Talk to your users. Before spending $10,000 on an interactive web site, make sure that your customers will use it. Talking to your actual and potential customers can provide surprising insights into what you should and shouldn't do as part of your web site development: they don't think like you do.

Keep an eye on progress. To avoid unpleasant surprises, check in regularly as the site is being designed and built. You'll also want to have final approval on each stage of the project.

Look at your competitors. Visit competitors' web sites for ideas about look and feel, content, and features for your own site. But keep in mind that they will likely look at your site, too, so don't take any of their ideas - or content - too literally during your web site development.

Name an editor. Assign someone to be responsible for managing the site and making updates. The editor doesn't have to make all the changes, but should gather content from other departments as needed.

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