Since I am really working on a shoestring budget, I have been doing as much as I am able to myself. Great idea, in theory, but when does "doing it myself" start to cost more than hiring someone?
Apparently, now. I'm at the point in developing my website where I am spending more hours spinning my wheels than actually getting anything done.
Of course, the first thing I did was to look for a web host. I chose Netfirms, mainly because I liked the software that they provided, and also because they promised 24/7 customer service support. More about that later.
Then it was time to set up the site.
There are tons of website tutorials on the web, and I've probably read almost all of them. I even found this nifty little gadget that lets you test your HTML code before you use it. I know the basics of HTML, and I thought that would be enough, especially since I'm using a software package (NetObjects Fusion) that claims I don't need any experience or knowledge.
That was true, up to this point. I can't complain about the software. It has certainly lived up to what it promised, as far as ease in setting up the basic website.
Now, though, I'm trying to add a shopping cart (included in the Netfirms hosting plan) to the site, and all of a sudden, I find that I need to know PHP to change the default text. Uh-oh. Nobody said anything about that when I was looking for a host. And I think that probably would have been the case no matter which host I chose, anyway.
I tried using the Netfirms tutorial and FAQ's. Although they are very extensive and easy to search, they assume that you have some knowledge of what you're doing. And that 24/7 support? Well, they are there, I'll grant them that, but every time I have called them the rep has been surly, if not downright rude. One even told me I wasn't following his instructions fast enough! I have a feeling they aren't going to walk me through editing the PHP code.
So, I'm at the point where this is taking up all of my time. Time that could better be spent doing other things. Like looking for a web programmer. Or pulling my hair out. I'm also sure that even if I conquered the shopping cart issue, something else is going to come up with the website design that I know nothing about.
I will have to face up to the fact that I need help, and start looking for it. Hmmm. I can be pretty stubborn determined when I set out to do something, and I have a hard time giving up. So, I made a compromise with myself.
Since I do have some extra time on my hands right now because I'm just waiting for my inventory to arrive (which is taking forever!), I'm going to hire someone local and ask them to teach me some of it as they go. That way, at least I'll be able to maintain the site with minimal assistance once it's completed.
Notice I said minimal assistance, not none. Because now I know that having a web programmer is just as crucial as having an accountant or lawyer. It will leave me time to work on things that I am far more qualified for. And, as they say, time is money.
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