So Many Options for Building Your Website
The idea to build a website for your business is a good one. An online presence has a tremendously profitable effect on any sized business in any industry. Even with minimal marketing, a website drives traffic to a storefront. The result…profits.
The challenge however is to actually create the website. The choices often feel too simple or too difficult. Website hosts offer templates – that’s simple, right? The trouble is they often don’t allow for the level of customization you need to make your website everything it needs to be for your customers and for your company. Features, graphics, data and statistics are all an important aspect of a company website. Not only do they need to be user friendly, they need to be easy to manage in the backroom. If it takes a day and a five hundred page handbook just to upload a new article then it’s probably not a good use of anyone’s time.
The other option leaves many business owners looking to build a website feeling overwhelmed. Let’s take a look at the options and break them down to make the entire process just a little easier.
Joomla. Joomla is an open source content management system. Open Source means, among many things, it’s free. It is created by developers, made available to the public, and maintained and upgraded by developers. Content Management System is merely a program to create a website. They provide the framework for a site including computer files, audio files, actual content, and graphics and so on.
So what’s the big deal about Joomla? Well, it’s free for one. Additionally, many users swear by the easy to use, logical interface. If you’re new to building a website –easy to use is a very important feature! Additionally, it offers the same level of features many paid site building options offer. For example, banners, contacts, RSS, search, and statistics. They also offer a number of plug-ins so if you want to add a blog, no problem.
Expression Web. Expression is an HTML editor and website administration tool. Essentially, using Expression, created by Microsoft, you can create your website and then upload it using FTP to your website host’s server. Sounds complicated though most hosts offer easy instructions to upload your Expression site and Expression, though it is limited in options and features, is extremely easy to use. Another positive aspect of Expression Web is uploading new content or changing your website is easy and straightforward.
XsitePro. This website software’s biggest strength is that it’s designed for internet marketers specifically. This is huge because there are specific tools internet marketers need to have on their site which are just not part of many website building products. These features include Google AdSense, automatic keyword placements, visitor data and statistics, pop-ups, affiliate features, and linking features. Additionally, XsitePro allows users to upload their XsitePro site into Dream Weaver or FrontPage so it’s flexible.
WordPress. You may be familiar with WordPress as a blog format and it is, however WordPress can be modified, customized, and widgetized to create a fantastic and extremely easy to use website. In addition to there being thousands of unique WordPress templates, designers can create a custom WordPress website for you. Widgets and Plug-Ins allow users and site developers to add features to their site. For example, many internet business owners need a form on their site for visitors to subscribe to – an opt in form. WordPress developers offer widgets and plug-ins which serve the same purpose. That’s just one example, like WordPress templates; there are thousands of plug-ins and widgets.
Building a business website doesn’t have to be difficult. There are tools available for any level business and skill level. Explore your options, speak to a few representatives and then make the choice. Have fun building your website – it’s an exciting process, you’re guaranteed to learn a lot and, remember, Allabor web can support your effort every step of the way.