Surely there is a better way to get a website up and running?

How many times in your life have you been scammed? If you’re like me, there are probably more times than you’d like to admit, or indeed remember. And it doesn’t stop. Not for a moment.

Take for example the simple matter of wanting your own website. Simple? You should be so lucky. You will see that the whole website building thing has become something of a mystery, a kind of “magic circle”, which is denied entry. Website building, they would have you believe, is an arcane art. Cross the palms dirty with silver and enlightenment is yours.

The result is that the vast majority of website owners (or webmasters, as they are now magnificently called) are tricked into shelling out too much money for an unexciting website.

How did they get to this position? They just don’t know where to start. This is where the flood begins. Some find it impossible and give up; others jump to the first thing that comes up. One thing I can tell you is that you will find your options surprisingly limited despite the millions of websites offering “solutions” to your dilemma.

So what are these options and are they right for you?

(1) Professional Website Designers

The favorite first step seems to be consulting with a website designer. Fingers scrutinize the yellow pages. They contact one with an impressive-sounding name; explain what they want and if he can help. As expected, he can.

But at a high cost! These guys are not cheap. My honest assessment is that they are overpriced and underrated. Plus, the chances are grimly high that the site you get will bear little or no resemblance to your preconceived notion, despite hours of meetings and discussions.

(2) Do it alone

If you have what it takes to learn HTML, you can buy books on the subject, by the tons, and you’re good to go.

But for the average person, this approach is probably not an option. You see, it’s fair to say that the vast majority of people don’t possess any knowledge of HTML, let alone FTP, CGI, graphics or programming skills. Nor do they have the time or aptitude to learn it.

Most are unlikely to master it and not even try! Having said that, if you have the required aptitude, and you are still quite young! – it is an option.

(3) Cover

This is an MS HTML editor with which you create web pages yourself. The big problem is that unless you have some knowledge of HTML, it will take you forever to figure out how the software works. Also, the editor does not produce what are considered generally accepted results.

(4) Dreamweavers

Even Dreamweaver, the really big name when it comes to website building software, has its downsides. One is that they are not cheap. In fact, they are downright expensive. The other is that the program is devilishly difficult to use.

Dreamweaver includes so many advanced features, bells, and various whistles that the average newcomer feels overwhelmed and unable to use them. Why else are there so many books, tutorials and websites dedicated to instructing you on how to use it?

Ironically, the time to buy Dreamweaver is when you really know how to build a website. So, it’s great!

(5) Website creation software programs

These are available by truckload, all offered on a pay-to-finish basis. Fortunately, they have all kinds of plans for you. They have $5.00 plans, $12.95 plans, $19.95 plans, and super-dooper upgraded plans for $49.95, that sort of thing. Keep in mind, by the way, that it is monthly!

Yes, you will pay these fees while you are in business. And you totally depend on that service. Forever! What happens to your site if you want to go somewhere else? Or what would happen if the company ceased to operate? If you can make a sentence using the words “Creek”, “Without” and “Padle”, you will understand my idea.

And now that?

As you can see, the viable options available to you are quite limited. Most are expensive or should be avoided like the plague. I want you to avoid becoming another member of the “Club of Untold Millions of Broken and Disillusioned Website Owners.”

And you can, because there really is another way.

And that is building your website yourself!

“What? You’re crazy! I don’t know a bit about a byte!” I hear you cry If you can. It’s really not that difficult. In fact, it’s a doddle. It just takes a little effort on your part and it will pay off.

In future articles I will try to take the “mystery” out of website creation and show you how it is possible to create a beautiful website, get it online and most importantly how to make money.

Imagine being able to create any type of website you want in the blink of an eye. And at a cost that everyone can afford: nothing! That’s how it is! There is no need for expensive software or monthly fees. Ever!

Does it sound exciting or does it sound exciting?

Until next time,

Robby Pugh