420 Design Blog
Starting With a Cheap Solution
31 Aug 2006 | Angie H
To save money, many new business owners will look for the cheapest solution to get a website up and running as fast as possible. They tell themselves that once there's profit or sales, they'll look for a better solution, which usually means hiring a professional.
The problem with this is three-fold:
- You're paying for one end-result twice, typically in a short period of time and when your new business is at its most vulnerable.
- The idea of "later when there's more money" is usually void of the notion that there's a good chance you'll be busier and therefore will have less time to focus on this kind of endeavor. (We won't touch upon the fact that most people who say they'll update or upgrade later rarely do.)
- Unless the cheap solution is very good and actually takes your business image – current and future – it will be confusing to customers when you present a major change to the site. That will scream instability.
Somewhat understandably, the thinking behind all this is that money will be saved on what is viewed a necessary expense. The fact is, a business website isn't an expense. It is a marketing tool, and as such, it is an investment. Sounds trite, sure, but it's true. A website – when done correctly – will give you a good return in the future, whether financial, through media exposure or something similar. That's the very definition of investment.
The Solution: Do it right the first time
If you're setting up your business in an organized, well thought-out manner, an initial marketing budget should automatically be part of your plan. And that, while it will likely mean doing your homework, should include a website. But it will help get you get off on the right foot. You'll be spending your money wisely once as opposed to just spending it because you think you have to.