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Knowing More Makes Your Website Less Dangerous
The Sprocket Report
This article has been updated on 10/16/2019 with the article entitled “Choose to Build the Right Home for Your Website."
With the speed that technology changes, too often we just have to jump in and pick it up as we go along. Sometimes that means we miss a few of the details that might help us grasp the bigger picture. "I know enough to be dangerous" is no longer a joke when your website starts killing your business, so here's the super simple CliffsNotes version to help you make the right web-building decisions.
In the early days of websites people willingly paid huge prices to get online because internet marketing was new and there were few who were website builders. Now that the bandwagon is overloaded, folks don’t want to pay at all because everyone says they build websites.
To get the website you want, the website you need and the website you can afford, you've got to know what building a website entails. We use the phrase "build a website" intentionally because it's such a perfect analogy to explain website construction by comparing it to home construction.
Building Your Website
URL
This is your address in the internet world where people can come to visit you. Even though you "buy the domain name," it's really a rental because you can only own it for a specific period of time.
Web Platform
Once you have rented your address you need to build a place there for your business to reside so people can visit. Sometimes you'll see an "Under Construction" sign at a new URL while the website is being built. Just like physical buildings, there are many different ways to build an internet residence.
Custom Code
For a custom home, you work with an architect who takes your desires and needs and creates a plan. Once you agree to the plan, your website is built from scratch like a stick-built house. If you change your mind or want to add something, you can be accommodated until you get exactly the website you want. But also like a custom home, the extra time and effort drives up the cost.
Open Source CMS
Modular homes are created by assembling pre-built pieces on your land in your desired configuration. Modular websites are built the same way. You get nearly all the features you want at a lower price point. Custom details can be added as your budget allows, but you'll enjoy a stylish, solidly built and functional website with minimum layout in expense and time.
Template Website Builders
When you have absolutely nothing, a FEMA trailer provides all the basics of a home. Likewise, template site builders give you the necessary elements for an online presence. They're clean, attractive and simple to maintain, but they tend to look a bit alike and you can't modify or add on to them.
Web Developer
Technically any of us could build our own homes, but because it takes specific skills and lots of time, we usually let professionals do the job. The same goes for websites. Do your due diligence and choose a developer who will help you build the website that's right for you. If you have more questions about your options, contact us by phone or email to talk. We're always happy to help!
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Kate Gingold
I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.
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I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.
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