Sound Strategy
Ten Considerations for Using an Online Web Site Building Service
Online Web site building services offer a different approach. Like building
something from a kit, someone else does the hard part and provides the pieces,
but you get the satisfaction of assembling it yourself. If this alternative
seems appealing, consider these points before starting.
- Determine your Web site purpose and objective. Online site builders are
inherently limited and may not offer the level of functionality and support
you want or need.
- Weigh budget considerations against site objectives. The convenience and
affordable pricing might appear attractive, but won't be worth it if you
don't get what you want.
- Consider your business strategy and marketing plan. Online site builders
tend to be oriented toward producing brochure sites, which might not be
suitable for your strategy and plan.
- Consider possible design limitations. Designs and templates offered by
online site builders may be too restrictive for your purposes. Agency image,
branding, and look and feel issues are important factors in building an
online identity. Some may work for you while others do not.
- Evaluate your content requirements. Different package plans may limit
the number of pages and options available. Don't force your content into
a layout or template where it won't fit.
- Check out the entire package. One-stop package deals vary. Don't be tempted
by several attractive features while overlooking the downside of others.
For example, the low monthly cost might be unbeatable, but do you get all
the e-mail boxes you really want? Also, good Web efforts should be managed,
tracked, and updated. Make sure those options are available
- Consider future needs. Good Web sites are ongoing works in progress. If
you choose this site-building alternative, will it allow you to expand your
Web presence to sufficiently accommodate your future needs? Additionally,
should you need to move your site to another provider, consider what you
might have to forfeit versus what you'll be able to recover.
- Get additional input from others. The online site building option is an
attractive do-it-yourself project. But like most any business effort, input
from others and teamwork can often produce a more satisfying end result.
- Remember your customers and target market. Any Web effort, regardless
of the site building process, is ultimately for the benefit of your customers.
Make sure that the offered features, functions, options, and content possibilities
will be truly useful and meaningful to them.
- You get what you pay for. Don't be lulled by a low-cost package price,
one-stop convenience, and claims of simplicity and ease of use. This site
building method is not for everyone. It contains a number of limitations
that may be unacceptable for your purpose, in which case, the expenditure
of money, time, and effort will be questionable or unwise.
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