Tell me more ×
Answers OnStartups is a question and answer site for entrepreneurs looking to start or run a new business. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite

I have an idea for a software product that I am working on. I'm not close to being done with a releaseable version (by a long shot) but since I can't work at it at the moment I figured I'd ask about the website.

Which would you all recommend: using a CMS (and use themes) or pay a web design to make the site that way? Since I'm bootstrapping this software endeavor I was leaning towards a CMS with themes so I could save money (I'm able to do back-end development myself, but I just have no eye for design) but I'm curious to hear what you all think.

share|improve this question

4 Answers

up vote 3 down vote

You can always use a CMS - like wordpress - to make it look as you wish. I do it all the time and let me tell you till now I have created ALL my websites (even my company's) over wordpress.

As a startup on low budget, you may want to invest in making your software remarkable first. You can always hire a website designer later.

All the best!

share|improve this answer
thanks for your response. Would you happen to have the link to one of these sites so I can see the outcome of a WP site? – Jetti Jan 26 '11 at 21:16
up vote 2 down vote

Three points:

First, it depends a lot on the type of site that you are planning to build. A CMS can satisfy a very wide range of needs, but can become tricky when you start pushing the boundaries. The answers to this SO question are relevant here.

http://stackoverflow.com/questions/2225705/how-can-i-leverage-a-cms-to-create-dynamic-websites/2225788#2225788

Second, whether you use a CMS or not you will probably need to invest in design and some front end development. Themes only take you so far, and a site that is obviously using a theme can seem unprofessional. If you do use a theme, I recommend using something very minimal.

Third, I know other people who have had some success getting freelance design work (e.g. using odesk.com) for very small projects. For a relatively small investment you can get something that is at least a lot better than what you would have done yourself.

share|improve this answer
thanks for the response. I may check oDesk as the time to launch draws near. The site I'm planning (at this stage) will just basically be showcasing the product with a download page and a payment page. Nothing dynamic, nothing too "boundary pushing" – Jetti Jan 26 '11 at 21:14
In that case WordPress will be great. You can configure it with a home page, a separate blog area, and any number of other pages (including your download page). – Greg Jan 27 '11 at 5:29
up vote 0 down vote

You can always go with a theme as proof of concept to see if the marketplace will support you. If you don't have an "eye for design", do you have any friends that do? Get them to help you pick an appropriate theme. After that, if it works out financially you can bring in a design firm and "do it right".

share|improve this answer
up vote 0 down vote

Even if you got a professional you should still be using a CMS in the vast majority of the cases!

It makes it faster for them to complete it, and easier for you to keep it updated.

btw, I HIGHLY recommend WordPress :)

I use it every day.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.