First Site Design

just trying to make things go smooth

[nigassma]

I am puting together a site for my first paying customer. Since I am getting a few grand for it I want to make sure I take everything into consideration as far as being the webmaster.

The code is underway, but what should I do as far as tracking, logging, ranking, contacting search engines, etc.?

What should I be doing that I would forget to do since I have for the past year only been coding for one website that has already been established?

Any input would be great.

Thanks!

[Web Footed Newbie]

Boy, that is a loaded question. I would recommend giving their money back, go do your homework on
"tracking, logging, ranking, contacting search engines"
and tell them you are going to do this all for free because you want the reference (if you do well) and you need the experience (very obvious).
No one has answered your question before now because they, as well as me, realized you are in a boat without a paddle. But I'm answering because you should already know tracking, logging, ranking, and search engines before selling a client. This may be hard to accept, but this knowledge is not gleamed overnight and with one post at WW.
Be truthful with your client, let them know you are going to research these topics, and then make more money on your next project. Hope that helps.
WFN

[mack]

Glad to hear you got the paying client, may it be the first of many. :)

Really it's a case of going right back to basics. First of all make sure the site works well. Get advice, have people actually test it out. Make sure the site works well from a users point of view.

Early promotion, directories are a must. As many good directory listings as possible. The more the better, especially Yahoo! and Dmoz. Then work your way into local directories and subject directories, depending on your subject there can be some gold mine directories out there.

In terms of search engines it is often better to simply let the search engines find you as opposed to suggesting your site. This is where the directory listings work out well. The search engines should find you through the directories.

As for logging there are many different areas you may want to look into. Certainly referring search engines and search terms is a must. As is recording what sites are sending you traffic through links. There are just so many different tracking options available that it is difficult to really recommend anything without knowing your exact requirements.

Mack.

[nigassma]

Be truthful with your client,

I never promised them anything more than a site that worked. As far as tracking and logging, that was never mentioned in our original negotations.

I realize that I am lacking experience but as far as the job goes it is my first, and I will give them what they are expecting.

As far as they are concerned they just want a site that works and displays their organizations in a clear and concise manner.

If I get in over my head I will jump back in to the boat, but as of right now, a few days of research won't cost them a thing, and will only enlighten me even further. I'm not only depending on WW, but it is a great resource and I am glad that I am getting replies.

[maxi million]

hi nigassma

i can understand what you must be thinking. when i came out with my first site (done for a client), i had very little knowledge about "tracking, logging, ranking, contacting search engines" too. but they wanted to initially have a web presence more than a web business. that suited me fine, for that site now has grown with me or may be ive grown with the site!

but ya i must say that my client was supportive and didnt want to be right on top of SERP the very next day. that alllowed me to gather some knowledge and experience to provide them services from programming and designing to SEO. if ur client is supportive too even you can do great. just need to give it some time.

im sure youll do great
best of luck
:)