Do I Need A Web Site? Should I create one?
Web sites have become a necessity for almost every kind of business. Companies, businesses, and individuals need a web presence to show that they are “up to date.”
Sometimes, the web sites are designed for e-commerce, the selling of goods via the web site. other times, they’re designed to guide prospective purchasers into buying the seller’s goods off-line or to provide technical and customer support after purchase.
Individuals of almost all ages have created personal web sites with their respective purposes, be it for profit, or for entertainment.
However, before creating a web site, we have to consider a number of issues, such as purpose, design cost, site maintenance, use of the site, and a web hosting service.
Cost is often a very important issue. We must find an affordable web hosting service, not spending too much, nor being too frugal. A cheap host may damage your site’s credibility via poor service or poor uptime. On the other hand, and expensive host may provide the features you need, or they might be just high priced.
Cost of site design and maintenance is the other main cost component. Can you afford a design professional? Is that the best option? Or, can you use a free or inexpensive WYSIWYG site design tool?
When it comes to more complex web sites, when you want it to do even a little more than just providing static information, hiring a designer may be the best way. Not only in terms of design, but security is also a key factor in assuring a quality web site.
Of course, if the web site also acts as an ecommerce portal for businesses or individuals, security of visitor/customer information will be a critical issue.
So, having considered the things to do before building a web site, do we actually NEED one?
No matter what your justification, if you’re going to create a web site, work hard on two things:
First, the web site’s content. You have to have a reason for visitors to visit.
And, second, make sure your design results in a good looking, functional site. Not too cute, not too stark, but just right.