https://www.essenteewebdesign.co.nz/blog/blogger/43-bigtone 2013-02-09T07:40:58+13:00 Joomla! - Open Source Content Management 2012-02-03T17:20:42+13:00 2012-02-03T17:20:42+13:00 https://www.essenteewebdesign.co.nz/blog/entry/3-web-design/63-why-your-kids-or-the-boss-son-should-not-be-building-your-business-website Tony Newton [email protected]

<p>Should you build your website yourself?  How about that clever nephew, or the company director's daughter who works in graphic design.</p> <p>Sure.  Why not.  If you (or they) have the time, the skills and the motivation.</p> <p>It's a bit like asking whether you should build your own house.  Or your own boat.  Or make your own clothes.</p> <p>Some people have the time or aptitude for it, some don't. Most people are comfortable changing a tap washer, but not plumbing a whole building - it's the same thing.</p> <p>For the same reason, don't get 'a young person who know's this stuff' to do it either unless:</p> <ul> <li>You really don't have the money for a professional</li> <li>You aren't confident in doing it yourself</li> <li><strong>They actually do it for real - like a proper job.  For money.</strong></li> </ul> <p><strong>Otherwise, the result may not be what you hoped for. </strong></p> <p>You are more likely to end up with something (at best) quite pretty, but absolutely useless at generating leads or revenue.</p> <p>Building a website - as a core marketing tool for your business - is no longer the playground for confident do-it-yourselfers or I-can-have-a-goers.  It hasn't been for a long time.</p> <h3>Ok, but we'll have to update it ourselves, right?</h3> <p>Sure.  Why not.  If you or someone in your organisation has the time, the skills and the motivation. </p> <p>If developing content for your website and using it to market your business is what you are supposed ot be doing all day, then yes of course.</p> <p>But if not? Then in the same way you need a professional to build your website, you will also need help once the site is launched. </p> <p>How much help depends on you and your business.</p> <p>If you don't plan on developing expertise in web design and marketing not to mention the occasional hosting, security and technical challenge - then get someone who has the knowledge to help.</p> <p>Just like you would ask your accountant. Or your lawyer.  You get the picture.</p>

<p>Should you build your website yourself?  How about that clever nephew, or the company director's daughter who works in graphic design.</p> <p>Sure.  Why not.  If you (or they) have the time, the skills and the motivation.</p> <p>It's a bit like asking whether you should build your own house.  Or your own boat.  Or make your own clothes.</p> <p>Some people have the time or aptitude for it, some don't. Most people are comfortable changing a tap washer, but not plumbing a whole building - it's the same thing.</p> <p>For the same reason, don't get 'a young person who know's this stuff' to do it either unless:</p> <ul> <li>You really don't have the money for a professional</li> <li>You aren't confident in doing it yourself</li> <li><strong>They actually do it for real - like a proper job.  For money.</strong></li> </ul> <p><strong>Otherwise, the result may not be what you hoped for. </strong></p> <p>You are more likely to end up with something (at best) quite pretty, but absolutely useless at generating leads or revenue.</p> <p>Building a website - as a core marketing tool for your business - is no longer the playground for confident do-it-yourselfers or I-can-have-a-goers.  It hasn't been for a long time.</p> <h3>Ok, but we'll have to update it ourselves, right?</h3> <p>Sure.  Why not.  If you or someone in your organisation has the time, the skills and the motivation. </p> <p>If developing content for your website and using it to market your business is what you are supposed ot be doing all day, then yes of course.</p> <p>But if not? Then in the same way you need a professional to build your website, you will also need help once the site is launched. </p> <p>How much help depends on you and your business.</p> <p>If you don't plan on developing expertise in web design and marketing not to mention the occasional hosting, security and technical challenge - then get someone who has the knowledge to help.</p> <p>Just like you would ask your accountant. Or your lawyer.  You get the picture.</p>