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Do-it-Yourself ~ Cookie-Cutter Websites
Do-it-yourself websites are sites that are duplicated like
using a cookie cutter. They are sold under the pretense of
making the purchaser a lot of money. They usually make money
for the seller not the purchaser. They border on being a scam
because the sellers imply that the purchaser can have a viable
site with no Web designing and SEO skills.
There is a place for the do-it-yourself website. For
instance, if you are retired, have hours of free time, and are
looking for a cheap way to show off your grandchildren, don't
need a professional look for your site, and don't care if your
website is found by anyone who hasn't been provided the Web
address. You can paste photos into a cookie-cutter
website and send the URL to your friends.
Actually, in that instance, you would be better to use a FREE
photo album site like Flickr or Picasa. Just upload the
pictures and don't worry about a website.
However, business owners need to think beyond pasting
pictures. They need to consider their valuable time, Web
content, search engine results, and how they compare to
their successful competitors with professional sites.
STAND OUT - Don't Use a Cookie Cutter
No two businesses are exactly the same. That is why
no two websites should be exactly the same.
Although often a do-it-yourself site seems like a good
idea - getting a free or nearly free website by using a
cookie cutter may not be the best solution.
Years ago, when I was new in the marketing business, an
excellent website designer said to me, "You are better off
to have no website than to have one that looks like it was
designed by a child." I have never forgotten that
admonishment when working with my customers. By trying to
save a little money, you are most likely getting an
ineffective website and one that may damage your company's
reputation by the way it looks. Most successful
companies, do not get where they are by having
inexperienced friends and family do the office
construction, accounting, infrastructure, and financing.
They wouldn't try to design their own websites.
Experience, dedication, passion, and industry knowledge
are just some of the ingredients you should be looking for
when you decide who to put in charge or your website, logo
design, marketing, or similar project.
Hiring a professional design firm, even for a small site,
can give you peace of mind knowing that the site has all
the right pieces in place. These pieces include, but
are not limited to:
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Customized Website Design - the site looks the way you
want it to look
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Search Engine Optimization - customers will find the
site
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Personal help with Keyword selection - assistance
choosing the words that will best accentuate your site
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Guidance with inbound links
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Customized Contact Form
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Quality Shopping Carts
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Domain Names & eMail Addresses
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Hosting - 24/7 up-time
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Website Support and Maintenance
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Ability to
Lease
to Own a Website - you will not be paying forever
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Marketing Functions
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eNewsletters
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Logo and Graphic Design
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Biz Cards, Rack Cards, and Brochures
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No third party will receive your eMail or other
contact information
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No hidden charges
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Individual Assistance - you will not be on your own
struggling to figure out how to make it all work.
Most Web design firms have a significant amount of
knowledge and experience under their belts when it comes
to Web usability - how to make a website user-friendly. If
you are new to the field, you run the risk of creating
usability problems with your site without knowing it.
I recommend that you have a customized website and not try
to do it yourself with a cookie-cutter company.
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