Web Site Tip 3 - July 14, 2007
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Do It Yourself Or Hire A Pro
Today there are many ways for a business to get a web site quickly and inexpensively without enlisting the aid of a professional developer.
For the small business owner with no knowledge of web site construction there are many options available for using professionally designed template sites. You just enter the content and the template does the rest. Most of these sites can be activated immediately and provide a credible experience for your visitor. The cost usually $10 to $20 per month but can range from Free to Hundreds of Dollars per month.
The "Free" web sites will contain advertising placed on your site by the hosting company. Usually about 10% of the web page will be devoted to these ads. This may sound like a good trade-off if you have no budget for a site. And one of these sites is better than no site at all. But, be aware that the advertising may actually be for competitors.
For the $10 to $20 per month get the site without the advertising. By checking around you can find attractive templates. Choose one that fits your companies identity, (color, graphics theme, etc.). If you want more information on this type of site go to ProfitsOnTheWeb.us.
If you want your web site to truly reflect your business then it needs to be custom designed. Simple web building software is included as feature in just about any business related program you have on your computer. If you've never built a web site before many of these programs can be learned in a couple of hours. Be prepared to invest the time creating a web site design that reflects your business in a professional manner. Study sites you have visited that appealed to you.
Why hire a pro?
Many businesses hire a professional which saves time and energy (translates to dollars) that could be used more productively.
It is common for a small business owner to begin building a web site only to get frustrated after investing twenty to forty hours ending up with a site that does not present the company image in a good light. After all the time and effort invested these business people end up calling a professional to fix or redesign the site. The same situation frequently occurs when a friend or relative offers to build the site for little or nothing.
A true professional web developer has the resources and experience to provide both design and functionality in a web site that achieves a defined purpose.
When shopping for a web site developer look for the following:
- The Obvious
- Design capabilities
- Technology capabilities
- Customer support
- Experience in developing Sites For Business
- The Not-So-Obvious
- Invests time learning about Your Business
- Asks more questions about your needs
- Spends less time talking about their ideas
- Understands Marketing
- Understands Media Mix
- Longevity in business (Will the developer still be around when the site needs updates/fixes)
- Provides a plan for the web site to achieve its purpose.
- Web site development is the Primary Focus of their business.
- Keeps up with current web site standards
(for more information on web site standards check out the World Wide Web Consortium)
Remember that because someone knows a lot about computers and/or programming does not necessarily qualify them to develop a functional web site. Just as being a web site developer does not necessarily qualify someone as a computer specialist.
For more information on getting a Defined Purpose Web Site call Steve at 817-925-1726 or send a email message.
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