Creating a Great Website

(It's not difficult--really!)

by Diane Eble

This time, I'm going to answer questions many people ask by sharing a couple of resources. Note that there's a deadline of Feb. 9, 2009 to sign up for the second option.

The questions are:

• "Do I need a webmaster to put up a website? What about a designer? Is there any quick, inexpensive, easy way to put up a website without without paying an arm and a leg for a webmaster?"
• "I'm not at all technical. Can I ever possibly create a website and maintain it myself without a webmaster?

I remember the fear and trepidation I felt just a few years ago at the very thought of creating a web site.

I didn't know where to start or what to do. Then a friend told me about one of the resources I will share, and it made all the difference.

But first, let's talk about whether you need a webmaster.

"Do I need a webmaster?"

In a word, I say no.

If putting up a website were very difficult, I would be the first to say, "Get a webmaster."

But nowadays, you simply don't need one. For all the time and money you would put into finding a good webmaster, communicating what you want, and waiting for them to make every little change you want, you could have invested it in a bit of software and/or training, and have complete control over your own website.

While my friends complain to me about waiting for their webmaster to put up a simple change on their site, I am able to go to any of my sites at any time and update them at will.

And since new content is what the search engines love, my sites are likely to get higher ranking than theirs. Not only that, but when you leave things like optimization up to a webmaster, often they haven't a clue how to do it. So you have to learn it anyway, communicate it, and hope they get it and do it. (And you're paying and waiting all that time.)

So, if you're ready to take the first step in New Era Publishing--having an effective web site--I urge you to check out two resources, either one of which allows you to put up a professional-looking website without a webmaster, maintain control, and do everything you need to do to lay the groundwork for becoming a presence on the Internet.

Resource #1: XSite Pro Software

As I said, I can relate to being clueless and fearful about creating a website. Back a few years ago, a friend told me about a program, XSite Pro, and I created my first web site. (That site is for my Abundant Gifts book, and you can view it here.)

I went on to create almost all my web sites with this excellent program, and I love it. Now Version 2 is even more robust yet easy to use.

This is best for you if you are not at all technical (believe it or not, a friend who IS technical hates this program). If you can use MS Word, you can use this. There is a bit of a learning curve, but the documentation is excellent, and truly, it's not difficult!

It's also your least expensive option, at less than $200.

People tell me that blogs are better than "static web sites" and they're right. But XSP sites are anything but "static." You can search engine optimize them quite easily--the program shows you how. You have to use keywords in anything you do online (articles, blog posts), and this program gets you in the habit of thinking that way and makes it oh so easy. It even gives you a report and pointers how to optimize your site better.

I put this Publishing Coach Weekly site up, if I remember correctly, in something like 43 minutes--including the header and design.

No webmaster needed. Ever!

More information on XSite Pro is here. There's also a brochure you can get that tells more about it.

I have to say, this is one of the best products of any kind I've ever bought. Everything on the sales page is true. (Not often I can say that!)

And the support is great. You just have to keep in mind that they're based in the UK, so there's a time difference. Recently I contacted them and then resolved the issue myself (I just needed to upgrade). I told them I'd resolved it. They still got back to me.

As a company and product, I give them an A+.

Oh, and they even have a membership site where you can learn about Internet marketing, if you like. I've attended some webinars and they're great.

Enough raving about that. If you want your own software and don't mind learning how to use it (forever), get XSite Pro.

Resource #2: Website Creation Workshop with Christina Hills

This option might be exactly right for you if you want someone to take you by the hand, step by step, you have a little more money upfront to invest in your learning, AND you want a WordPress blog.

Everyone says you need a blog (I agree, UNLESS you have an XSP site), and there are definitely advantages to having one. And WordPress is the best blogging platform.

I know, Blogger is easy to set up, but I tell you, it's not as secure as having your own blog on your own server. In fact, one of my Twitter followers just had her blog shut down by Google (who owns Blogger blogs) and has no idea why or what to do about it.

The answer is to get your own WordPress blog. I have two WordPress blogs, http://www.abundantgiftsblog.com and http://www.yourbookpublishingcoach.com. I recommend WordPress blogs if you want a blog--period.

Christina Hills will show you how to set up and run a WP blog WITHOUT a webmaster.

If you want crystal-clear, step-by-step instructions as to how to get one going and maintain it yourself, Christina Hills is one of those people who makes everything very simple and doable.

I've attended several of her trainings and she's crystal clear about every single little step.

She's starting her Website Creation course on February 10, and you can get a taste of her teaching style and what you'll learn by listening to her preview call (recorded so you can listen when it's convenient for you).

The 10-week Website Creation Workshop starts on Feb. 10, 2009 and includes 8 modules of training and call-in day during the course.

So there you have it--two excellent resources that will allow you to create websites that are easy to maintain yourself. Your initial investment should be all you will ever need, at least for a long, long time.

But whatever you do, make sure you have a site you can easily add to and control yourself.

Oh, and let me know when your site is up. Send me a Tweet on Twitter  and I'll make sure all my followers know about your new site!