Step 3: Update your site monthly

The only thing worse than an amateurish site is one that says, "Last updated June, 1997." To the average person visiting your site, this says, "This website is an afterthought." The chances of getting that person back to your site for information or discussion is slim.

The key to a successful website is to create repeat visitors. The best way to do that is to provide new information and material so that your visitors have a reason to come back regularly. But providing new content each month is a huge amount of work. You have to think of something to write, you then have to write, and then you have to publish to your website each week or each month. What usually happens? You just never update your site.

If you can't make regular updates or additions to your site, you're probably better off without one.

Step 4. Avoid the Bare Bones Approach