First of all, don't assume the web is the Internet. The web is a component that is part of the Internet, but so are things like e-mail and file servers. The web is the fancy piece that most of us use to get to all the good stuff that is out there.

Don't on Your Web Site:

• Don't pick a domain name that is so obscure no one but you gets how it relates to your site.
• Don't date your site with "current" news if you're not going to continue to keep it up-to-date. Keeping your site current is important, and most companies don't, so being the one who does is an advantage.
• Don't include flashing, bouncing, singing elements that have no relevance to your content. They slow down the load time for your relevant content and more often than not, cause a search engine visitor to go back to the list to choose another search result.
• Don't load your site with large graphics that take forever to load if they don't apply. Not everyone has a broadband connection, be kind and keep the sizes reasonable.
• Don't wait a week to respond to a cold contact from your site. There is an expectation of immediacy on-line that will drive a lead away if you aren't diligent in responding in a timely manner.
• Don't think you're the only one offering what you have on-line. As soon as you put it out there, someone else is going to start offering it too.

Don't on Your Blog, Webinar, Forum, or Chat Group:

• Don't forget to update! If you're blog, forum or chat room seems vacant, no one is going to bother coming to it when you do include new content.
• Don't stray too far off-topic. Speak about what is relevant to your topic, save the off-topic discussion for another room where it is more appropriate.
• Don't forget to moderate. Allowing individuals to post ads or off color comments to your environment will chase other away.
• Don't promise to be there and not show up. Some of the venues offer the opportunity for live chat or video feed of your presentation, if you advertise a schedule, make sure you or someone who can speak on your behalf is there.

Don't by E-Mail:

• Don't promise to mail out a monthly newsletter if you're only able to accomplish it semi-annually. It gives the impression that you are not succeeding in your on-line endeavor.
• Don't send out junk or spam e-mail to an un-opted list - that's a list of names that didn't specifically opt to receive mail from you.
• Don't include large pictures in the footer or signature of your messages. It's fun the first time someone gets it, but it becomes cumbersome to wait for it to load when you're mailing back and forth several times.
• Don't click on links in obscure messages that you receive from a credit card company, bank or on-line subscription. Odds are that if it's legitimate, you can initiate a browser window and go directly to your account to respond to a red flag or problem issue.
• Don't send e-mails that include usernames and passwords. Most e-mail is plain streaming text that can be read by anyone who might be looking. Same principal applies for financial information.