Feb
18
Written by:
Mark
2/18/2010 5:16 PM
IS a do-it-yourself website is right for you?
February 18, 2010
Mark Merrick
It's about survival. Small businesses and sole proprietorships have to be lean and mean. "We don't want to sink a lot of money in one place so if we can do it ourselves we will." This is why quickie websites are very attractive. They fit right in with the lean and mean pattern. An intelligent person can get free web space from their ISP, drop in basic information, and think, "Voila! I have a website. Now onto the next task."
But what is the price? Does a quickie website help you? Or are there hidden costs?
Believe me I understand. Trusted started off as a small business. We respect the mindset necessary to survive. In some cases do-it-yourself can save a lot of money and time, but websites may be the wrong place to engage this thinking. The penultimate question comes down to this, "Can I put together a website that accurately representing the professionalism and service that my business provides?" You might be an expert in plumbing, tax consulting, or public speaking, but can you create a website reflecting that same excellence?
It is possible. For example people who work in the creative arts may be good candidates for do-it-yourself websites. Here are some things to consider.
8 Questions - IS a DIY website Right For Me?
1. Do you have training or a natural eye for art and layout? For example photographers, designers, artists, etc.
2. Do you have reasonable skill with computers? E.g websites, email, photo-editing, blogs, twitter, etc.
3. Do you have good writing skills?
4. Do you have an understanding of your competitors websites?
5. Do you have the ability to organize and represent your business in a format that people can follow? You may have your vision in your head but organizing it on a website can be challenging.
6. Do you enjoy learning and have time to learn new things? E.g. HTML, photo-editing, website management systems.
7. Are you confident that you can demonstrate excellence on a website in a way that matches the excellence in your business?
8. Will managing your own website take away time that would be better invested elsewhere? Remember that out-of-date websites reflect badly on your business.
How did you do?
If you answered the majority of questions above with a "yes" then you are a good candidate for a DIY website. Otherwise consider the following.
1. You website will likely be the first impression people have of you.
2. A website is the face of your business and has the potential to be seen by more people than you ever see coming through your store front.
3. A website is an investment. Smart investments lead to Return on Investment (ROI).
It's OK that you are growing
Don't feel bad if you have to start out small, just start of right. If you are looking for a company to build your website you really want someone who understands your business needs. A growing business can't afford everything but there are some non-negotiables such as a professional look, organized information, good writing, and good navigation. Therefore look for a company that offers scaled pricing and services that will grow with you. The initial investment may be hard to part with but in the end it's all about ROI.
Copyright ©2010 Mark