Being a long-time Internet entrepreneur, I have made certain

observations over time. Most people who start an online business

seem to go through certain "phases." They make the same mistakes,

and they react the same to different circumstances. All the while,

they never realize that much of this behavior sends a glaring red

signal that they are undoubtedly newbies.

There is nothing wrong with being a newbie (after all, I wasn't

born this brilliant ). But ask any novice and they will tell

you that they don't want to "appear" to be a beginner. That's why

I recently felt the need to bring attention to a typical newbie

mistake that you'll want to avoid. That mistake is using every

single piece of new Web technology you can find JUST because it

is available.

I understand the appeal of new technology. However, before loading

up yet another animated graphic or "phasing" Web page, ask yourself

a few questions.

1. Will this technology add value to my site? By "value" I mean

something that will enhance (and not clutter) your Web visitor's

experience. Other than being "cool," will the technology help

in some way?

2. Will the technology cause an inconvenience to my visitors? Will

an all Flash home page force visitors (even repeat visitors) to

sit and watch a two-minute long "movie" each and every time

they come to your site? Will tons of animated or rotating

graphics files make your home page load extremely slow? Web

surfers are very impatient people, you know. I can tell you

from experience, they won't wait.

3. Does the technology require that my site visitor "do" anything?

Will your visitors have to download any special software or

plug-ins to see your site with this new technology? If so, skip

it! It isn't worth the chance of visitors clicking away.

4. Is the technology "stable?" Is the chat program you've

installed reliable? Does that new java script work the way it

should? Does that streaming video feed skip and crash? If your

new technology doesn't perform up to speed 99% of the time, it

isn't worth causing aggravation to your visitors.

Before making any technological "enhancements" to your site, think

about your visitors. Yes, the new technology may be "cool," but if

it doesn't offer some true value to your customers, you would most

likely be better off – and more professional looking – without it.

Diane Hughes is an accomplished internet entrepreneur and

editor of the popular ProBizTips Newsletter. Subscribe to

her newsletter for more tips, tricks, and secrets of the

trade -- plus get HUNDREDS of eBooks, software and tools

just for subscribing! http://viralmarketzone.com/diane