Hi,

My friend has offered to set up my website for free. This is a great gift because it can be expensive, I am just starting my business and I am trying to keep my start up costs minimal. The problem is she hasn't started yet. She is really busy, and its been a few weeks and she said she would work on it next weekend but I don't know how...next weekend is mothers day and she shouldn't be working then. And I don't want to rush her...she is my best friend. My facebook is up and I have had a few bites, a picture of my office was featured on a website but the link to my website obviously didn't work, and all I have so far for clients to find me is my fb. I do already have a domain name and web hosting purchased and set up. I have got to get something up soon...even if I just had a picture of my business card on a page or if my domain name redirected traffic to my facebook account but I have no idea how to do that. I would love to learn how to build a website but I have no experience whatsoever and don't know where to start. What on earth should I do? Any suggestions or short term fixes? I don't want a cookie cutter type of website and I don't want to rush my friend. Ugh.
Maybe I should just make a website on wordpress? It sounds like it should be sort of user friendly. But can you put one up just for a month until my final site is done, or do I just wait?

Thank you,

Jody

That's a tough spot to be in. I'd probably consider hiring someone to do it just to avoid bad feelings in case she finds herself really busy in the next few weeks and isn't able to get to it. I understand needing to keep your costs minimal, but your website is your storefront. This is what you need to sell and market yourself and a website is the one expense that you should really consider to be one of the most important. You can find someone (probably even here on the forum) who can help you install a WordPress site with a bit of customization and it would mostly likely only be between $150-$300. Then when you have a bit more money to spend you can consider re-doing it.

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Kimberly
Facebook Marketing Magic!

Jody,

I agree with Kim. Working with friends can be difficult as sometimes you are not the priority even with every good intention. I switched to a WordPress site and love it. Like Kim said, there are many talented VA's who can help you with a customized WP site.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

Hi Jody

I agree that it can be difficult working with friends and you will be reluctant to chase them up. My sister worked with a friend on her website and it nearly ruined their relationship. It is really difficult for her to get small updates done. I have told her many times to get the information from him and I will do the updates for her but she is worried to ask him!

I am in the process of moving my VA website over to a Wordpress site. I rave about Wordpress. I have done some videos about setting up a Wordpress site and have identified Wordpress themes that I feel (you may not!) suitable for a VA website. Please see the link in my signature, it's absolutely free.

If you have any problems please contact me.

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Chris Beamish - Help on Tap
Free Wordpress Course

Thank you all so much for the words of wisdom. This is something that I have worried about ruining our relationship. I have always heard that you shouldn't do business with friends. I am going to look into learning to do it because I really do want to and have heard great things about Wordpress (and thank you Chris for the links to the videos). I also want to have ultimate control over being able to update and edit as I go along because I am pretty critical of my own work and I know that she won't be able to change things constantly. And maybe someone on here would like to barter for services? Who knows...word lessons for website lessons? LOL...no seriously, any takers out there?

Have a wonderful weekend,

Jody

And just so you know...she has been wonderful. I know she only wants my success. She doesn't seem put upon at all but I know how busy she is. She is such an amazing person. One of my very best friends in the world.