Why should he or she have it professionally done?

Short answer: A better quality product set up to provide maximum results.

Your publisher has an artist work on your cover, someone who writes jacket copy, someone else who helps with blurbs and press releases -- online marketing is another tool to help you market yourself. Professional Web developers are concerned with things like different platforms (Mac, Windows, Unix, Linux), different browsers (Netscape, Internet Explorer, Jaguar, WebTV, Opera) and different screen resolutions (old monitors see things very differently than newer monitors, laptops, and so forth).

A professional knows how to maximize graphics so that download times are lessened. We know how to use certain tools to increase search engine placement. We can organize the site so that the reader can find what he or she wants in a click or two. We have connections with online sites which list author information, do book reviews, have contests or do other giveaways… We can help you understand site statistics, mailing list options and message board possibilities. A professional knows how to establish an online presence, which is more than just putting up a webpage and hoping people find it.

How long does it take to build a website?

Short answer: A couple of weeks or so.

That depends on how much content you already have assembled, how involved you want to be, if you already know of sites you like, and how fast you need it done. Plan on a minimum of 2 or 3 weeks -- if it needs to be done that fast to meet a drop date, for example. Larger sites or persons wanting a more leisurely pace can take a couple of months at the longest.

Back