should you build your own website
Are you trying to decide if you want to take on this challenge? We can help you decide.

The answer to this isn't too tough. If you want a personal website then by all means, give it a shot. There are plenty of tools and books available that are geared to help someone who wants to build a site.

But what if you need a professional website? More is at stake then. Take the time to consider if this endeavor is a good fit for you, your abilities, and your time. If so, it is doable.

If you answer yes to the following questions, chances are you are a candidate for building your own website.

Do you want to do it?
If you don't want to do it, you shouldn't do it. It's that simple. There's a lot to learn and hating the process will probably set you up for failure.

Do you like working on a computer?
If the thought of sitting at a computer and trying to figure this out drives you to drink, don't do it. And if working on computers intimidates you, this isn't the best place to start in a quest to build confidence.

Do you have the time to do it.
Even a small site done well will take a good chunk of your time. But the good news is it doesn't have to be done in one sitting.

Are you creative?
You notice this question is lower on the list. That's because most do-it-yourself software or web building websites have templates that look great. True, they don't look like a custom-built site, but they are nice and they can be customized to some degree. Some creativity is involved, yes. But you don't have to be a Picasso.

Are you willing to read enough so that you understand how to design the most important elements of a well designed website?
There are "do-it-yourself" sites that say they make the process easy. But there are still things you need to know to be sure you are building a website that will get the results you want. The information is out there. You just need to go get it. Beware of template and do-it-yourself sites that say they do it for you. For example, Search Engine Optimization requires a hands-on and highly individualized approach to get good results. The process can't be successfully automated by software.

Do you have a clear understanding of how to present your message, service, or product?
Organizing content is one of the most important things. The very true saying regarding websites today is "Content is King." If your information isn't clearly presented and organized according to user internet trends, people will click off your site and move on.

Do you have access to a variety of computers on a variety of platforms to test the finished product?
Test, test, test. Just because it looks good on one computer doesn't mean it will look good on another. Different browsers and different monitors render website differently. And now mobile devices are part of the mix. So look at your finished website on as many computers and devices as you can until you get the kinks worked out.

This might seem simplistic. That's not to say building a website is simple. It is a complex process. But it's not rocket science and if you are willing to sit down and read and learn the in's and out's of everything involved, then yes, you can do it. And if, after reading this, you've decided to let someone else do the work and shoulder the burdens, email or call us for a free consultation. We want to help.