Do It Yourself or Have It Built For You ?

Ok , now you have all your web pages planned, you have chosen your domain name and host for your website.

The next thing to decide is whether or not you want to build your own website or have it built for you. Of, course I am sure you realize that each has it's own advantages and disadvantages. So what is the right choice for you?

First ask yourself what is my time frame for putting up this website? Does it have to be up and running as soon as possible or do you have time to build it yourself without worrying about a time table?

Second, what do I know about building a website?

Third, do I have the time not only to build it, but to thoroughly test every aspect of it, to make sure all parts of my website are functional and working properly.

Fourth, besides knowing how to build and test the website, do I know what "infrastructure" I need for my website and do I know how to make it work as a stemless part of my website?

So, if for example, you are going to have a dating website, do you REALLY know what such a site needs to be successful? Take a look at the major dating websites, like e-harmony and match.com. What do they have?

You will notice both have a billing section, both have membership profiles and both have pictures and numerous other features. Can you implement those features on your website? Chances are unless this is not your first website, you probably cannot.

So now what? Well if you have not all ready done so, now would be a good time for determining what your budget is for building the your website. If you can afford to have the work done, then you are probably better off having someone who is a knowledgeable professional build it for you, and show you , once it is up and running how to maintain it yourself or give you an estimate of what it will cost for you to maintain the website yourself.

In my next post, I will tell you what else to consider in making your decision, no matter what your budget is.