February 15, 2007
As a female, small business owner and web designer I often hear other women entrepreneurs who would like to have a web presence but haven't a clue where to start and are intimidated by the technology and lingo. From URL, Hosting and Server to coding languages such as XHTML, PHP and ASP it sounds like a foreign language and can easily overwhelm people.
My experience and success in web design have come from not only providing great design work and customer service, but also the ability to determine the effective and practical solutions. Understandably many women avoid this form of advertising since it is a very male dominated industry. Some women feel intimidated or embarrassed because they don't want to sound foolish or be taken advantage of. There's nothing worse than hearing about a website solution that could have been accomplished for less money since the designer proposed an overkill solution. A practical solution should be provided, one that allows the site to grow with the owner and business' needs. Not one that is full of bells and whistles or programmed using technology meant for a different scenario.
I can say I completely understand the trepidation that anyone could feel maneuvering the advertising world especially Internet advertising. I would like to say that I want to encourage other small business owners, male and female alike to enter the Internet Advertising world. Be sure to ask a TON of questions and ask a lot of different people. From designers, programmer and providers to friends or associates who have gone through the same process. If your designer doesn't give you an answer you are comfortable with, question them. Only the providers who are willing to help you, not overwhelm you should be the one's you work with. Even if their solution doesn't fit your exact needs, at least you can go onto another provider with the knowledge of what you really do need.
~ Darlene Jaye Hill is the owner of graphXdiva, a full service web and graphic design studio located in Northeastern Pennsylvania and wit a concentration on the Honesdale, PA and Scranton, PA areas. You may contact her via her website at http://www.graphxdiva.com or by calling 570.647.8301.
