Thinking of developing and maintaining your own Web
site? Think it is just sticking some words and graphics
on a Web server, updating it every now and then, and
handing out your Web site address? Think again!
"Do-it-yourself"
Web sites are certainly enticing now that there are
so many cheap Web site development software programs
and so many Internet service providers offering free
Web site space. But there is a catch. Lots of them,
in fact. Here are just a few of the common myths and
misconceptions about "do-it-yourself" Web
sites.
Time
is free... Even the easiest software
for developing Web sites requires a learning curve
to create a basic Web site. Bells and whistles take
a lot more time, effort, and equipment. Photography,
graphic software, scanners, resolution issues, downloading
concerns, file size – you name it, there is
a lot that goes into developing a decent Web site.
Now, some people really love to play around with the
computer and graphics and text, and are willing to
invest their time and money. It's a fun challenge
for them. For most, however, it is simply frustrating
and time-consuming. Moreover, after hours of work,
"do-it-yourselfers" achieve the mechanics
of a Web site but not the aesthetics, not the smooth
enticing text flow, not the professional image desired.
It simply looks as "homegrown" as it is.
Image is not everything... The right image makes the difference between attracting
a prospect and losing one. On the Internet, you get
one chance to entice a visitor to explore your Web
site. If your Web site does not convey the right tone,
the proper professionalism, the feeling of quality,
integrity, and experience... your company, product,
or service does not project it either.
Goals are not necessary... If you don't know your goals and objectives for having
a Web site, you definitely will not achieve them.
Web sites can be used for many different goals and
objectives. Web sites are no longer just used to acquire
sales leads or make actual sales. Web sites function
to create name recognition and credibility, qualify
leads, provide presentation material, and promote
communication with clients and between employees,
as well as to promote products and services. Knowing
goals and knowing how to achieve them strategically
using a Web site can often mean the difference between
success and failure on the Internet.
Web
site registration is as simple as filling out a few
easy forms... In order to attract
visitors to your Web site properly, people must be
able to find it quickly. Proper registration with
the different search engines is essential. Registration
requires a very specific skill that improves with
experience. It is knowing what each search engine
looks for and keeping up with the changing requirements
and updates necessary for continual registration.
One thing is for sure: if you do not register properly,
your Web site will not get visitors.
All
you need is a Web site... Once you
have a Web site, you can just sit back and watch the
money roll in, right? Wrong! Off-line promotion is
just as important as a professional on-line presence.
Web site success is dependent upon effective marketing.
Integrating the Web site address into promotional
materials, creating specialized-marketing campaigns,
placing Internet links strategically, and participating
in targeted newsgroups are just a few of the ways
an experienced Web site developer can increase traffic
to your Web site.
No
need for results tracking... Having
the phone ring or an e-mail mailbox full of messages
is certainly one way to track Web site success. However,
Web site tracking can be more sophisticated and meaningful.
Quarterly reviews based on careful monitoring can
statistically show traffic patterns, even to the day
and the time, depending upon the kind of report requested.
This information can be extraordinarily useful in
determining how and when and where to advertise, what
Web site elements work and what elements do not. Most "do-it-yourself" Web site programs cannot
provide this kind of strategic tracking statistics.
In-house
IT departments can handle Web site issues... Technically, in-house IT departments can develop Web
sites, no question about it. It is just that there
are other elements to consider when it comes to a
successful, professional Web site. Typically, a flair
for Web site aesthetics, copywriting, and marketing
is not the strength of IT departments. Let the IT
department do what they do best and leave the rest
to the Web site experts.
Cost
is bottom line... There is lots of
competition in the Web site development business.
If you are trying to save money, which everybody is,
just remember one thing – what are a company's
up-front costs and what are hidden costs? Lots of
companies offer cheap setup and then bill you separately
for everything else. Quality and effectiveness is
the bottom line. Cheap Web sites often look
and perform like cheap Web sites.
Itscoldoutside wishes all individuals and companies
who would like to tackle Web site development, maintenance,
and marketing, "good luck". For the rest
of you, Itscolodutside is available to provide as
little or as much Web site expertise as you need.
Itscoldoutside is a full-service experienced Web site
development company with a technical, graphics, copywriting,
tracking, and marketing staff. We do it all so you
and your company can devote the time and energy and
resources to what you do best!
