I Teach People

It used to be that anyone starting a business felt they had to have a Web site. Having just completed a Dreamweaver Web design course, and revamped my corporate ImageMaven Web site, I’ve come to the conclusion that a blog is far simpler for the average person to set up. I believe that static Web sites are going the way of the dinosaur (even for photographers) and will probably be extinct soon, (if they aren’t already). Why do I feel this way?

Let’s Compare Blogs to Web Sites

• First off, the ability to create a blog yourself using pre-formatted and customizable templates keeps the control in your hands, not your Web developer’s. (I have nothing against Web developers, by the way.)
• You can also buy more unique custom blog templates from many providers and designers.
• You can set up a blog in less than an hour using one of the many free blogging systems currently available, such as WordPress, or Blogger. (This is a WordPress.com blog. My other blog is made using Blogger.)
• A blog is far simpler for the average person to set up. Plus, it costs far less money. You can get started for under $100.
• Even if you hired a designer or developer to set up your blog, you could likely do it for under $500. Add another $500 if you need a logo or custom header for your business.
• A good custom Web site will cost you upwards of $2000, though template systems using content management systems (CMS) are also available. One I have used extensively is CMSMS, but again, I needed a Web developer to set it up initially.
• It’s easy to make a CMS site look messy because no one can resist the temptation to change the fonts instead of sticking with the built in style sheet. I’m a real neatness freak and I don’t let anybody mess with the fonts on the CMS site I patrol.
• Web sites need regular updating and that means you need to pin down your designer/developer, plus it costs money too. If you use a CMS though, you can update the site yourself.
• Blogs can be updated easily in a diary format, keeping your people (clients, students, teachers) informed about new developments in your business and career.
• Blogs can also have static pages, like a typical Web site, that you can update yourself. (See my pages in the right hand sidebar.)
• Blogs can have photo galleries built into them, and can also link to Flickr galleries, which brings me to the next point about Web 2.0.
• Blogs are social media friendly (Web 2.0), so widgets and embedded files can be easily added that keep you connected to your people (clients, students, teachers).
• To add widgets to your Web site you need to get to the code level, which usually requires your Web developer/designer to be involved, unless you have web site code editing software (as you know, I use Dreamweaver)
• Whatever you choose, it’s probably good (but not totally necessary) to have a basic knowledge of HTML coding, and a little CSS wouldn’t hurt either.

Web sites used to be the standard marketing tool for every business venture. Nowadays, Web 2.0 and blogs are taking over. Perhaps it’s because these tools present an informal and more personal touch to a business. Even CEOs of large corporations are blogging. People feel more connected to you and your services if you blog. And we all want to connect.

If the thought of starting a blog still scares you, I can help you decide which system is best for your needs, help you set one up, or recommend a good designer to customize a template for you. One of my clients is 72 years old, so you don’t have to be a millenial to be a blogger.