I caught the end of an interview on the TV tonight where Google and MYOB are providing free web sites to businesses. I couldn't help feeling the free offer is a good opportunity for businesses, but before businesses leap for the offer they should could consider their options. Don't just think of now, think of your next step as well.
In my opinion anything that gets small business onto the internet in a cost effective way is a good thing. You just need to make sure that you aren't locking yourself into a path which isn't very flexible in the future, as that could be very costly when your site evolves and the time and effort you put in now could be wasted in the future. The main thing is you do your homework so you know what you are and aren't getting.
Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.justlocal.com.au/
PS. I just found examples of the sites in their gallery and these are very simplistic sites which are little more than you'd find in a directory. Keep in mind if you know the right people a good looking basic site tailor designed for your business image doesn't need to cost very much and helps you stand out in the market.
- How easy is it to redesign a site the way you want to reflect your business image using the free service provided by MYOB and Google?
- Make sure you remain in control?
- How much does it cost when it is no longer free?
- How much does it cost if you need support?
- Can you move your pages to another provider in future if you want?
- Can you easily transfer your domain at any time?
- What features of the site locks you in so you can't move at a later time?
- What are the limitations of the web site builder software?
- Is the domain licensed to you so you can take it with you if you leave the service?
In my opinion anything that gets small business onto the internet in a cost effective way is a good thing. You just need to make sure that you aren't locking yourself into a path which isn't very flexible in the future, as that could be very costly when your site evolves and the time and effort you put in now could be wasted in the future. The main thing is you do your homework so you know what you are and aren't getting.
Kelvin Eldridge
http://www.justlocal.com.au/
PS. I just found examples of the sites in their gallery and these are very simplistic sites which are little more than you'd find in a directory. Keep in mind if you know the right people a good looking basic site tailor designed for your business image doesn't need to cost very much and helps you stand out in the market.
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