If you have the technical computer skills, do your own programming, know how to script in HTML, understand NT or UNIX operating system adminstration, and have some graphic design skills, you are way ahead of most people in your ability to create a web site. The foregoing skills are required, if not essential, in order to create a reasonably competitive web site.

In addition to the foregoing skills, you will need the necessary software, equipment, server access and development tools in order to create your web site.

Since most people do not possess the business, technical and artistic skills to produce a competitive commercial web site, generally the entrepreneur is left with three choices, as follows:

	Hire a graphic artist, computer programmer, HTML script writer, and system administrator;
	Retain a web design firm and rent space from a Network Service Provider (known as virtual hosting); or
	Find equity partners who have the skills required.

Prior to engaging any of the above employees, firms and/or partners, complete a "design document" containing the design and layout the following:

	A site map (a flow chart of each page and its interaction with each other page).
	The text which appears on each page.
	A detailed description of the functions and features of the site.
	Graphical ideas, concepts and sketches.
	Demographic analysis of prospective customers.
	Scalability analysis to allow for maintenance of site growth.
	Database requirements (i.e., analytical programs for demographics, cross-relational data functions, log files, product inventory and ordering systems, etc.).
	Customer service and support programs (i.e., FAQ's, automated ordering, automated order status, email).
	Technology requirements (i.e., frames, java;, shockwave, VRML, animated GIF, streaming audio/video, chat, etc.).
	Presentation options (i.e., text only, lite graphics, full graphics, search alphabetically, by category, by rating, etc.)

By designing and laying out the foregoing prior to hiring, retaining or partnering with anyone, you will be able to more intelligently communicate the requirements of your site in detail to those who you hire, retain and/or take on as equity partners. This will also help you obtain clear and binding quotes and contracts and allow you to make performance based allocations of stock or other compensation to partners in exchange for services.

Although there are many fine programmers in the world, there are also a lot of flakes and liars who claim to be programmers and web developers. Ask the potential web designers for examples of prior sites they have completed. Ask for references. Contact the references. Set forth in writing an agreement of the time for delivery of specific objective components of the web site and include penalties in the development contract for failure to meet deadlines. If possible make payment only upon receipt of specified deliverables.

In creating a web site, make it easy to use, interesting, informative and fun. Remember that the WWW is primarily about sharing information, rather than just selling products and advertising. By providing ever changing and desirable information on your site and creating an environment which is appealing to users and on the cutting edge of technology, you dramatically improve your chances for success on the WWW.