Get a Web site! That’s one piece of advice freelance writers and editors get from marketing classes and consultants at every turn. Since I started this blog a couple of years ago, I have included a number of posts about how to produce a Web site yourself using low-cost or free site builders. Whether you’re in business or just have a serious hobby, you need to keep your costs low, don’t you?

A recent post on Inspired 2 Design made a lot of sense to me, so I’m sharing it here. Basically, the unnamed blogger says that, by using free or low-cost DIY methods, you run the risk of appearing unprofessional, not really serious about your business or ministry. And, the time it takes to do your own site would be better spent going about your real business. Keep in mind that this post is put out by a Web design company, and it is a response to a post on Kudzu Business Center touting WordPress as a do-it-yourself (DIY) site builder. Read that post here.

I’ve used free sites for some things while paying for software and hosting for my own site, so I think Inspired 2 Design has a point. I find myself spending a lot of time on design and not enough time on content (which is my primary reason for having sites/blogs). The free site builders are better than they used to be, believe me. Still, you can’t do some of the fancy footwork that can be done with a professionally designed, full-featured site.

Whether you’re looking to set up a new site or revise an old one, it’s wise to check out all your options. Perhaps it’s time to get a unique design and professional help with your site. Ask your friends if they know of local people who do sites. Some of the free and low-cost Web site companies offer a design service. Maybe you can get a unique design while continuing to use your current site builder to do updates yourself. The possibilities are endless, really.

Previous posts about free Web sites on this blog:

Free Websites Revisited

Creating a Free Site with WordPress