Why do I need a website?
First and foremost the answer is simple; credibility. Most people simply do not trust a business that doesn't have a website. The more modern the look, the sharper the feel and the easier to navigate the site is, the more credibility there is to reap. Keep in mind, however, that not all websites are created equal, and not everyone has need of the same kind of site. Consider the following options:
- Small Business – No greater example of this then the website you are currently on. This is a website that is designed to show off your business, to inform customers about the who, the what and the why. It usually will involve elements of the other styles (typically e-commerce, personal, portfolio, possibly even résumé).
- E-Commerce - Think Amazon, E-bay, Etsy, any online storefront. Believe it or not you aren't stuck selling on the big guys marketplaces. You can create your own e-commerce website and sell from your own webpage.
- Personal - A website about a person rather than a business. Maybe you're an Author, a Freelance Writer, a Photographer, the point is you are looking to feature yourself and your accomplishments and not a business.
- Portfolio – Maybe you are one of the aforementioned photographer's, writer's, author's, etc. and you are looking for a good way to put your work on display. Perhaps in hopes to get you hired? A portfolio website is ideal for this. Instead of carrying around a hard copy of all your work and having to worry about it getting lost or stolen, keep it all online, safe and secure on your personal website.
- Résumé – Very similar to a portfolio website but more specifically geared toward job experience. It's like a having a LinkedIn profile but completely unleashed and entirely under your control.
Where do I build It?
There are a number of different of options when deciding on where you want to have your website hosted. There is no "one size fits all" solution and that is why it is important to work closely with your web designer/developer to make sure that you are getting the service that is right for your needs. Sometimes a service like GoDaddy or Squarespace is perfect or perhaps a self hosted solution is more your speed. It really depends on the uniqueness of your situation. That is why it's important to talk out your project needs in detail before moving forward.