Free Web Design

Can You Really Get FREE Web Design?

Normally, no.  If you perform a search for "free web design" on any major search engine, what you basically will find is a list of sites that furnish free web templates.  These are ready made web sites with graphic images and web pages that have been created with the "layout" already prepared for you.  You can then modify the web pages and post them to your own site.  Occasionally, you will find a web consulting firm that offers free web design when you sign up for their hosting service for at least 1 year at a time, such as OneFreeWebSite.com.  These companies are making an initial investment of their time in each customer in hopes that in providing good service, they will build long lasting relationships with their customers.

Don't Most Design Companies Use Web Templates?

Yes, that's true.  Web design companies will normally start any new project by using some sort of web template that establishes the site's navigational structure.  Some will create and reuse their own while others may purchase them.  More than likely, they will have a mixture of the two in their library.  The template is then customized using a client's content and images. This is definitely a trade-off to having a website created completely from scratch. However, this method allows companies to keep their operational costs down to a level that allows them to be profitable and provide you with a professional looking website.  Keep in mind that a website created completely from scratch with custom graphics can easily run into several thousand dollars.

By adding your content and images to the template and changing colors and other customizable features, your business presence will still be unique and your website will reflect the philosophy of your business regardless of the fact that a template was used.  Modifying a professional web template still requires expertise in industry standard web development tools, web animation and image editing tools as well as being proficient in web languages such as HTML, DHTML and JavaScript. 

Can't I Design My Own Web Site?

Absolutely.  There are many ways in which you can build your own web site.  There are several web host companies with web site generation tools that are available to you.  You can also download website templates which you are able to modify or you can work with an industry standard web development tool and create your site from scratch.  Of course, all of these will require an investment of your time.  The amount of time will depend on the tools that you select and your comfort level with using software.  If you plan on downloading and modifying free web templates, keep in mind that most of these require that you add a credit to the template designer on your website.

Additionally, at some point you may want to add some functionality such as a shopping cart or members area which will again require your time and effort.  When you partner with a professional firm, you will be able to gain access to their time, knowledge, expertise and experience.