| Jun. 07 2007 at 8:03 PM |
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As the owner of a Web design company, I have been asked if I fear that the DIY software out there will hurt business. I always tell those that ask this that I don't worry about it at all. Most business owners are too busy to even try to do this and most that do try are honest enough to realize that the end result of their efforts does not convey the professionalism of their company. Or to put it less nice, they've put a lot of hours into something that doesn't look very good.
At that point, most business owners are ready to pay for professional help.
In closing, most successful business owners (and those hoping to be successful) understand that outsourcing, whether its Web design, graphic design/printing, payroll, HR, etc., is a valuable tool that enables them to focus on their core business.
Ed Ruth
Webulant, Inc.
Web Design & Web Hosting
www.webulant.com
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| Jun. 07 2007 at 8:58 PM |
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DIY -vs- PRO. Tricky topic. I always recommend that people seek out the services of a professional. Inexperienced web designers very often build sites that don't work, don't have the right document type definition - if they even have a DTD-, and with code that is neither standards compliant nor very valid. Never mind the shopping carts and other complexities. Better to hire a pro.
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| Jun. 08 2007 at 3:54 AM |
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Has DIY v Pro really come down to an argument of looking good?
Hiring a professional isn't about finding someone who can throw stuff on a page better than you can. It's about someone who knows more than you do about online marketing, copywriting, online businesses, user interfaces/experience/flow, online purchasing behavior, SEO, credit card security, technology ... you name it!
If it's just about throwing something on a page ... heck, I hear Dreamweaver can do that pretty well.
* Bad Habits
* A True "Lifestyle Business"
(from Small Business Essentials)
writing | marketing | web: NHG Consulting
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| Jun. 08 2007 at 10:06 AM |
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Here's my advice when it comes to building your own business website ... if you simply cannot afford to hire a professional web designer and you have the desire and patience to build your own site, GO FOR IT!!
However, my experience has been that most successful business owners recognize what represents the highest and best use of their time. If it comes down to money, then by all means build your own website ... but build the absolute best website you can possibly build. Then, when you can afford it, hire a web designer to revamp your site and add that professional touch!
Here's the most important thing to remember: You don't have to get it right, you just have to get it going! 
Click Here to Read an Article I wrote on my blog about "Getting It Right"
Ben Cope - The Internet Genius
Online Marketing Tips, Techniques, & Strategies For Success
http://www.theinternetgenius.com
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| Jun. 08 2007 at 3:27 PM |
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I completely disagree. It is about getting it right. Not perfect ... but as right as you can be.
Because on the web, if you launch something bad in the first place, people won't come back. And you've just lost a whole lot.
* Bad Habits
* A True "Lifestyle Business"
(from Small Business Essentials)
writing | marketing | web: NHG Consulting
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| Jun. 08 2007 at 11:57 PM |
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With web design there are people who simply build sites and those who make them "sing". Its the difference between a company that installs windows and an architecture firm that builds an experience for people when they enter a space.
Many web design companies install windows... its pleasing to the eye but little thought past that goes into anything else. For instance i am developing an analytics tracking system and sales funnel for a client of mine right now. I could say that it is "web design" but its really about usability and the user's experience with the site.
In the case of DIY vs. Web professionals you get what you pay for and there will always be a few camps of thought on this. Those who choose not to pay for a professional and those who do. That is the way it is in web design and many other industries.
Luc 
nhgnikole wrote: Has DIY v Pro really come down to an argument of looking good?
Hiring a professional isn't about finding someone who can throw stuff on a page better than you can. It's about someone who knows more than you do about online marketing, copywriting, online businesses, user interfaces/experience/flow, online purchasing behavior, SEO, credit card security, technology ... you name it!
If it's just about throwing something on a page ... heck, I hear Dreamweaver can do that pretty well.
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| Jun. 09 2007 at 11:51 AM |
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I'm what one would call an "accidental webmaster". I got here after
years of frustration with local "Pros" who know their graphics and code
stuff, but no understanding of basic business logic. So I always find a
discussion on going DIY or Pro a interesting one.
I think the holy grail would be tools that would completely take away
all the technical stuff and allow business owners to simply push
buttons and build their own professional, fully search engine optimized
websites. Is there such a tool out there?
While professional designers and developers certainly have their place
(else I'd be unemployed!), I believe business owners should take a more
active role and actually drive the development of their site, even if
they hire someone to do the actual work. After signing the check, most
small business owners I've worked with simply sit back and only call to
find out when their site will be launched.
The usual excuse is that business owners are busy running their
businesses and do not have the time to build a website. Well, that's
true, if you think of a website as, well, a website. But if you think
of a website as just another marketing channel (albeit a much cheaper
and more effective marketing one), you'll find no basis for this
excuse. Afterall, what constitutes "running a business"? Isn't
marketing a major part of that? It's just like a hungry person saying,
"I'm too hungry that I don't have time to eat " :-)
For business owners here, whether you're going DIY or "Pro", I highly
recommend you invest a little time and read about what's really
involved here, and what works and what does not when it comes to doing
business online ... before you purchase a software or hire a pro. Dr.
Ken Evoy's classic book, "Make Your Site Sell" is a great resource in
this regard. This book used to sell for $29.99, but the PDF version can
now be downloaded free.
Edit: I Forgot to add the link to download "Make Your Site Sell" for free. You can find it here from SiteSell, Inc.
Edited by: GeorgeAppiah - Jun. 09 2007 at 12:28 PM
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| Jun. 10 2007 at 3:17 AM |
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I find trusting anyone (pro or firm) fully with your website is a hard thing to do. No one will know your business or be more passionate about it then you are. You need to be a major part of the development process.
Anyone who can make your site "sing" will definately come at a high price.
In my experience web design is a crapshoot industry as far as talented professionals and firms who will give you a successful ROI. EventBrander.com | Custom Printed T-Shirts, Promotional Products, Lowest Prices Guaranteed
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