, we can handle all aspects of planning, photography and copywriting.
Domain name registration
Let us research availability and advise you on purchasing domain names. The right choice will be memorable and will perform well in search engines.
Website makeovers
If you have a website which is not performing well, we can analyse its performance and advise you on how we can make it work more effectively.
E-commerce
Our flexible E-Shops online shopping system, used in conjunction with secure payment processing from WorldPay, takes the pain out of selling online.
Click here to find out more.
Promotion to search engines
If you have a website you are happy with, but would like more hits, we can implement a promotional strategy to increase traffic.
Website management
Hosting on our web servers, including regular detailed statistics on usage, promotion to search engines and content updates.
Dynamic websites
Need something more than a static website? If you have an ever-changing stocklist, or need to update content frequently, we can integrate your website with a system which will let you to update information whenever you like.
OnlineWales complete website packages
include all the ingredients required to maximise the effectiveness of the internet for your business, including:
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An easy to navigate website which presents your business clearly and comprehensively. |
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Graphic design and page layouts to a high standard. |
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Expert optimisation for search engines included. |
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Complete, ongoing promotion to search engines and web indexes to our well-refined formula which has proven effectiveness. |
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Detailed statistics so you can see how your site is working for you. |
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Minor updates included. |
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E-mail delivered to your dial-up account, or by fax or phone. |
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Hosting on the web with domain name so your website is www.[yourname].co.uk and your e-mail address is [anything]@[yourname].co.uk. |
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Sensible prices. Clients often find that an onlineWales website generates more business than other advertising which costs far more. |
Please contact us if you would like further details of our services.
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| If you want simple and straightforward e-mail and no more, buy one of these phones - an 'Easicom 1000', about £80, from BT. It sends and receives e-mail with up to 5 separate e-mail addresses and it sends and receives faxes. It also has plenty of memory for phone numbers and built-in caller ID. You can also send and receive e-mail through onDigital and Sky digital TV receivers. |
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