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Out-source your website development? Won't a WYSIWYG program make it easy for you to do it yourself?
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by K.E.Lubrecht
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There are several things to consider when considering a website for your company.
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Do you want to create and maintain the site yourself?
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Do you want to delegate the website creation and maintenance to an employee?
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Do you want to out-source the project to another company?
Certainly there are pros and cons for each of the possibilities. Some of them are discussed here.
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Do your own site
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PRO
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CON
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The availability of WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) programs make it possible to create your own website without knowing the computer code that positions the text and pictures that you want on your site.
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Websites offer clip-art and graphics.
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You know your business best.
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You know what you want on the site and when you want it there.
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You don't pay someone else
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You enjoy your work. Designing the site may mean that you will be spending time concerning yourself on something you don't enjoy doing.
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There is a learning curve for the design packages. Professionals can accomplish the process faster than you can. They should know what questions to ask and provide you an outside view of your company.
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You may end up with a format and look that is not distinctive.
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Have an employee do your site
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PRO
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CON
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You may be lucky enough to have a talented trained individual within your company. These days many people "play with website development" at an early age so you may have an employee who has already created a website.
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You are already paying the employee and this allows you to monitor the time spent on the site.
- This employee can update the site without sharing company secrets outside the company.
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Your employee knows the company image.
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The scope of your employee's knowledge and skills may be limited. You may need to pay to train an employee to take care of this project. Search engine techniques for ranking change. Usability issues may not be addressed.
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The use of clipart and generic images may detract from your company's branding.
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Some of the processes may require very specific skills.
- This project may be one of many demands upon your employee's time. It may take longer for this individual to complete the project due to expertise or time constraints.
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Outsource your site here or abroad
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PRO
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CON
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You can find that you have your own development department by outsourcing the project.
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A professional can promote your brand, address browser and monitor differences, usability and readability issues and assist in finding and including content.
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While no one can guarantee the top ranking, a professional should be familiar with issues that help with ranking.
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They may have the skills to automate some of your content
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The company may be able to create a site that fits your budget.
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Your target market can be identified.
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They can help to identify security issues.
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A consistent look and feel throughout your marketing materials can provide a professional image and reinforce your branding.
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Hiring someone outside your company requires that they familiarize themselves with your company and its market.
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They may need to rely on your company to provide them with information with respect to specials and changes in content information.
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You need to be sure to check the prospective development company's security and privacy policies.
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Budgetary limitations may be a restriction.
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Website development companies come with a variety of specialties, degrees of skills, experience and scope. If you decide that your company is best served by outsourcing, be sure to check the services that are offered, the security and privacy policies, and the personalities of the individuals with whom you would be working. How much flexibility is permitted? Does it match what you need? A website can inform your customers and employees. It can assist in communications and facilitate sales. There are many options for creating yours, be sure you get the best match!
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**********
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K.E. Lubrecht has been in website development since 1997. Prior to that, she worked as a teacher. She holds a bachelors degree in physics with a related field of mathematics, and graduate work in education. In addition, she holds webmaster certification. Her education has continued as technology has advanced, and needs and interests have warranted. |
