Can anyone make any suggestions for creating your own website. Build your own or hire someone to do it for you? If you do your own, any input as to which is the best company?
It is so nice to see a website that does not look like everyone else's. I say if you can't do it yourself, invest a little money to get a quality website done for you. There are a lot of VA's here who do website building and they have fantastic sites. Check out the VA Directory and view some of their handy work
I think the decision really depends on your level of expertise with websites and designing. If you are proficient in this area, I would say to do it yourself, after all you know what you want better then any one else. If you aren't experienced in web designing, it's probably better to let someone else handle it for you so you end up with a pro looking site.
As far as which way to go? I, personally, love WordPress and think it's a great way to have a website and blog that is very easily customizeable.
I do my own and have been using Dreamweaver for years. I also provide this as a service to others. But if you want control, i.e. to be able to update it yourself whenever you want, then you can't go past Wordpress and I recommend this to many clients. It looks very professional, there are tens of thousands of templates out there - paid and free, and they are modifiable. You can purchase a domain and pay for webhosting - which doesn't have to be expensive. I believe there may be such a service available here through this forum. Then have Wordpress installed with your hosting - if it's not already available and get it set up. Very easy to do - someone can help you or you can follow instructions to do it yourself.
Once you have the look you want then you can simply login with a username and password to add new data or images anytime you want.
Lindsey - How fast do you want to progress in business, and how much of your clientèle do you expect to come from your website? Because if you want to move quickly and efficiently, get professional design help.
I learned Dreamweaver and have built umpteen versions of my site in the almost 2 years I've been in biz. I would say that it's finally getting in shape, but I've said that before. You can spend an endless amount of time on it, or you can enter ahead of the game with a professional design from the git-go.
I agree with Mary. If you have it in your budget to get a professional website design I suggest you do it. You don't need to pay a fortune. There are some great VAs who offer design help. Just make sure you look at the portfolio of anyone you consider. Actually, maybe you should speak to Tess. She'll get you set up with SEO and content advice and everything you need. She'll make sure you get off on the right foot.
__________________ Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)
I agree with going professional if design work isn't your niche. I had my initial website designed by a student in exchange for their portfolio and it did not go well. I recently invested some money in a new website and have gotten great reviews with it.
I originally built my own two years ago using GoDaddy's website tonight. I just revamped the whole thing look-wise (didn't change any text, just colors, images) and am perfectly happy with the finished product. I built my own because I couldn't afford a pro, however, I occasionally get compliments on it, anyway.
Re: Build Your Own Website or Hire Someone
Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Linear Mode
