So Many Ways
“ The following article is a good analysis of the different ways people obtain websites.
You may be surprised to learn how often people encounter one of the many pitfalls listed here.
Many of our customers initially tried some of the methods listed here, and were relieved to have us address their situation.
We believe that the best customer is an informed customer who values the service which they receive from us.
”
- Basil Chan
President Cognisage and ExpertMontreal Web Services
#1 Do-It-Yourself - Using a pre-built template
You can purchase a template from one of the many website providers and save a lot of time. You still need a lot of programming skills, access to expensive software and a good knowledge of Domain/Hosting procedures.
Best suited for:
Customizing a template saves time, but this method is best left for the computer-capable. If you have a successful business to run, this will consume too much of your time.
Pros: Inexpensive - From free to hundreds of dollars
There are many beautiful templates for sale
It can be fun and quite rewarding to create a website
Cons: Computer skills are still required to customize a template
Computer knowledge required to manage domain and hosting
Templates can be old and coded poorly
It is very time consuming to create a website
You need specialized imaging software for nice effects
Nobody to help you if you have problems with HTML
#2 Do-It-Yourself - Using a Website Builder Service
There are many website builder services which let you run a simple Wizard and WYSIWYG editor to create your website. You still need to edit images yourself, if you want anything fancy like your logo or text over images. Yahoo GeoCities and Homestead are good services to investigate. Read the agreement very, very carefully before you join. There are many limitations.
Best suited for:
If you have very simple website requirements and are reasonably comfortable with computers and the internet. You do not plan on growing or moving your website.
Pros: Inexpensive - From free to under a hundred dollars a month
Simple to use
Cons: This is still a Do-It-Yourself product
Nobody local you can go to visit
Phone support from a large company... need I say more?
Worse yet, you may even have to pay for phone support
Domain and website often bundled together
Difficulties transferring domain when you want to grow
You do not own the website and cannot take it with you
More difficult to customize with features
#3 Your Neighbour’s Son
Everybody knows someone who is good with computers. Usually it’s a neighbour’s son (or even your own) that can do the work in their spare time. Unfortunately, if you don’t know much about computers and web pages, how can you tell if this person is qualified?
The most common issue with finding "someone" to do your web pages is reliability. They may eventually complete your website, but they can’t continue to give you support because they have moved away for school or are too busy working.
You should never feel as though somebody is doing you a favor by working on your website. A website is important to your business image and you should get professional service. Avoid getting into a situation where you do not know who controls your domain, hosting and passwords. We have seen this situation many times.
Best suited for:
If you are sure to remain in contact with your neighbor’s son or have other qualified technical contacts you can rely on, you may be able to save some time and money going this route.
Pros: Inexpensive - Since this work is done in their spare time
No computer skills required
Cons: Unless you are paying well, they are doing you a favor
Same issues as method #1 (they will need software, skills)
This may not be a reliable long term solution
You have to be vigilent to stay in control of everything
#4 Hire a FreeLancer
There are many sites which allow people to advertise their projects and people will bid on them. Investigate elance.com, project4hire.com, freelancefree.com (be prepared to see a frenzy). Usually, the lowest bids will be from individuals of countries where wages are lower. As with any transaction, be vigilent and ensure they have performed satisfactory work before. There are many people that misrepresent themselves and prey on the unknowing.
When hiring a freelancer, it is safer to look for someone local because they will understand local customs (and language) and may be available to meet in person. They usually won’t have an office, so have them meet at your place of business. Meeting in a food court doesn’t seem like a good way to start a business transaction.
You still need to be very vigilent when working with a local freelancer. Ensure that you own your domain and control your hosting. This may be extra work, but you are trusting an important part of your business to someone that does not have a fixed business address.
Best suited for:
If you enjoy hiring contractors and managing them closely, this is a possible solution. It helps if you understand web technologies so you can tell how knowledgeable they are. You can be firm on the costs and demand good quality for your money.
Pros: Can be less expensive - Simple site from $200 to $1000
You are buying a website, so less work for you
Cons: You must be vigilent to get the service you pay for
You must do some checking to see if the freelancer is reliable
No guarantees on quality or support
Can you claim as a business expense? Or is this under the table?
No fixed address for business
You must control Domain and Hosting (like Do-It-Yourself)
#5 Find a company over the Internet
There are hundreds, if not thousands of companies on the internet that will create websites for you. Some companies will provide domain and hosting services while others will not. Some companies focus on large clients, but there are many companies that serve smaller businesses. It is hard to determine which website company will be appropriate for you because pricing is usually variable, depending on your requirements.
Quite often, website companies resell the services of other web design companies. It is best to find a company where you know who the designer and developer will be. If you are working with a company that brokers the sale of websites, they may not provide you with the best support. Speak with someone that is truly knowledgeable, and not only focused on sales.
Internet Website companies claim that with the internet and phone, everything can be done remotely. Perhaps this is true, but you may be giving up more than you bargain for. Will you be able to visit their offices if there are any issues? Can you validate that their offices exist? Are they creating a new website for you? Or is it a template which they purchased elsewhere?
When dealing over the internet, you must always be careful with financial dealings. Are there laws that will protect you if you do not get the services you paid for? When purchasing things internationally, your complaints may not have much legal power. Try to work with a company from your own country (plus it helps your local economy).
Best suited for:
This is similar to hiring a freelancer except you probably won’t ever meet in person. You are comfortable keeping control of your domain and hosting.
Pros: Can be less expensive - Simple site from $600 to $1000
You are buying a website, so less work for you
You see many examples of their work on their website
Cons: You usually have to pay half before work started
More difficult to verify a remote business
You should control Domain and Hosting (like Do-It-Yourself)
Laws in different countries may not protect you
#6 Local Design Company
There are probably a few local web design companies in your city. Review their websites and see if their work and pricing is reasonable.
The major advantage of working with somebody local is that you can develop a business relationship. A long term business relationship is beneficial to both companies because unknowns are minimized and the service provider gets an opportunity to provide more value for less upfront costs.
Working locally has the advantage of using a written contract that is valid in your country. The contact can define costs, ownership and expectations. With a signed contract, a commitment is made and lower upfront costs may be required. There are more assurances because the law provides better protection to both parties.
ExpertMontreal is a local website design company. Please investigate our ExpertMontreal TotalCare Solution - you may be surprised at how much value you can receive for your money.
Best suited for:
This is the best solution for a company that wants to focus on its core business. Obtaining a website should should be a professional process performed by professionals who are efficient, knowledgeable and customer focused.
Pros: Can be less expensive than you thought - can start at $600
You get local support
Everything can be taken care of for you
You see many examples of their work on their website
You can verify that they are not a fly-by-night operation
You can have a long term service and support relationship
Cons: You may have to pay half before work started
You expect to pay more for this full service
#7 Large Design Company
If you have a large budget for your website, this is a great way to go.
Large companies can integrate web, print, radio and television ads into large marketing campaigns. This is what all of the large corporations must do.
Best suited for:
If you have a large budget and can dedicate someone from your team to work with this marketing agency, you will be amazed at all of the possibilities you have to advertise your brand.
Pros: Very professional
You will likely get good results
Cons: Very expensive - ten thousand dollars and higher
You will not get service unless you have a large budget
