If you are planning for web presence and are considering doing it yourself, there are some items to consider as you build your plan.

First, decide how simple or complex your website will be by asking yourself “What will my website do for me?”

-- Will it be simple such as:

An information archive – perhaps publishing articles or other information about your industry.
A business brochure – to introduce your business, provide contact information and perhaps a few work samples to attract leads

-- Will it be technically complex such as:

An online site where members can interact, update their profiles, register for seminars, check a dynamic calendar of events, and use other interactive features.
An e-commerce site where shoppers will purchase items and pay online using a shopping cart.

Next, decide how soon you will need the website to be live online.

Do you need it in a matter of weeks or can you wait several months or even longer?

Now it is time to decide who will develop the website.
Will you do it yourself or will you rely on a web developer. The following decision grid should help you make that decision.

A: If your site will be simple but you need it soon, then you could subscribe to “The $14.95 Website”. There are many vendor sites online where you may pay your $14.95, fill out a few forms with your website information, and – voila – you have a website. Then, as long as you continue to pay your $14.95 every month and the vendor does not decide to close the business and move on, your website content will be online. Alternatively, you could hire a web designer, but a custom design would take somewhat longer to complete.

B: If your site will be simple but you have as much time as you need to get it online, then you could hire a web designer for a custom design. However, if you choose to do it yourself, you’ll need a copy of “Web Designing For Dummies” and a contract with an “open” web hosting service – one that will allow you entry to their web server to upload and download your web files as needed (the best Hosting services do not allow this for security reasons). Then, just build as you learn.

C: If your site will be technically complex, but you don’t wish to work with a web developer, you can still create your own website if you have the time, the interest and the motivation. It will require enrolling in various classes to learn web design, programming languages, copy writing, web-based marketing, etc. You will need to purchase several software packages for creating the art, doing web editing, crating online databases, doing file conversion and application programming. Don’t forget to arrange for that “open” web hosting service. You might also consider hiring an assistant to look after your business while you delve into this world of web design. With all those things in place, just build as you learn.

D: If you will need a technically complex site in a short time frame, I strongly recommend hiring a competent web development firm. They already have the expertise and experience to build your website and provide strong web presence in the process, and they will work on your Web presence so that you can work on your business.


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This article is the property of the Gilman Group, and it may be shared provided this block is included and proper credit is given. Pam Hoffman is the owner of the Gilman Group, Web Presence and Marketing firm in Glen Rock, PA. (www.gilmangroup.com). Their clients span the globe and come from many different industries. If you are considering a new website or a website makeover, consider the Gilman Group (800-317-5145).