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.

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 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, or 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 of your website, logo design, marketing, or similar project.

 

Hiring a professional design firm, even for a small website, 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:

 

I recommend that you have a customized website and not try to do it yourself with a cookie-cutter company. 

 

Next month - Why eNewsletters Work