Considering getting a website?
...There are just a few things to consider and below I offer a few tips. Keep in mind, there is MUCH more you want to take into consideration and this post just covers a small portion. If you're an individual, business or organization and you hire someone to build your website, make sure you're able to update the site yourself. You'll waste time and money having a site built and you're unable to update your content. Items that need updates on a regular basis typically include:
- Calendar
- News
- Events
- Contact
- Your site never gets updated
- You're spending a ton of money paying a site designer for updates
Now this is okay, if you (think) your site will never need updates or if you have a budget to support paying a designer to make changes. Still, I'd recommend against it and ask you to research various Content Management Systems (CMS) and find one that fits your needs. Why? A time will come when YOU WILL need to update your site. Most businesses lose contact with the original designer causing delay, added expenses and frustration. In addition, relying on a site designer to update your site is not the most cost/time efficient way to go. More often than not, site designers do not have the time it takes to make updates (causing delay) and their rates are usually design rates, not maintenance. To avoid this problem, my suggestions would be:
- Use a CMS when building your website(s)
- Train your staff (or yourself) on the basics of updating and maintaining your website
- Pick a web hosting company that has great customer service, technical support and application options
- Find a webmaster (and depending on your needs - hire them on retainer, part-time or full-time)
- Always have a backup plan