DIY web design services have been around for a while, but they’ve always fallen short. Usually they’re so basic and ugly, it’s apparent it’s a free or cheap service (Yahoo Merchant Solutions sites come to mind), or else you still have to be technical or a designer to make them look good.
I’m really happy that web design services have improved. I use a service called SnapPages, and designed my company’s site in a few hours. I can go in and tweak it whenever I like (and I like), and there’s no coding or headache that interferes with Egg having a sharp, professional website. SnapPages charges just $8 a month (there’s also a free account, but you’ll want to upgrade), so what excuse do you have not to use it?
There are other website building tools out there, but here are my picks:
- Yola’s got some nice features, like letting you integrate photos from Flickr and your PayPal shopping cart.
- You can use Google Maps to help people find your company.
- Its drag-and-drop text and easy editing tools don’t take a brain surgeon to figure out.
- There’s a free version, but for $49.95 you get a whole year with extra features. Deal.
- They build in the web hosting to take the confusion out of buying service elsewhere.
- They offer 70 designs, or you can customize your own.
- You can do virtually anything with these sites: add video or photo, music or audio.
- Free account or upgrade (site doesn’t list prices).
- Still one of the best deals in town, you can create a blog or a website on a WordPress theme.
- There are a TON of free or cheap templates for WordPress. Hire a designer for $20 an hour to customize one.
- You have to buy your domain, but using WordPress is always free.
So tell me about your site! What service do you recommend? And if you try any of these, share your link with us!
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