Ever since businesses realized that Internet ultimate resource to reach more people in less time for less than most other marketing mediums, business owners have been asking how can I get my business online and thus in global marketplace. This question was answered with many solutions to include my son took a web class in school, he can do it. Well lets look at seven different ways to put your business online and pros and cons of each. Do It Yourself
The first way would be obvious, to do it yourself. If you have technical knowledge and time on your hands then this is a great way to put up a site that suite your business.
Pros:
Save money by not paying someone else to do it for you Maintain full control of your site Sense of pride in what you have accomplished
Cons:
Many business owners lack technical knowledge to effectively develop all necessary components of their web site. Many business owners lack knowledge of how to write effective web copy that encourage sales as well as will be optimized for search engine. They are not versed in layout designs that increase accessibility and functionality. They do not have hours invest in research, development and implementation of a business web site due to they must run their business so they put together a rush project. Many business owners do not know how to effectively market site after design.
Results:
In most cases results are business owner builds a site that brings no results. The site is a creation that only owner appreciates. Due to lack of expertise and time they miss many critical elements in their site. So though price was not much more than registration of a domain name, purchasing of software, hosting fees and time, I cost owner thousands in loss time and sales.
Friend and Family
Many business owners have friends and family that have some web design experience but few have people in their circle that have a full understanding of developing a business site and how it interacts online.
Pros:
The price of designing site will be minimal You have someone with some technical knowledge to design and maintain your site You have a personal bond with designer
Cons:
Since this is for a friend or family and is not a high paying or no paying job many friends and family take their time and do not put same effort if it were a full paying job. The knowledge of friend of family may not be much more than business owner so development of good copy and functional design will be lacking. After design is complete job is done. There are no further marketing of site.
Results:
In most cases results are same as results of if business owners would have done it themselves. With out expertise in web design and Internet marketing site brings no results thus waste valuable time and money.
Templates and Sitebuilders
Templates and template driven site builders are newest trend in web design. There are numerous sites that business owners can go to and download a template or go through an easy step by step process which will put them online in a matter of minutes.
Pros:
Usually low priced and sometimes comes with hosting Fast design turn around time. You can have your site up same day Visually appealing design that is structured properly by a professional designer Easy to put in your information and publish You have control over site and can freely make changes
Cons:
Nonexclusive- This means that you will not have a unique site. You will have a site that looks just like many of your competitors. Being in business you know how important it is to be unique. *Some template designers will offer exclusive rights for a nominal fee. You must provide sales copy They do not optimize site for your company There are not means of getting targeted customers to come to your site after design is published.
Results:
The results tend to be slightly better with template driven sites due to web site layout is visually appealing and structure is functional. The challenge is still to get people to come and by from your site. This still is placed on ability of business owner.
Directories
Many business owners rely on online directories to place their contact information and a brief description of what they offer. This is fairly inexpensive but you are relying on merit that that site has many visitors interested in your offering and you have little competition on that site. Freelancer or Employee