Today, there are certain services that one expect from a website
design service, but there was a time when web site design was a
mystifying process, where both the product and its ultimate usefulness
was something completely out of the hands of the average small business.
With the advent of ready-made templates and one-stop web design and
hosting choices, much of that has changed. But, there are still a few
basics to keep in mind when looking for the web design option that fits
your needs best.
Knowing What You Want
How
important is the appearance of the site for your needs? Will you need to
upload graphics? How often will they need to be changed? Are you going
to be selling a service or a product on your site or is your site more
information oriented. How much interaction do you want to have with
those visiting your site? Answering a few of these simple questions
before trying to choose a website design service will eliminate those
designers that are not able to fulfill your needs or will charge large
developmental fees to satisfy them.
All-in-One Web Solution
Unless you already have a
domain name for your site and a place to host the site, it is to your
advantage to look for an all-in-one web solution. Registering your
domain name and hosting can still be a daunting task for the
uninitiated. Many web design companies offer very basic hosting and
nominal registration fees when you use them as your design solution.
E-Commerce
If you have anything to sell (service
or product) don't forget E-Commerce when making your decision. Even if
you aren't ready to sell on-line now, it is best to plan for it ahead of
time. There are a number of web design companies that offer relatively
inexpensive store-fronts, handling virtually every aspect of doing
business on the Internet. A number offer low cost or free Visa and
Master Card processing.
Limitations
Most Web
Design options offer template based packages that lower your cost and
enable you to have a site up and running within hours or days after
signing up. Investigate the method the website design service uses for
you to make changes to the site or to have them make changes for you.
Saving a little money on the front end can end up costing a lot later
one when you try to change anything major about the site.
Web
design doesn't have to be the time and money consuming process it once
was. Most small businesses can expect to spend under $100.00 per month
for a fully functional, multi-page site that is not only eye appealing,
but more than adequate to handle their business needs.
