This checklist has been designed for service professionals, but it is also useful for anyone setting up
a web site and/or perfecting their web site.

1. Design, Research, and

Planning

2. Basic Web Design/HTML Skills

I’ve selected a great domain name and

have reserved it (http:rs.internic.net).

I know how to “view source” to see the

raw HTML code from any web page.

I have described or outlined the four

things that the people coming to my

web site will likely be looking for or

wanting.

I know how to set the background

color of the web page.

I’ve downloaded or purchased an

HTML software program that I like

(http://www.claris.com or http://www.

microsoft.com).

I know how to choose the default font

so my web pages look clean.

I understand at least the very basics of

raw HTML.

I know how to insert a graphic into a

web page.

I have sketched out at least 10 of the

pages of my site and how they link to-

gether.

I’ve experimented with at least two on-

line create-a-site systems (http://www.

tripod.com).

I have found at least 10 well-designed

sites of competitors or in related fields

and have made a list of the 25 design

elements I want on my site.

I know how to open a graphics file, add

text, and save it as a .jpg or .gif file.

I’ve got a web hosting provider picked

out and ready.

I know how to transfer files (called

FTP) from my web site to my Internet

provider’s computer.

I’ve got someone I can call or e-mail

when I get stuck on my web page.

I know to how link pages together.

I’ve obtained www.myname.com if

available (http://www.netsol.com).

I know how to create tables and do

basic layout.

I know my financial and time budget

for this web site.

Web Site 100: Design
and Functional Elements
of a Terrific Web Site

Copyright © 2005 by Coach U. Inc. www.coachu.com.

3. Include Important Details and

Information

4. Basic Content to Include

I use a graphically great company logo

or name.

I explain who I am and what makes me

special.

My toll-free and toll phone numbers

and fax number are on each page.

I explain the services I offer and how

they work.

A copyright notice is on each page.

I clearly state how much my services

or products cost and what one receives

for this price.

The title matches each HTML page.

I have a list of solutions that will appeal

to most of my visitors.

I provide the city and/or state where

I/my company is located (address

optional—if it is a residence, don’t pro-

vide it for security reasons).

I describe at least three benefits to

people who use my service or product.

The “last updated” date is included on

the home page and selected pages.

I offer several things or services for free

at my site to get people started.

I’ve got a professional photo of myself

on my site so people can relate to me.

I have a page containing links that

might interest the visitor.

I have included an FAQ section.

The site is organized around what’s

important to the visitor, not just what’s

important to me.

Each page has a consistent look and

feel.

I explain who visits my site and what I

can do for them.

I have meta tags on each page, not just

the home page.

I’ve had someone read my site and

help me remove all jargon.

Copyright © 2005 by Coach U. Inc. www.coachu.com.

5. Technical Details

6. Graphic Design and Appeal

The site is viewable on a 14” monitor

with no scrolling needed.

My site has a professional (not hobby-

ist) look.

I’ve viewed my site via other browsers

to make sure it looks right.

My art (logos, illustrations) is clean and

crisp, not scratchy looking (http://www

.andyart.com).

I’ve made sure all of my links work

(http://www.linkbot.com).

My site looks distinct; it’s not a cookie-

cutter duplicate of other sites in my

field.

I have had my HTML validated.

I use only one or two different fonts

per page.

I have verified my meta tags.

I used interlaced .gif files (they appear

more quickly).

Whenever an e-mail address is in-

cluded, it is hotlinked.

I use ALT tags.

My average page is less than 30K text

and 50K graphics.

I use only colors that all browsers can

display properly (http://www.lynda

.com/hex.html).

My e-mail address uses the same do-

main name as my web site domain

name.

I chose colors carefully and artfully, not

jarringly or slapdashedly.

I’ve compressed my graphics for fast

downloading (http://www.gifwizard

.com).

There is a theme to my site; it is an

expression of me or my company.

I am getting a traffic report from my

web hosting company.

The names I use for the links make

sense even to the ignorant visitor.

Copyright © 2005 by Coach U. Inc. www.coachu.com.

7. Ease of Use and Navigation,

Intuitive Feel

8. Selling Power and Ease of

Buying

The average user is never more than

three clicks away from what they’ll

need.

I give the buyer four ways to buy

(e-mail, web, phone, fax).

I don’t give the user more than six

options on any one page.

I have packaged my services to make

them intriguing and appealing.

I offer a site index.

I make ordering a simple, immediate

online process.

I use image maps for a clean, easy

look.

I am using a secure server; clients can

sign up online (http://www.verisign

.com).

The visitor is guided as to what to do,

see or go to next.

Credit card transactions are processed

in real time (http://www.commercepay

.com).

There are forward, back, top of page,

and home page buttons throughout

the site.

I include testimonials from others who

have used my services.

There is a site search engine that is

easy to find and that works well.

I offer a guarantee of satisfaction.

The visitor doesn’t get stuck going

down any blind alleys.

I offer enough content to show that I

know what I’m talking about.

I’ve asked five people to visit my site

and tell me what they didn’t like about

it or found wasn’t clear or easy.

I’ve established my credibility

completely.

I have walked all through my site and

it flows.

There is a mechanism test or ques-

tions for visitors to qualify or disqualify

themselves as potential clients.

Copyright © 2005 by Coach U. Inc. www.coachu.com.

9. Marketing and Links

10. Ways to Engage Visitors

I have included properly used meta

tags on all of my pages.

I offer a free teleclass they can sign up

for online.

Visitors can recommend this site to a

friend, right at the site.

I offer a free newsletter or tip broad-

cast they can subscribe to online.

I am listed at Yahoo and other search

engines.

I offer a free consultation or sample.

I offer a free newsletter or tip nugget,

and people can sign up from the web

site.

I offer a chat room at my site.

I am linked to at least 10 others in my

field or industry, and they are linked to

me.

I offer a discussion board at my site.

I know where my site appears on

the search engines (http://www

.positionagent.com).

I offer a free report (related to my sub-

ject or field) via auto-responder.

I am part of a web ring (http://www

.webring.org).

I offer a book or tape they can buy or

get for free.

I mention or refer people to my web

site in my e-mail signature.

I offer visitors referrals to someone

who can help them.

I include my web site URL in my

stationery, brochures, and tangible

marketing tools.

I offer visitors a list of links worth

remembering that will help them

continue their journey.

I am part of a professional or trade

association that has a listing for me or

links to my site.

I offer visitors a chance to say hello to

me personally.

Copyright © 2005 by Coach U. Inc. www.coachu.com.