We see so many small businesses use MySpace, Facebook, Photobucket, and Twitter with their business web sites. The first issue is that you're are giving these social networking web sites your client list and also advertising revenue. The other issue is how often do you update all the web sites that your business is listed? I have a friend in a band that utilizes all of theses social networking sites and more.

As I checked out their sites on MySpace, Facebook, Photobucket, Twitter, and Youtube, the information on all these sites where not consistent. You want to have, a clear message to you fans or clients. The band became so consumed with these social networking sites that they forgot to even maintain their own web site.

I recommend to my clients that if they choose to have links from social networking sites, to always link MySpace or Facebook back to their web site. I do not recommend placing any logos or links from the social networking sites on their business web site. You want to capture the information when individuals subscribe to your web site, and do not give your business away to these other "social networking web sites". Finally, do not use MySpace or any other of these sites as your primary web site for you business. First, the designs I have seen on MySpace are much less desirable than a professional website. Secondly, you don't know what advertising that will be on your site, competitors or something less desirable may take away from the focus on your service or products.

As we evaluate web sites for clients after our appointment with them I am amazed. Clients have spent thousands of dollars on furnishings for their business and this isn’t displayed anywhere within their website. Hire a photographer to capture your business, show it off, it’s what makes your business unique and inviting.

Professional photographers start at $100.00 an hour. Ask them questions about what equipment they use and do some research. There are many amateur photographers out there so screen each candidate you interview. Loyalty is important but that "family friend" may not give you the professional results that you need. I have seen many business owners exchange services and the results are just not there. Remember you get what you pay for.

Make sure that your copies are high resolution. This means that you want your photo’s at leaset at 300 dpi (dots per inch). This will get you the photos for your website but also for your marketing materials for print. Many photographers will charge for the copyright of each photo. Make sure you evaluate the photographer’s portfolio and their client list. I have seen recent graduates from community colleges that want up to $250.00 for each photo that you want.

With our philosophy, you’re paying an hourly rate you paying for all the quality photos taken. This is because our market is small to medium sized business. Our pricing has to be something that our clients can budget.