If
you're reading this, probably not. You could learn all
of the above, but there are easier ways. There are many
services that offer you a cheap way to build your own
Website. Some are helpful, some misleading, some may
lead you down a road you wish you'd never started. Some
are programs available for purchase, others are browser-based
applications. Keep the following in mind:
The
very cheapest ($5 to $15/month) site-building services
are also used by fly-by-night spammers and pornographers.
Search engines that see your DNS may penalize you
for guilt by association.
Some
site builders don't allow you to use your own domain
name. If your domain name is www.cheapsitebuilder.com/yourcompanyname,
you won't be taken seriously by search engines. Visitors
who notice domain names will also lower their impression
of your service. - Once you've built your template
site, it may be difficult to upgrade or expand it
as your business grows. The investment in the site
will probably not be transferable when you upgrade
to a custom solution. However, if the cost is not
burdensome, this could still be a good short-term
solution. [users of Stratestarter service will receive
a transfer discount if they wish to engage ILR Systems
for a custom site using a similar graphic look and
feel] - There are still some on-line template services
that will allow you to use your own domain name, and
give you a reasonable range of templates. Look at
the pricing carefully, ensure it includes everything
you will want on your site. If additional enhancements,
extra pages, and e-mail addresses are expensive, you
may end up paying nearly what you would for a custom
site.
There
are also industry specific template generators available.
Professionals may benefit from having a Website that
allows you to link to locators dedicated to anything
from lawyers, psychiatrists, and doctors, to trombonists
and belly dancers. Most of these directories allow
you to post a listing without a Website, but most
people on-line prefer to have someplace to go for
additional information. An industry specific designer
has the advantage of knowing what generally is required,
and can often deliver for prices from $500 to $3,000.
The disadvantage is that you may get the same thing
as everyone else in your industry, and attempts to
differentiate your firm or company from others may
not translate well through the cut and paste nature
of the design firm.
None of these will give you the tailored look of a
custom Website, nor the precise functionality you
may require. However, if your budget is spare, you
will get something you can use. If you do have all
the skills listed above, you can probably build exactly
the kind of site you want. And if you do, why not
drop us a resume.
