Let’s just get this one out of the way first. You NEED a web site. Hopefully, you already have one. In upcoming posts, I’ll tackle these topics in more depth (and I’ll update this page to link to them).

When I first came to my organization, they had been paying someone to do the web page, but it was nevertheless in shambles. The design looked like it hadn’t been touched in a decade. There was hardly anything on it. When I looked at it as I was applying to the job, I was decidedly turned off, and, quite frankly, confused.

If this is the status of your web page, you have a problem. You need to start over. If you don’t have a website at all, you need a website.

Luckily, building and managing web pages has never been easier. If you can send email and/or use Word, you can build (and manage) an attractive, up-to-date web page. (Gosh, I sound like an infomercial. I’m not selling anything, I promise.)

Let’s look at some common issues here:

Myth: A web site is expensive

Fact: Actual cost should be lower than $130 on an annual basis. $10 for the domain (yearly), and <$10/month for hosting. More on setting up the infrastructure for your website.

Myth: I have to be an expert in html/css/javascript to build a website

Fact: There are so many other ways to build a website that there is no reason you should be typing html into a text editor to build a site. Drupal, Joomla, Wordpress, or DreamWeaver should become your good friends.

Myth: This will take a lot of time

Fact: While it will take some time, a simple, informative website will not suck up all of your time. If you have responsible teen volunteers (working toward service hours for their diplomas, perhaps), they may be able to help too. Further, once the initial set-up is done, updating content can be very easy. So easy that a variety of board members, staff, or volunteers can all help.