Lighthouse Technologies Newsletter
February, 2005 Volume 3, Issue 2
www.techlh.com
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In This Issue:
* A Note from Will
* Tips for Beginning Programmers
* Our Sponsor - TownLink Software
* Cheating the System with Templates
* Providing the Client with Great Information
* Building Your Community
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A Note from Will
This newsletter is all about helping out beginners, whether they're
building their first website or their fifth, and getting them off to
a great start. Many people on the Internet consider themselves 'web
designers' but not many of those same people could get a 'paying
job' as a web designer! This issue will help you go from volunteer,
part-time web designer to full-time web guru! (Ok, that may be a
stretch, but I'll get you pointed in the right direction!)

As always, thanks for reading - and please enjoy!
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Tips for Beginning Programmers
Most people that design web pages use automated programs, which in
the web design world we call WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get)
Editors. These editors are great for beginners, and have improved
dramatically over the last few years. After a small learning curve,
anyone that can click a mouse can create, edit, and publish a
website. Little do they realize that in the 'background', the
editor is actually doing the programming. These people are
programmers, and they probably don't even know it.

So, programmers, how can you get started, and land that first paying
gig? Well, it may take a while, and it will most definitely take a
decent amount of donated time, but you can do it.

First off, start looking at the code that your WYSIWYG editor is
creating. Somewhere on that editor there's a button that lets you
look at the actual HTML code that it has built. Read up on HTML
code and learn it. If you dare, build a website from scratch with
only HTML! I highly recommend it. Then you're ready to work
towards that paying gig.

An obvious place to start is to offer a local church, organization,
or other group a discounted or free website design. It is advised
that you either belong to the group, or know someone in that group.
Just calling up a non-profit may not work, as they have no idea
whoyou are, nor do they know the motives behind your offer. Also,
be careful and up-front with them, though, because once these
organizations know you're serious, they can overload you with work
quickly!

Another great way to get going is to build a community website. Add
links to other companies in the area, link to local government and
emergency phone numbers. If you're up for it, start a town forum
and advertise it in local grocery stores. Adding links to local
businesses will draw customers to you, and you could even sell ad
space on to make some revenue back.

Keep reading for ways to hook that first paying customer!
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Sponsor - TownLink Software
TownLink is a full-package 'website in a box'. The software allows
you to have a community website up and running in no time at all.
Purchase TownLink from now through the end of February and get an
amazing $50 off!

Visit YourTownLink.com to take advantage of this special.
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Cheating the System With Templates
Are you suffering from "Web Designer's Block"? Can't seem to get a
design together for that new customer? Have I got a solution for
you! Go to Google, and type in "Free Web Design Templates". For
even better results, add the name of your editor software, if you're
using one. You'll be surprised at how many free and cheap templates
there are available!

Downloading a template is pretty simple. Integrating it with your
editor is simple, too. Half the work (or more) is already done!

Now, of course, if your customer is paying, you may want to be a bit
more selective with your choice. You don't want them to have the
same site that a few hundred others are using as well. But for most
low or no-paying jobs, a template can help you impress the client,
as well as not spend a bunch of time on their site. Even paying a
nominal fee for a template download will help get your portfolio off
to a good-looking start!

Want to see some templates that Lighthouse Technologies used to sell?
http://www.techlh.com/templates
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Providing Your Clients with Great Information
Anytime I get a new client, warm lead, or other contact from a
potential client, I immediately send them off one of my
professionally-created business kits. This kit has a TON of
information in it, including a personalized welcome letter, a web
worksheet, a list of popular Internet terms, and even a sample
pricing sheet.

This business package sends an immediate message that I have
my 'stuff' together, and that I'm ready to help out my customer by
providing lots of information that will help them make an educated
decision.

Several portions of the business package that I send out are
available for download. These papers come with full reprint-rights;
you can print them as many times as you'd like and hand them out
over and over again.

Impress your customers -
http://techlh.com/webdesigners/whitepapers.htm
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Building Your Community
I've already touched on this subject above, but I wanted to go into
a little more explanation on how something this simple can get you
more clients that you've ever expected.

Many web designers start out this way, because it helps their area,
get's them publicity, and in turn brings the customers to them.

A community website that lists important phone numbers, local
business websites, and school information is a great resource.
Combined with specific keywords, this can be your best advertising
tool you have.

Think about it. You create a community website, then start adding
businesses. You start calling these businesses to offer them a FREE
link to their website from the community website. They may tell you
that they don't currently have a website. Perfect! Tell them
(quickly) about your business, then follow up with a business
package in the mail to the owner/manager.

Taking that a step furthur, you could even offer then a FREE or
discounted one-page website off of your community site. This page
should be very generic, low (or no) graphics. The idea is to give
them something that they can see, and something that leaves them
wanting a more 'personalized' site.

Another idea, or addition, is to create a town forum website. This
one may take a little promoting, but combined with your community
site, you can have it running in no time.

If you are interested in setting up a community site, or strictly a
forum website, contact us (sales@...) for ideas and rates -
we'll be glad to help!

Lastly, our Sponsor, TownLink (www.YourTownLink.com) is a great tool
to get your community website launched in no time. TownLink
provides everything, from the hosting to the maintenance. Upgrades
are free with purchase for a year, and you can even have a forum
installed for a few dollars more. During the rest of February,
TownLink is offering their software, installation, and forum combo
for the unheard of price of $299.00 (regularly $349). This will get
your entire turn-key site up and running in about 48 hours. This
sale only lasts the next twelve days, so take advantage of it while
its available!
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As always, thanks for reading, and have a great day!

Will Hanke
Lighthouse Technologies
www.techlh.com