Approaches to building a web site
There are 3 main approaches to building a web site.
- The D.I.Y. approach.
- Engage a consultant/designer to build the site for you.
- Purchase an off-the-shelf integrated, hosted package.
Let's look in more detail at the different approaches.
- The D.I.Y approach.
- You will require the necessary technical expertise together with the software packages that will enable you to build your site. The considerable time it will take to plan and code your site and the security issues makes this approach viable to only large companies.
- Engage a consultant to build the site for you.
- You will need to ensure the consultant is a true professional in dealing with web design and marketing web sites and that they understand the technicalities of secure servers. They will also need to have agreements with credit card clearance banks and posses the necessary artistic flair that makes a visibly good site. You will have to supply all your company details and product lists to the consultant for them to insert onto the web. If after commissioning the web site you wish to alter or upgrade the site you are then reliant on the consultant to complete the work in his time and at his costs and consultants do not come cheap.
- Purchase an off-the-shelf integrated, hosted package.
- This is by far the easiest way to build and trade on the web. It is cost effective, quick and the hosting company addresses the security issues. This is the type of product we provide. Slingshot allows you the business person to concentrate on what you know best - "business". We take the entire hassle out of designing and hosting the web site. All you have to do is choose a template that suits your type of business and type in your details. If you have a large inventory then it is easy to transfer details from your accounts package straight into your web site thus saving you time and possible typing errors. Even VAT and shipping costs are catered for, and to ensure customers know about your site we register it with the major search engines.