Plummo, Your internet friend

Your own site built using an online service including design templates and a range of powerful web tools usually associated with larger or more expensive sites.

You employ a web designer to build and host your site.

You buy a software package, arrange an internet service provider, obtain a domain name and then build a site yourself and upload to the internet.

Quick and easy to use.  You upload content and add pages and products. Your images and colours, combined with different and professional design templates add to the individuality.   Industry templates ensure you have everything covered and make the design and build even faster.

You get a bespoke site made for your business.

You get a site that is as good as the time that you can invest in learning how to use the web design package and link it to databases and e-commerce packages.   You are in control of everything.

You have complete control over content.   Anyone with basic IT skills and internet access can update the site.

The web designer takes care of updates and hosting.

Can create a very individual look and feel.

Cheap

Professional advice

Proven and Reliable

Could be fast if you can find a web designer with spare capacity.

Hosting is already taken care of.

Takes time to learn, but nowhere near as long as off the shelf web building packages or e-commerce packages.  Most functions are performed through Word type text editors.

Expensive – particularly for changes in design, content, size and functionality.

Time taken to learn about the package and how to load sites.

Updating is under your control, quick and easy.   Contains a wide range of powerful tools aimed at supporting SME’s.

Loss of control due to reliance on web designer.

Could have limited functionality unless other tools are purchased Integration with databases can be tricky e.g. for storing documents

Some potential for sites to appear similar – however this is in line with a trend on the internet for convergence in web design and helps customers to navigate the site based on their experience of other sites with good design.

Updating usually relies on additional charges by the designer, so upkeep can be expensive.

Investigating hosting can be time consuming and requires some technical knowledge.

Speed could be a problem in some countries due to the centralised nature of the service, but this is improved by using a distributed network of ISPs throughout the world.

Can create a very individual look and feel (can also lead to designs and layouts that customers find difficult to navigate)

Your business could grow so fast that you struggle to meet demand.

Varying quality in terms of design, functionality and project management.   Smaller web designers may lack the broad range of skills required and will have to sub contract elements.

Time taken to develop the site and resolve technical issues through lack of experience or knowledge.  Just some of the skills needed are:

1. Understanding principles of web design
2. Learning how to use the chosen package
3. Links and site structure
4. Graphic design
5. Shopping carts and security
6. Database integration
7. Testing and making changes
8. Optimising sites for download

Cost to change and update the site