The host stores the files that make up your website and makes your site available to be viewed by the browser. The host must be able to meet the requirements of your website and handle the traffic flow that you expect, especially at peak times. It will also be able to provide you with your site's visitor statistics which will help you to determine the effectiveness of your website, and of your print marketing campaigns.

The site must download fast. Most of it should be visible in 10 seconds or the browser may be tempted to move on. All elements of the page, including graphics, should be presented in a format that offers the best visual effect in the smallest file size for the fastest download. The download speed is partly determined by the browser's computer and modem speed, so it should be taken into account that not all browsers will be using the latest and fastest technology.

The site must effectively portray the company image and appeal to the audience it is targeting. The overall design should be visually pleasing and the text must be legible on screen. Consistent and easy to use navigation links should be available on each page to quickly and logically lead the browser to the information they require. The site should also be presented in a format that is viewable by most browser software programs, and include text navigation options for browsers that are not able to view graphic buttons.

The overall purpose of the site should be immediately clear to the browser. They will not stay with you if they have to think too much or work out what message you are trying to deliver.

The most important aspect of your site is the content. Browsers are expecting more and more in the way of information on the Internet. The content must be fresh, interesting, informative and up to date.

Meta tags and page descriptions should be included with each web page. Search engines use these to rank your site in search results when a browser uses a search engine to search for a particular word or phrase. Your URL (www.yourcompany.co.za) and email addresses should also be included in all print advertising and business stationery to increase exposure.