Ten Thoughts On Creating a Website: 1. Do I Need a Developer?

Putting together a website is fun but can also be a big project. After listening to the questions and comments of my clients over the past few years, I’ve put together a bare-bones list of some basic considerations - a Website 101 sort of guide. I hope you find it helpful, interesting, or at least amusing!

If you have a working knowledge of HTML, software to edit images, and time on your hands, you can certainly make a website yourself. There are many online website builders and free blogs which will allow you to set up a simple site. However, the internet is cluttered with poorly designed sites are are difficult to use, irrelevant, and ugly. If you want an effective, well designed site which is easy to maintain, works properly with the major search engines, and will serve your needs into the future, it’s best to hire a professional.

Keep in mind that an experienced Developer has likely spent as much time thinking about what works & what doesn’t as you have spent sleeping. In some ways, a website developer is like an architect in that we create online spaces in which to build and grow a business, interact with clients, showcase merchandise, etc. A great way to think about your site is to compare it to a building in the real world.

(Inspired by Andrew Wagner’s “How To Work with An Architect” Dwell Magazine: Jan/Feb 2005)

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Free Software and More for Nonprofits

Amazing but true, if your nonprofit needs software, try TechSoup for low or no-cost software. They have an incredible selection as well as a site packed with money saving ideas for everything from marketing to credit card processing to admin. I don’t get any kickbacks or anything, I just think they are awesome.