I
have decided to send out one of the articles I wrote five years ago because it
is just as important now as it was before.
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I am always getting e-mail from business owners who, in their crunch for time they have opted to go to a host/web design/web development/domain registrar all rolled into one…
Not
a good Idea!
Let
me tell you why, this is just my view, but it is an educated one. I have dealt
with many, many business owners who have been burned. They now have to deal
with the difficulties of redoing mistakes that didn't have to occur in the
first place.
Many business owners who are
brilliant at what they do are also clueless when it comes to the Internet and
all the things that must be done to develop a website, register a domain name
and host that website.
On the other hand, they may know
enough but want the convenience of a one-stop shop, so they can be free to operate
their business.
Sound like a great idea right!
WRONG…
REASONS WHY YOU “SHOULD NOT” PUT ALL YOUR SERVICES IN
ONE BASKET.
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Mistake
#1
When
you register a domain name through a host, you are at the host's mercy.
Unless
you know what you are doing – the host who registers your domain name may
actually be putting it under their name - you are not the domain name owner you
are “renting” the name.
Scenario, you register your domain name with a hosting company and
find that you do not like the host – your website has a lot of down time – you
cannot get the emails to work right, etc.
You
go shopping for another host – then you find out you cannot transfer the domain
name, and you have built your business using that name … that can be
devastating – you have worked so hard to build your business what now?
Let's
say they just don't want to transfer the domain name, don’t release the domain
name and play games. Where do you go?
Well,
that is the 24 million-dollar question.
Solution: Register your domain name with a service like godaddy.com.
They have inexpensive domain names; you have complete control over where you
point those names and host your website.
If you
find you are unhappy with a host you have chosen, find another host and
re-point that domain name, with no interruption to your business.
Problem
solved.
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Mistake
#2
Scenario, You have found a host that also designs. They will design
your website inexpensively. So you have the host put together the website for
you.
Guess
what – you more than likely will find that you do not own the website, the
website you get will have to stay with that host, you cannot transfer it… On
top of that – a lot of these hosts will give you a brochure site that is not a
true marketing site.
Let's
say initially you are happy with that small static website, then you get
educated and realize you need more and want to market to your visitors. You
want an auto responder, and you need to build an online data-base. That is when
you pay - they usually charge you, an
arm and a leg to update your site.
You
end up spending more, and you may find your so-called custom site is actually a cookie cutter site
that is customized (the same site as other businesses just a different banner).
Solution: Find a web developer that can converse with you about your
needs. If they are a true professional, they will have no problem helping you
with questions you may have about hosting, domain registration, auto responders,
etc. Make sure you are comfortable with the individual you are thinking about
hiring.
Don’t
mistake – arrogance with knowledge? Do
make sure you have an experienced professional, someone who knows the tricks of
the trade, a person who understands how to build a marketing website, with
knowledge, who will know how to help you
reach your ultimate goals.
When
you pick the right professional, they will be willing and able to direct and
guide you. Educate you on how to build your online business, helping you to
break down the costs and work within your budget. If you can’t initially afford
to get the whole thing done in one-shot –
it shouldn’t be a problem for your web developer to build your website in
phases.
Make
sure you are working with the designer/developer themselves, and you are not working
with the sales rep.
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Mistake
#3
Scenario, let's say you have found a host that allows you to build
and design your own website. How cool is that!!
Sorry
to break the news, but let me remind you – most of you are not designers!
Seriously,
most business owners do not have the talent or the knowledge to design a
website that will look professional. Most of these programs that allow you to
build your own website are very limited in what they can do. You have to use
their graphics and banners.
On
the other hand, you have to be a graphic designer to know how to design and
upload your own graphic, on top of that these hosts are usually very expensive.
So
what should you have done?
Solution: When you realize you will be hosting your website
(basically forever) at such a high monthly fee – you will realize you can
afford to pay a professional web developer to build a beautiful site you will
own, pay a host a small amount each month and save a lot of money. Get
my drift?
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I
could go on forever telling you the horror stories - but the bottom line - in essence
- be careful, do your homework, make
sure you are working with a credible professional.
One
option you may want to consider is hiring a consultant/project manager that
knows the ropes.
This
profession should be seasoned and have worked with the internet - someone who
has been in the business and knows the ins and outs, someone who can outline
your options and give information that will lay a solid foundation for your
business.
Someone
you can trust to guide you to make the right choices…
I do
offer all of these services so if you would like to get a f*ree consultation,
please email me with "F*ree Consultation" in the subject line - if
you have a website. Please add it to the content of the email. I
will contact you, and we can make an appointment.
To
success beyond measure - and friendships that last a lifetime...
Pamela
Jacob - Artista Design
pamela@artistadesign.com
801-910-4825
