By Gary Cope
President
We all know, or at least we should know, that products and services we see in an advertisements may not be exactly what we get. This concept is called “truth in advertising.” For example - you know those big, fat juicy hamburgers you see on all of the fast food commercials? When was the last time the hamburger you bought looked like what you saw in the TV ad? Probably never.

If you have ever shopped around for a low-cost, cheap Web design, chances are you have come across a great deal that lets you get a Web site for around $150. Wow! That sounds like a great deal - where do I sign up?? Oh, wait, I already have a Web site (www.cwimedia.com), but if you do not and are considering this deal, please read the fine print and ask a lot questions before you buy. This way you know exactly what you are getting. Also, it would be a good idea to get it in writing.

Generally, this offer includes 1-3 Web pages based on a template site, not a custom design. This means that other companies may have the same Web site design that you choose. It’s almost as embarrassing as showing up to a ball wearing the same dress as another woman … not that I would know (I’m a man and don’t wear dresses), but I hear it is rather embarrassing.

If you are on a very tight budget and absolutely need a Web site (and who doesn’t?), a template certainly provides the cost savings. However, if you truly want your business to stand out and be unique, then a custom Web design is the only way to go.

Another important thing to keep in mind is how easy will it be for your to edit your site? Will the company be willing to teach you how to update your own site? Most do not. CWI Media & Marketing does (clever little sales pitch mixed in there). Customer service is very important, so make sure you know how the process will work to update your site. And, if you are registering a domain and/or hosting account, make sure it is in your name and not the name of the company you hired. You are paying for your domain and hosting, you should have access to it. This would allow you to more easily transfer your domain later, should you choose.

Have questions? Fire away at info@cwimedia.com.