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Web Design Articles
Look Ma! I made a webpage!
So you wanna make your own webpages, huh? Well, sit down Buddy, and let's talk! (If you're an aspiring pro, see my advice on getting started here.)
To Do or Not to Do?
If we're talking about a personal page, you can skip this article and head straight for WebMonkey or amazon.com. Whatever little gem you create will be admired and loved by your friends and family (we hope, anyway), and you don't need my help. However—and isn't there always one of those?—if you're talking about your business or organization (as opposed to that 12-page online photo gallery of Fluffy the Amazing Cat), then read on.
What to Consider
- Is this an informal organization or “hobby” business?
- Whom do you expect to visit your site?
- Are we talking an internet-only business or organization?
- What's the purpose of your site?
- Did you design your own logo, flyers, and business cards?
- Are you comfortable with computers and technology in general?
There's a very important rule in web design, and some might even say in life. Listen carefully, and you may want to take notes here.
Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
Think about that for a minute and let it sink in. “Can” versus “should.” Wrap your brain around the concept, and you'll thank me for this later. It will also be on the quiz.
What it Boils Down to...
If
you are considering doing a site for an informal group or a sideline business,
you're comfortable with computers, and you design your own marketing materials
(or don't use them), you are a good candidate to become a do-it-yourselfer.
The other side of the coin is if you have a more formal organization, or computers give you the willies, or you would never dream of trying to do your own logo and brochure, or you have a regular business that needs to be presented in a professional manner, hire somebody (even if it's not me). Really. This is kind of like Mom suggesting you eat your vegetables—you may not see the point right now, but with a little more experience under your belt, you'll understand and be glad you listened.
Fact is, there are just some things you need a pro to do for you. A pro can tell you that your lovely menu doesn't work in Netscape Navigator 4.X and (just as important) how to fix it. A pro can tell you what kind of graphics format to use for what kind of images. But perhaps most important, a pro can try to talk you out of bad ideas. Websites are like kids—you'll most likely think yours are wonderful and beautiful, even if no one else does.
The decision boils down to what you want to accomplish with your site and who's going to see it. If you're comfortable with the idea and the site itself is for mostly for fun, then have fun with it! On the other hand, if image is important and the folks that are going to see it are professionals or experienced web surfers, call in some hired guns.
Internet-only Business Notes
A special note about folks who are running internet-only businesses—don't skimp on your site! That site is your storefront to the world, and it's all people have to judge your competence and trustworthiness by. It's the only way someone can access your product or services, and it's worth putting in the effort (and financing) it takes to get it right. Otherwise, you may as well call it a day before you've started.
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