If you have an eye for style and are skilled at writing and proof-reading text, you may be able to build your own website using one of the many free template programs that are available online.

However, if you don't have an eye for style, or you want a website that competes with major brands, such as REI, ESPN, Myspace, or Sears, then it's time to bring in a professional web designer to get the job done.

Icon Design Need icons for your webdesign? Check out these free icons at Pixel-Mixer.com.

But you do get what you pay for. If the website designer's site lacks substance, and his portfolio lacks substance, you're likely to get a cheap website. It's likely to look cheap, and you're not likely to get the effect that you're after -- which is to project a professional and trustworthy appearance. Not only that, but you want a website that stands out from the crowd, and grabs a persons attention with words, graphics, and colors the moment the site loads.

One website designer I know charges $1000 for a high-quality website (and his prices go up from there as he spends more time on a project). He mainly designs print graphics, and works from an outside office, and has extra costs that someone who works from home (like myself) doesn't have to deal with. But he charges a hefty price for a web design. Though the price seems high, when I see the finished project I think that the price is definitely worth what was paid. A high quality site, in my opinion, gives the appearance that it competes on the same level with major brands, and can even give customers the impression that it is a MAJOR BRAND. Which I think is key for making a successful first impression and helping a website "network" in the online community.

If you go the high-quality route with your website design, your website has the best odds of making a great first impression and letting customers know that you're a professional and trustworthy company that is sincere in what it provides / sells..

Expert Website Design

Want a professional-looking site but don't have the budget for a high-end designer? Going with professional web design can be what easily puts you ahead of the competition. This is my personal website, so of course I'm going to mention it here. At the link above, I offer custom website design at what I believe are low prices, for what you're getting. Not only that, but I try to put extra details into the designs of my client's websites -- check out the "Website Gallery" for examples -- as the extra details in many ways seems to help the sites stant out from the pack.

WEB DESIGN ARTICLES FOR WEBMASTERS

The Professional Web Designer How to Make Money with Affiliate Programs, Google AdWords, and Other Advertisers Setting Up a Facebook Account for Business How to Check Back Links Selling Web Design to a Lawyer or Attorney Turn Your Site into a Money Maker with Strong Copywriting How to Make Money on the Internet Building a Website - Should You Hire a Freelance Designer? Choosing a Website Designer Skilled at Copywriting How to Choose the Right Domain Name How to Get a Website Listed in Google Search How to Choose a Web Host How to Join an Affiliate Program

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