Whether you are creating your very first website or you are considering redesigning your existing website, it is important to consider the following question- which type of website setup is best for me? If you are just starting out, you may think that all websites are built the same. However, there are actually a number of factors that go into the type of site and how it is built.  When choosing a web design company, it is very easy to hear a wide range of quotes for the same site. However, the designers may not explain the reasons why the price is high or low. At Milestone Data, we feel that it is very important for our clients to make an informed decision and not one based on price alone.  Therefore, we will cover the major factors in deciding between the three major types of site design options available today.

1.  Basic – (Site Builder) - This setup is done with a tool called a “site builder”. A site builder is an online tool that lets anyone be able to create a website with a wizard. You pick the design, change the words, click publish and the site is done. It’s easy to use but comes with major disadvantages.
   
   • Advantages – great for people on a small budget, quick to build
   • Disadvantages – not very flexible, limited designs, not portable
2. Standard – (Static Site) - This setup is done with computer program like Dreamweaver. It’s what most websites are built around. There can be a major learning curve here. You’ll need to know real website design and multiple programs. Unless you want to do this for a living, it’s not recommended to try this at home.
   
   • Advantages – lot of design choices,  very customizable
   • Disadvantages – you can’t make changes yourself, a little higher cost
3. Professional – (Content Management System) – This setup is done with a powerful online application that builds a great compromise between Basic & Standard.  If you can use MS Word, you can make changes to your own website. No need to pay monthly for updates.
   
   • Advantages – lot of design choices,  make changes yourself
   • Disadvantages – higher initial cost, takes longer to setup initially