Why use a Web Pro Versus DIY?
Have you ever read the marketing materials for something and it sounded easy, fast, simple and low-cost or free?
I fell for the sizzle on occasion and tried some of those products or services. Often, what I received was experience – the kind that comes when you don’t get the result that was marketed.
The web is no exception. Often, products/services that are DIY or free have stipulations in the details that might make you think twice – if you take time to read them thoroughly.
Years ago, I bought hosting (a place for my website to live) that offered a FREE domain. Yes, I had mistakenly agreed to “lease” my domain name, the hosting company owned it.
What happened when I tried to move my hosting? It cost me EXTRA MONEY and LOTS OF TIME to buy my OWN domain name.
Lesson learned, thankfully my domain had not become a household name - that would have cost thousands or made me stay with a company that wasn't delivering on service or technology! Don’t make this mistake!
Advice can save lots of time and money!
Thankfully, new technology and tools are improving daily!
I began creating webpages in the late 1990’s – using notepad and a lot of trial and error. The experience of learning as the tech changes for more than a decade gives me insight and knowledge that you may spend hours or maybe weeks to figure out.
How busy are you building your business? How patient you are when figuring out the technical details for those DIY projects? In the time that you search and maybe find a tutorial or struggle finding out how to make it happen, you could probably have found customers that will grow your business.
DIY or Hire a Pro - Take Time to PREPARE
Take the time to think about what your clients ask and want to be able to find out online. AND you should have:
- A WISHLIST or plan of what you would like to have on your website. Your priorities and budget will determine how much gets your project started
- BUDGET - a website is part of a marketing plan, successful businesses have something set aside for marketing
- MARKETING MATERIALS: (logo, company colors, and maybe a “style sheet” of the font and way that print materials should reflect your company), if not, budget a little more for Graphic artist for branding help
- WHAT are YOUR COMPETITORS DOING? Look at your competitors’ websites
FOR DIY option:
- Are you tech savvy?
- Do you REALLY want to build a website - a one-time project - when you have so much else to do to grow your business?
- Do you understand how search engines actually find your website?
- How much time will you need to figure out what you may need to know?
- Does the DIY service offer Phone Support? If so, how much extra does it cost?
- Who will help you if you get stuck?
- How many other companies will have the same look of your free or DIY project?
- Who will fix errors that you may create?
Free – But places competitor ads on MY Website!
Did you know that many of the free or low-cost hosting deals actually ask you what category your website is and then will place ads somewhere on your page with competing company ads?
Marketing is challenging enough – do you need to compete on your own web page?
Contact me if you would rather have someone help you with your website project.
Neal Resources Owner, Robin Neal, will be glad to discuss your project.