Designing Your Website

2. The Three Main Options

2.1 You can build your website from scratch.

• This is a good option if you have in-house expertise, or time to learn.
• Software such as Serif WebPlus or Adobe Dreamweaver makes building a website similar to editing a document in a word processing package. However, these packages do not generally produce the same quality of code you would get from a good design agency.
• Many books cover good web design or you can search online for information.

2.2 You can buy a fixed-price starter package, usually based on picking a layout from pre-designed templates.

• This is the fastest way to set up a website.
• Starter packages can be limited in terms of design and functionality.
• Most web-hosting companies offer starter packages.

2.3 You can appoint a web design agency to design an original site for you.

• This is usually the most expensive option, but you will get a highly professional site.
• You will need to work closely with the agency to achieve the website you want.
• A good agency will combine your ideas with their knowledge of what works online.