DIY Website Formats
There are many different types of DIY websites, some requiring little more than some data input to personalize and others focused on low cost and ease of use. Some of the DIY formats are:
- Simple and Cost Effective: These websites for people who want to design their own are very low cost and easy to design. Most utilize templates that have built-in variations so that changing them is little more than a few mouse clicks. The Internet is filled with literally thousands of these templates and many more can be found bundled with certain software. These usually take very little time to put together; however, unless the site builder knows coding, there are few options that can be edited.
- Data Input Sites: These are usually simple e-commerce type site templates that allow the owner to pick a design and start putting their products up in minutes. These are ideal for the entrepreneur who wants to try their hand at selling products across the web.
- Totally from Scratch: The do-it-yourselfer who is willing to learn HTML can build their own site totally from scratch and forego the limitations that accompany templates. While this may sound daunting, there are many tutorials and HTML editors that make it simpler than you might think.
Regardless of which type of do-it-yourself web site is selected the one feature that should be included is the ability to easily update the site. While it is true that the design may have limitations on what can be changed, the content you put up on the site should be easily manipulated by you the owner.
The Downside
No guide to do-it-yourself websites would be complete without pointing out the downside to building your own website. The main reasons for having your site professionally built:
- There are no limitations other than budget as to how the site will look. Professional sites can include many more elements than a DIY site, such as Flash and other scripting.
- SEO – It is difficult to get a DIY site optimized whereas a professional website designer can create one that is optimized as it is built.
Both types of sites have their good and bad points; a professional site is extremely expensive in comparison to a DIY site. You need to sit down and determine how important the site is and weigh the options. There are some very good DIY websites if you take the time to research them and choose the one that suits your skills and your needs.