Websites

[Jason Barber]

I still need a website and am hesitant to fork over 200+ per year for the instant Alamode or Appraisersite type of service. My latest thought is to build my own website using MS Expression Web (or something similar) and hosting it with Hostmonster (or similar) for around $75 per year. I have the extra time right now to learn the software and I think it will be a valuable skill down the road.

My question is... does anyone have experience building their own website? If so, what software did you use? Also, did anyone use a template to help them get started? I've seen lots of nice templates for around $60, but wonder how easy these are to edit.

Anyone???

 

[Midwest Guy]

appraisersites.com unless you really know what you are doing to build your own.

I custom plan worked out well for me on a website.

 

[Smokey Bear]

What do you want your website to do for you? If you want it to take orders and deliver appraisals, you've got a lot of work ahead of you. I've developed websites and I wouldn't take that one on. It requires a database. You could set up a fairly simple form to email you orders but that even takes a lot of knowledge. I use Dreamweaver, it's pricey and advanced for a beginner. I hear the MS Expressions is easier to learn, although I've looked at it and you still need some understanding of HTML and how it all works together.

 

[Jim Hill]

If you are sure that you want to try building your own web site there are a number of ways to go.

I have used FrontPage for years and finding a host such as Go Daddy or something like that is easy.

There are many templates for programs such as FrontPage or Expressions which I have not tried yet.

Keep in mind that even if you purchase a template you would still have to learn what ever software you want to use.

It is nice to have a web site but with it comes many of the bottom fishing type lenders who will ask you all kinds of crazy questions.

Another problem is web sites only really work if search engines can find your site and in order for that to happen you would have to have to learn about something called SEO which stands for search engine optimazation which deals with meta tags and the content of your web site.

I want to say it not hard but at the same time it's also not easy for someone new to it.

Jim Hill

 

[James R]

I'm currently worling on mine. I use Bluehost for $99.00 a year includes domain, hosting and they have a site builder you can use that is fairly simple. If you want to save the extra money and have the time/patience not a bad idea, but I think going with appraisersites would likely be the better idea.

 

[Billie Hiser]

appraisersites is the way to go! Easy and effective.

 

[Jason Barber]

Thank you all for the feedback.

appraisersites.com unless you really know what you are doing to build your own.

I'm not talking about writing my own code here. I'm just talking about basic HTML editing of existing templates. A non-flash website (like your custom site) isn't difficult to create with todays software.

What do you want your website to do for you? If you want it to take orders and deliver appraisals, you've got a lot of work ahead of you.

I would like the ability to receive orders, but no automated delivery at this time. I still plan on emailing PDF files to most of my clients. Some clients have their own system/portal for delivery of reports.

You could set up a fairly simple form to email you orders but that even takes a lot of knowledge.

Disagree. Adding an order form to a website is not a difficult task at all. There are thousands of order form templates already in existence. Again, I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel here. I won't be writing any code, just editing existing templates.

Keep in mind that even if you purchase a template you would still have to learn what ever software you want to use.

Yes. Most the templates I am considering are editable with Dreamweaver or MS Expressions.

I'm currently worling on mine. I use Bluehost for $99.00 a year includes domain, hosting and they have a site builder you can use that is fairly simple.

Not a bad price for hosting and domain registration. I want to try and stay away from "site builders" as they are not compatible from host to host. They also place limitations on available content and I would like the ability to grow with my website.

appraisersites is the way to go! Easy and effective.

We shall see. Glad to see you are happy though.


I've got a few options to consider... thanks again for all the comments.

 

[Couch Potato]

I built my own site for my appraisal business and it serves me very well. Pick your hosting with more than cost in mind. The connection serving your host greatly affects the function of your site. My web site is my main source of clients.

 

[Jason Barber]

Nice job Mr. Myers.

I see you utilized the order form setup from AppraisalWorld and they email you the orders.

I have considered bandwidth, disk space, # of domains allowed, ability to park domains, uptime, e-commerce features and support with my choice for hosting.

 

[Jon Liberatore]

Honestly, my website is setup mostly to accept credit card payments. Nobody really tracks me down because of my website.