Is it possible to have a successful website

Janet's picture

She has: 133 posts

Joined: Jan 2006

if you are not the webmaster?

I wasn't sure the best place to post this question, so I hope it is okay here. I have a website, but am not a programmer/designer/developer. I had someone do the site for me. He did an okay job, but there is so much more I would like to do with the site as far as seo, graphics, design work, etc., but all that costs $ when you have to pay someone.

My site is relatively new and is not making any $ yet, so it is so hard to keep putting more and more money out. I read things on this forum and others I am on and I just wish I had the ability to put into effect the things I see talked about. I am so jealous of your guys that have the ability to just enhance you site and it doesn't cost you anything, but your time. And, time is something I do have. I just don't have the knowledge.

It is so frustrating. Is anyone out there in the same boat as me?

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Megan's picture

She has: 11,421 posts

Joined: Jun 1999

I think you can still run the site and do well with it without necessarily being able to do the programming and such. True, you won't be able to make changes on the back-end, but you will be able to do some things like promote the site (which is one of the most important things!), add content possibly, and keep things running smoothly.

I developed a site about 5 years ago with some friends. I was the only one who knew anything about web design. Well, about 2 years after we started the site I lost interest in the topic and had to resign from the site. They have been able to learn what they needed to to keep the site going strong and it's still doing well today. Sure, the design hasn't changed, and they haven't added a lot of new features, but the content is good and that's what keeps people coming back.

They have: 11 posts

Joined: Jun 2005

You must keep at it, Janet! No matter what!

If this site concept doesn't do the trick, then there's nothing that says you can't do something else.

You should consider learning HTML and CSS. It's not really that hard. That way, the sky is the limit and you will succeed!

Janet's picture

She has: 133 posts

Joined: Jan 2006

Thanks for the encouragement guys. I feel better now. I know that marketing is very important and that is something I can do. I am working hard on that now. Thanks again for the inspiration!

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Pleb's picture

They have: 11 posts

Joined: Jan 2006

Just out of curiosity, have you considered approaching paper classified owners with a revenue-sharing proposal? Ie, they offer your service as part of their package & keep 50% (say) of the revenue that's generated by people who sign up through them to use your service?

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dojo's picture

She has: 87 posts

Joined: Dec 2004

Hmm .. tricky ...

But I think you can make it. HAve someone you trust work on the technical side (the development) and you can be the mastermind for the promotion and the entire project. I do advise you to save an offline version of the site on your PC and play with it. You'll start learning some small stuff first (modify some text, maybe an image) and little by little you'll know a lot. It's indeed nice to have someone reliable by your side, but it's also good to know some of the details of the web develoment business since you'll have more controll.

Best of luck with it and keep us posted. I'm really interested to see how this will develop

He has: 43 posts

Joined: Apr 2004

Janet,
If you have the time and the internet, you can learn just about anything!!!!

I was in exactly the same situation as you about 3 years ago, thats when I started researching web design on the net, I now run a web design business and have 40 or so sites under my belt. If you persevere you will find the tutorials to do just about anything and forums like this one to help, just put in the time, keep trying and you will get there.

Good luck.
Dude.

Janet's picture

She has: 133 posts

Joined: Jan 2006

Hi guys, thanks for advice. I am learning a lot from forums such as this one. I am also considering taking a few programming courses at my local college. I have an accounting degree, but I have been home with my kids for about 8 years now. I know all this stuff is available to learn online, but I think getting out of the house (since I have three small children) will be a better learning environment for me since I don't get too much time to myself at home. Wink

As far as approaching papers for revenue sharing, we have thought about doing that. But, that would require changes to the website so I am not ready to do that yet. Definately something we are thinking about, though. Especially the smaller papers who are not going to spend the money to do photos online themselves.

My programmer did install a text editor for me, so I am now able to make some changes/additions to the site myself. It has helped.

I will keep you guys posted. Thanks again, Smiling

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