I was recently by an Oklahoma City economic development organization to make a case for professionally built websites. So with all the tools to create a website for cheap to free, why pay for professional services?
 
1. How is a website kept current?
You either have to have staff resources that understand the technology, or a Content Management System (CMS) that allows your current staff to update the website. Our CMS makes it easy for existing staff to make updates to the website. The easier it is to update, the more likely it is to get updated. If changes have to be passed through a "web master", they are often perceived as too much trouble to make. A good CMS will enable your entire organization to contribute to the website.
 
2. Importance of design.
The website is going to be visited by the majority of individuals or companies considering doing business with you, period. How you present yourself on-line sets the bar on the value you can bring to that company or individual. Are you perceived as an under-developed area that may be a cheap place to go, or an expanding community with the infrastructure to support real growth. Your website has a lot to do with that initial perception, and which companies are willing to investigate you further.
 
3. Creating Success.
Getting the site built is maybe 1/2 of the project. How the site is used, monitored and grown after launch is what determines the success of the project. We are focused on working with our customers after the site is launched, and have created a 12 month program to help educate & train our customers on how to effectively use the Internet to meet their larger goals. Creating an effective website is not the same as creating an effective business card or print brochure.
 
An engaging website can provide a source of new business for your company or organization. Focusing on creating an asset for your company, vs a website for your company, is the first step to creating success.