Avoid dodgy photos on you website.

Bad photos of your place of business, staff and products equal a bad image. Many small business owners are loathed to hire a professional photographer, so resort to taking their own photos – but at what cost?

Photos that are dull and blurry are a bad start. Also, taking a photo of a messy workplace or dusty products reflects badly on your business.

There is only so much a web/graphic designer can do with mediocre images.

Clear and attractive photos do make for a better website. Changing your photos around every so often can also prove beneficial.

Example of a great Product Photo

If you feel comfortable with using a camera, ensure you stage your photos first. Give whatever you are photographing a clean (this can include staff too). Use props if appropriate. If it is a product, photograph it in-use, in a nice setting or on a clear white background. Whatever you do, be consistent. Also, ensure that the lighting is good for all of your photos. An example of some excellent photography is at www.jutabali.com.au. The owner has taken her time, laid out each product in an attractive setting.

DIY not an option? Go professional. If you don’t have the time, the patience or the ability - Hire a professional. Of course, ring around for prices and always view their portfolio first, but you may be surprised at how affordable it can be. Most photographers will work with you to produce a consistent and attractive collection of photos. Ask them for their ideas and tell them what “look” you are going for. You may also consult with your website/graphic designer/s - ensure your new photo/s will work with any current branding and advertising.

Remember, a bad photo can make all the difference – the wrong difference.

Ignorance is NOT bliss.

Web address ownership is a tricky topic, however one not to be ignored. Imagine you have “purchased” your website and website address. Everything is fine…until you get a massive renewal bill from your supplier. How can they do this?

Some website designers (and only some) are on the less-than honest side of the coin and register domain names under their own business names, individual names or ABN/CAN. Not that of their client. In some instances, this is okay, but legally, who ever the ABN belongs to, owns the domain name and can do with it as they want.

Don't Get Stung

To avoid being stung. If you are looking to get a website address…ensure you or your website supplier use your name or ABN/ACN to register it. You can ask for proof in the form of a Domain name registration certificate which is usually supplied upon original registration. This should state your name/business name as the owner. If not, request that it is transferred immediately if you have any worries about the future ownership of your domain name.

To check to see if your domain name is registered in your business name, go to http://whois.domaintools.com and type in your website address. In most cases, you will be able to view who your domain name is registered to amongst other information.