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Web site builder ImageCafe is software that Network Solutions has which makes it easy for anyone to create a web site. You can read my review here. It’s intuitive & easy to use. And the best part is that you can create a complex site fairly quickly with little or no technical knowledge.

That’s exactly what a ten year old Boy Scout did! His father was familiar with website builder by Network Solutions & said this about his experience using it:

“I am a Network Solutions customer, using your website builder software to host and build websites. I’ve found your service to be very intuitive and easy to use. The second website I built was an instant success, generating enough sales to pay for itself within two weeks of going live.”

He goes on to tell how his son came to decide to use Network Solutions to host & build a web site to support hungry kids:

“My 10 year old son recently learned that there are thousands of kids in America that go home hungry every day. This sad fact both amazed and troubled him. So he decided to do something about it. My son is a Cub Scout, and Cub Scouts sell popcorn every year as their annual fundraiser, much like Girl Scouts sell cookies. He has been a top popcorn seller since he was in second grade. Last year he sold over $3,000 when most kids sell an average of $200.

But this year he announced he was doing something different. He wants to get people and businesses to donate money and buy Cub Scout popcorn so that he can give it away to the thousands of kids nationwide that go hungry every day.”

So his father helped him set up an alliance with a nationwide food bank called “Feeding America” that is distributing the popcorn. Then he showed his son how he used Image Café to build one of his websites “FreeEasyGreen.com”. His son was intrigued and set about building his own web site, PopcornForKids.org. It is a simple website, but an effective one. He said,

“Website builder ImageCafe is so easy to use, a 10 year can do it!”

Website & Goal Receives Recognition!

The fifth grader’s mission to feed hungry kids using www.PopcornForKids.org has become an overnight media sensation!

Newspapers around the country have been printing stories about him. We managed to get some of them listed on the web site. He did a television interview last week, and has two more scheduled already for this week.

But, time is of the essence, because the fundraising efforts end on October 18th. So pop on over to PopcornForKids.org & put a smile on a child’s face!

Before you make your web site live you should fill it with content to make the site inviting and your purpose apparent. Every visitor is a potential customer. As you work on this ask friends to review your content.

Variety of formats

Content can be in a variety of formats. In addition to text articles, you can add images, videos & podcasts (audio recordings) and even polls. Adding white papers or e-books for customers to download provides value to those visiting. It serves as a sample of your work.

Images, videos & podcasts make your content more interesting. Don’t be afraid to explore them. As you find what works for your niche you’ll get comfortable with what is most effective for connecting with your customers.

Make it easy to share

When you create materials for your site consider where they can be put so that they can easily be shared. For example videos can be hosted on YouTube, images on Flickr, etc. When these materials are found they can ‘grow legs’ & be used on other sites which further promotes your products or resources. YouTube offers 13 ways to share videos.

Add fresh content on a regular basis

When you create a web site consider adding a blog. This is the easiest way to add new content. If you post an article 3 times a week or so it will greatly improve your SEO as well as provide your customers a reason to return frequently to your web site. Make sure that you make it easy for your readers to sign up by email or RSS. This will ensure that they’re aware as you add new information.

Make it interactive

Your customers will want to participate. Everyone is getting involved in social networks & they expect that on web sites too. If you have a blog make sure that comments are enabled. Offering your customers the opportunity to vote for articles that they find helpful & leave comments on them. If you have frequently asked questions provide a list of the most frequently read ones. If you have a product consider creating product forums for your customers to share ideas. If you’d prefer to use an outside service take a look at GetSatisfaction.com. It’s free. Your customers can ask questions, report problems & share ideas.

Content is more than just providing information. If you want to create an effective business online it will take more than just a static web site. People online now expect to have an experience & interact with potential purchases. Be creative & utilize the many methods of providing interesting, interactive content for your customers.

Which hosting package that you’ll need will depend on two things:

1. The amount of content that you plan to have will dictate the amount of disk space needed

2. The amount of customers accessing your website & downloading content will determine the bandwidth you need.

The nice thing about web hosting packages is that you can start with one then shift to a larger one as your online business grows. Network Solutions offers you assistance in choosing which package best suits your needs. We have more indepth information here on Web Hosting.