To stay on track and keep costs down, here are 9 things you should know before designing or redesigning your website:

Think of the Big Picture
Before you start to interview Web designers, Internet consultants, or other online experts, put together an outline of what you want to achieve with your website. Will the website have e-commerce? Will it use search engine optimization? Who’s going to host your website? Who will maintain it after it’s up? What are your favorite websites and why?

The best small business website is one that tells potential customers and clients how your product or service directly benefits them, and what sets you apart from the competition. Think of each page as a 30-second elevator pitch, because that’s about all the time you have.

Study Their Resumes 
Depending on what you want your website to do, you need to hire the right person. There are several types of Web experts. Web designers are more interested in the look and experience of the site, while programmers are concerned with function. Web marketers think about how to get as many people as possible to the site based on features.

For someone whose experience spans all these areas, consider an Internet business consultant. But, whomever you go with, make sure the experience fits with what you need.

You Get What You Pay For
Your nephew said he can make your website for you. He can, but it winds up being like the Rolex that you buy from some guy on the street, it looks nice but later you find out it doesn't work. The same goes for low budget Web design firms. If they are offering to do it cheap, chances are they are not giving it the necessary time and attention to create a quality product.

Be Prepared
No expert can design a website without an idea of its copy and other pieces of content, like photos and video. Unless your contract includes a copy developer, you’re responsible for all the words and images on the site.

Plan for the Future 
You think you’ll want to add another function to the website but you’re not sure what yet. Just because it’s online doesn’t mean it can be done easily and quickly. Every website element takes manpower. Allow time in the schedule for you and your team to make adjustments and additions.

Collaboration Is Key 
While a plan is necessary, designing a website is also a creative process. So unless you majored in programming or Internet marketing, you should keep an open mind about what your expert is recommending. Hire an expert who's work, perspective and experience you trust and want. You wouldn’t tell a doctor how to diagnose you. But if they haven’t done the proper research into your business and industry to help guide you, it may be time to move on.

Keep It Simple 
The more complicated the design, the harder it’ll be to update and maintain it. Unless you’re setting money aside to keep someone on retainer, you should be able to handle uploading new pictures or updating the list of events or promotions. A simpler design is also more user-friendly.

How Much Will It Cost?
Most experts say that a basic Web site can run you about $2,500. But Lopuck says a realistic budget for most small businesses is about $10,000 to $20,000. As in any business, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Great work takes a great deal of time and effort, so be willing to pay for it.

How Long Will It Take? 
If you have your content on hand, then you can go from the information architecture stage, which is when the Web site’s blueprint is laid out, to testing the site within two months. But always pad the schedule. Chances are, during the process, you’ll want to tweak your wish list. Lastly, don’t forget to schedule an upgrade in two years, say the experts. Technology changes; your business needs to change, too.