Here's the scenario: You run a business. Everyone tells you that you need a website to take your business to the next level. You ask: Are they right? Where do I start? Can I make my own? Maybe you already have a website that was created in 1999, and you feel that your current website is "working" for you, but friends and colleagues politely suggest that you may need a new look…

So if you've decided that an online presence is important to the success of your business, like most modern companies, then the first place to start is understanding the online needs of your business. Like any other business decision, a clear picture of your business needs will help you decide which options are best for your business and your investment.

A few questions you should ask yourself before you begin are:

• What kind of interaction with my customer needs to take place online? Do I need to sell products, generate sales leads, present information, present my brand identity, or all of the above?
• How much am I ready to budget towards moving my business online?
• Will I need to regularly update information on my website?

Once you have an idea of your online business needs, the next step is considering your options.

The Do It Yourself Route

This option is one for the super-ambitious business owner that has plenty of idle-time. If you're the typical business owner, then free-time is a commodity that you are unfamiliar with and the DIY route to web design is not in your future. If you feel like you do have the time and patience to learn how to construct your own website, then you should know that the essentials to web design are in learning HTML and CSS. To learn HTML and CSS you can find many text resources online or in a bookstore, however I would recommend taking a beginner's course at your local career center. Although building a website on your own can give you creative control over your website and save you cash upfront, the drawbacks of a steep learning curve, time investment, and the lack of a professional "look" to keep your customers on your site can greatly outweigh the benefits.

Do it yourself if:

• You have plenty of free-time and patience.
• You like to have complete control.
• You don't want to spend money to save you time.

Template Websites

Template websites are another option similar to the DIY route to web design. Template websites are pre-made websites that usually let you edit content, upload pictures and products, and let you maintain control of your website. While template websites are cost-effective and let you maintain control of your online business, you should know that a template website is a product with many limitations in comparison to other options. Template websites are built to offer certain features "out-of-the-box" and while you can customize certain elements, color schemes, or even functions, the changes you can make are limited to options that are meant to work for many businesses, not specifically your needs.

You should consider a template website if:

• You want to invest very little money towards your web platform.
• You don't mind your website looking like a lot of others.
• You don't mind limitations for you web platform.

Freelance Web Designers

Freelance web designers are independent web designers that work alone and usually take on one project at a time. When considering a freelancer for your web design, you should carefully view their portfolio to gauge their level of skill and expertise. Since many freelance web designers work alone, web design is a side job for them. When looking for a freelancer be sure that they have enough time to dedicate to your project. Also be wary because some freelance designers may not have the programming skills or tools that you need to create the interface your seeking.

You should consider a freelance web designer if:

• You have a strapped budget
• You are comfortable working with a one-person team
• You have a project that is not very large

The Professional Web Design Firm

Although a professional web design firm is the most costly option upfront, the time you save as a business owner and quality of work you receive from a professional firm, you end up getting much more for you dollar. The key to a successful website is identifying how your website is used in your marketing mix and in your business. The interaction between your website and your customer allows for a whole new dimension to the advertising and brand message you're trying to communicate. A professional design company can help you iron out all these nuances and help you communicate your message clearly. Also, many professional web design firms have staff in various areas of expertise and their teams can give you the best feedback in terms of marketing, design, and technology to by used in your project.

Benefits of working with a professional web design firm:

• Communicating clearly with your market
• Complete market and brand analysis
• A diversified team bring their best skills to you project
• Comfort knowing that your website support will be around for awhile
• Decreasing opportunity costs by freeing up your time and getting the product you want