A custom designed website can cost a great deal of money and time. It can also often be a scary proposition for most small business owners but it does not have to be. You just need the right people to work with and some instruction to get you going in the right direction. Having spent a great deal of time, money and frustration going through the custom design process myself it has taught me a few valuable lessons that I willingly share with others.
Find something that works without trying to re-invent the wheel…
Most things that you are trying to do with a website have already been created by someone already. Paying to recreate something again in a custom format can be very time consuming, expensive and as new technology emerges can be very difficult to keep up with (just think how many 80′s looking sites are still kicking around). Most companies do not need elaborate custom designed sites. Something that works, is easily managed in house and stays up to date is the best you can ask for in most cases.
When it comes to simplicity of use, functionality and ease of updates all of the websites that I create and work with now are created on the WordPress platform.
Why WordPress?
- FREE – the basic underlying code is provided free of charge.
- The WordPress platform is maintained by one of the most robust and active web communities around.
- Literally millions of sites are based on WordPress.
- Fully Customizable if desired.
- A number of great Themes (design and layout) and Plugins (code that adds functionality to the website) that work with WordPress to add all sorts of layouts and features.
- UPDATES…I can’t say enough about how important this is. Without regular and current updates websites can be subject to all sorts of malicious activity. Keeping updated with Wordpress is a snap as well – just click and it is done automatically.
- User friendly – you don’t need to be a techno geek to operate the website once it is in place (some learning required).
You often get what you pay for…
There are a number of free themes and plugins that you can use for a WordPress based site. Many of them are great and highly recommended. In my experience where you can run into trouble is when things are not updated in terms of keeping up with the latest version of the WordPress Platform or a new security threat has recently been discovered.
When I chose a Theme or even when it comes to some of the plugins I look for the ones that are supported, well documented and are kept up to date.
Check out some of the WordPress Themes.
Check out some of the WordPress Plugins.
Just because it is new and shiny does not mean it will be great…
(or even right for your business)
How many new tools and great ideas have you signed up for? The latest and greatest ‘new shiny object’ only really leads you to a complete lack of focus and often does not get you to the ultimate goal when it comes to being online – customers!
Just because the competition has it or someone things you need to have it you need to focus on what makes senses and works. Not every solution is right for every situation & above all remember you will never be all things to all people.
When you need help ask…
You always have two options when it comes to web sites.
- Sit down and take the time to learn it all (often a case of trial and error and sometimes lots of money to fix something you did wrong).
- Contact someone that can assist you with getting you going in the right direction.
