Web Sites - DIY
Making your own web site
There are whole internet worlds filled with tools to make your own web site. Entire communities have devoted themselves to designing, educating and selling technology to help layman and professional.
There are some advantages to creating your site from these tools. You're in the driver's seat and completely - in charge!
There are also some disadvantages. You're in the driver's seat and completely - in charge!
These DIY communities can make it sound easy. But many of these writers are already tech savvy and are familiar with server technology and database driven web sites. Now, we are not trying to scare you off because we build web sites for a living. If you have some computer skills, time and patience and are willing to search the web for "fixes" when things go astray - a DIY solution may be perfect.
Our challenge is for you to consider whether this is the best use of your time - and whether the end result has cost you less money or produced a superior product. If you want to read more about DIY, then download our feature paper on The Pro's and Con's of Web Design.
Buying Your Domain Name
When you go to purchase your new domain name and hosting services, be very wary of "free" domain and hosting offers. Many clients have had unhappy discoveries when they have used "free" domain services and later find that they do not "own" the name. They become disatisfied with hosting and go to move their site. They find out that the hosting company owns the domain or has control of when the domain can be moved - sometimes for infinity.
Need help with selecting a domain and hosting outfit? Give us a call. We will be happy to point you in the right direction.
The correct term for this type of program is "content management system" or CMS. You have probably been exposed to CMS interfaces if you've worked in real estate or have attempted to build a web site through a hosting company using their supplied system. CMS is best recognized by requiring entry to the web site via the internet. A backend "control panel" will request a password and user name - then you will make changes to the site. While this function is useful, it can be frustrating and time consuming.
Content Management Systems
We are recommending only a few selections here, because these systems have vast communities for resources and assistance. They are also "open source" programs and have proven track records. Here are some of the tools you will consider in your DIY web site:
WordPress - The preferred choice of many for blog-oriented web sites. Good support and large selection of templates [terminology] - both free and fee based.
Joomla! - A robust program supporting more involved feature-rich web sites. Of particular interest are extensions that include plug-ins (function driven programs) that add useful features to your site.
Drupal - Often called the "serious" CMS program because its focus is on functionality rather than on flashy bells and whistles. It has a longer learning curve than Joomla!
Mambo - Similar to Joomla! (Joomla! Is a spin off from Mambo due to internal strife). Community resources lean in favor of Joomla!
Don't Do This!
Another avenue is to use the CMS tools provided by a hosting company. We do not recommend this avenue for any company that is interested in a serious business web site.. These CMS tools are fine for an individual wanting a personal page - but don't use them if you intend to produce something more than a cookie cutter site. Sites built with these "free" systems are rarely customizable to your satisfaction. Many do not allow access to change header images, background images or even SEO keyword support.
A Site for Business
If you like the idea of having a CMS system to allow modifications in the future, but don't want to build it yourself - we can help. While many of our clients prefer us to make changes to their sites (because it is included as a free service in your initial build) - some clients will opt for CMS. Let us know if you want a site based on CMS and we will create it.
Need more information about this topic or any additional questions, please contact us.
