HoundsGood: Chronicles of a Virtual Volunteer

I sometimes work off of website templates, but often I design sites and graphics from scratch. There is an array of services out there that allow someone with no knowledge of html code to “design” a quick website and be on the web. This is why I think that the value of hiring a professional gets a little diluted. There are people who have talked about hiring me, and what sometimes it comes down to is that they believe that they can do it themselves because so-and-so did. Then I ask them how so-and-so’s website looks or if they really have the time to create and maintain one. It is fine for a personal page, but they often quickly see when approaching web design for a site that they are promoting their business or charity with, it has to look pleasing to the eye. If the website is barely functional, how is someone going to think a charity uses their time or resources?

Network Solutions used to be just known for internet domain registry years ago, but now have an in house design department, where they can offer people design packages as well. You can get something simple, or for under $1500, you can get something that is a bit more custom and flexible. There are drawbacks from going with an all inclusive service, as you may not get everything you want as when you pick and choose from a variety of functions a la carte from a variety of providers, but for a lot of people time equals money as well. If you are not a tinkerer like I am, you may want to make them one of the services you do some research on.

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