I would like to put up a business web site so I'm looking for suggestions on how to start and with what host. Or if its even a good idea???

I would like it to be free (or inexpensive) easy for a computer hack (me) to set up and maintain.

Some of you have nice sites, that's why I'm asking here.

To keep with the fishing theme, here, I might offer a line of custom Gafs

Willy

I use a program called Macromedia Dreamweaver MX it's very user friendly at least for me. The server I use is freeservers.com you can make monthly payments or pay a whole year upfront for a cheaper price. Once your websites up it's pretty easy to maintain and you can do it all from your computer through the FTP access that's already built into the softwear. Plus you don't have to write any code. You can download free web templates from the internet then open them up in Dreamweaver and switch photos and type your own words and make your own links.

If you don't want to create the basic structure (or pay the tab for Dreamweaver), you can have someone who has the software do this pretty easily using templates from Dreamweaver. Once that is done, you can maintain it and add content using a VERY simple program from Adobe called Contribute. If you want an example, you can look at the site I maintain for our homeowners association (www.onioncreekhoa.org). And believe me, I ain't no techie.

EP

my dad is semi-retired. in his second career, among other things, he builds sites for folks from time to time. i'm sure he'd be happy to help if you'd like to have someone do it for you. if you'd like to talk to him, i can see if he's interested, and if so put you two in touch.

I'm with Eric on this one. Dreamweaver Mx was the basis of all my E-business classes through a nationally recognized business school. It is easy to pick up on and create what you specifically want. Dreamweaver can be very simple or very time consuming depending on how you approach it. This is probably one of the best options for a local/small professional, as long as you are willing to spend some time on it.

Obviously doing everything yourself is the best option but that is not always feasible. Since you are not specifying your endeavor I am left to guesses. If you want to enter a very competitive industry (i.e. rod-building, line, fly-tying, etc), you may be better served by hiring an E-bus. professional who can set up an entire website with secure ordering, regional or national recognition through searches, word-of-mouth, etc.

Basically, if you want to be local/friendly try to work it out through Dreamweaver or a similiar program and know that many of us here will try to support you. If you want to go national/worldwide/generic you may be better off hiring a professional and we will still try to support you.

It all depends on what you offer, how much you are willing to sacrifice, and how much consumers are willing to give up for you. 2/3 of that equation are in your court.

Good luck.


Edit: After reading your post again, perhaps you have no intention of offering anything related to flyfishing, which can be considered a relatively easy market to enter. Once again your target market comes into consideration. How can it be entered? Most people will not take your business seriously if it is based from geocities (if it even exists these days) or even Ebay. The cheapest option isn't always the best option.

Decide on where you intend to go with your business and what you can afford before you go with the cheapest or even the most public option.

Thanks for all the input!

To clarify my goals and what I do, I'm an artist blacksmith doing mostly one off, custom work. I have done some production runs but you have to be very convincing (pretty woman, good friend), otherwise I will probably turn the work away. That said, I will not need or want a "buy" button, unless that button rings my phone. I need a site to link with potential customers. A link to fellow blacksmith sites and organizations, the art world, etc..

For a glimpse of my work and studio/shop:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60283506@N00/...57605214609011/

I need to check the Ice conditions, looks like a good fishing day.