professionally designed but personally updated?

[kimo1967]

Hello.I am considering converting my website to e-commerce as well as having it revamped by a professional web designer. My product, however needs minor updating constantly - we sell clothing so we have frequent changes of color, style, etc.. These are mostly changes in text (descriptions of the product)only.
My question is this - Can I, after paying a professional to set up a nice looking website, do some minor alterations-such as putting in new text or once in a while putting in a new photo-by myself, rather than constantly calling up my web designer and having him do it? With my present web site I have experienced delays in getting alterations by our designer (weekends, holidays, busy ...)and we need those changes done quickly. Could I do this sort of thing myself and save some time - and money in the process? Thanks, Diego

[JPnyc]

Well there's 4 ways I can think of to accomplish this.

1) You can learn some very basic and simple HTML (my opinion, it's pretty easy, but if code scares you, then maybe this option isn't for you)

2)You can use a WYSIWYG program like Dreamweaver, Frontpage, or some others. Drawbacks, they're expensive and I think harder to learn than the code they churn out.

3) Have your designer make the site so it draws from a database. Then you need to learn how to put products into the database.

4)Hire a designer who will build in some type of content management system, either of his own design, or some prefab one. This will raise the price of the site however.

[kimo1967]

Well there's 4 ways I can think of to accomplish this.

1) You can learn some very basic and simple HTML (my opinion, it's pretty easy, but if code scares you, then maybe this option isn't for you)

2)You can use a WYSIWYG program like Dreamweaver, Frontpage, or some others. Drawbacks, they're expensive and I think harder to learn than the code they churn out.

3) Have your designer make the site so it draws from a database. Then you need to learn how to put products into the database.

4)Hire a designer who will build in some type of content management system, either of his own design, or some prefab one. This will raise the price of the site however.
Dear JPnyc,
Thank you for your reply. I kind of thought there might be a way to do this directly rather than to pick up the phone and contact and wait for my webmaster everytime I need a small change. This could take time and cost money which I don't have much of at the time. I don't know if this is an issue that other e-business owners, especially those that need frequent and rapid updating of their sites, come accross? Thanks for your suggestions I will definitely look into them. If anyone else finds themselves in the same situation - I'm all ears! Diego

[JPnyc]

I s'pose it would be an issue, I'm not sure. I'm a webdeveloper so I would just open the page in notepad, but lemme show you just how simple it is. You might see something like this on the page:

<img src="product1.jpg"><br>
<p>Product1 Description</p>

Now, to change it to product 2, you change what is between the " " in the image tag, and then change the description:

<img src="product2.jpg"><br>
<p>Product2 Description</p>

Everything else would remain untouched. All you have to do is change the text, and change the picture file that the image tag is pointing to, that's it.

[kimo1967]

I s'pose it would be an issue, I'm not sure. I'm a webdeveloper so I would just open the page in notepad, but lemme show you just how simple it is. You might see something like this on the page:

<img src="product1.jpg"><br>
<p>Product1 Description</p>

Now, to change it to product 2, you change what is between the " " in the image tag, and then change the description:

<img src="product2.jpg"><br>
<p>Product2 Description</p>

Everything else would remain untouched. All you have to do is change the text, and change the picture file that the image tag is pointing to, that's it.
Hmm, I see - the code looks a little strange but I guess it just takes getting used to... First of all, I'll have to learn how to find those lines of code. I use Hostway to host my site and I've gone into their FTP tool a couple of times and fooled around with it a little but couldn't seem to get anything done - maybe I'll go in and give it another try ... Thanks, Diego

[JPnyc]

Well you actually make the changes to a copy of the page on your local computer, then upload the new copy to overwrite the old one.

An easy trick for finding the code is, when you view the page in your browser, right click on the image and select properties, there you will find the file name. Copy it, and open that page on your computer in notepad, ctrl-F is a page find. Paste the file name in, press enter, and it takes you right to it, highlighted. You can then even use notepad's replace to put the new one in it's place.

[roban]

I suppose it depends what the site is designed in. HTML, PHP, ASP all require different approaches. If, as a part of your design contract you have inserted webmastering for 'x' amount of time, say 3 months, you can learn pretty much all you'd need to know in that time. There are forums aplenty that you can join to help you sort out the bits you don't know.

[JPnyc]

Even if it's PHP or ASP there has to be HTML in there. Browsers don't display PHP or ASP they display HTML/XHTML/XML. If it's got a recursive function pulling from a database then it's the other option I mentioned, and all they need do is know how to get new products into the database.

[kimo1967]

Thanks for the suggestion for finding the code by finding the file name of the image in properties, then pasting into notepad, pasting into the "Find" box and pressing enter or "find next". I was hoping the code would come up at that point on the notepad page - but I get a box that says "Cannot find "http://www. etc. etc...." I went to a couple of instructional sites to review the procedure and I'm fairly sure I'm following the right steps for this. I'm wondering if my Web designer - who is Brazilian and lives and works there - set it up intentionally or otherwise - to be inaccesible through this way. Or maybe I'm doing something wrong... Anyway, I'll keep researching it - Thanks again - Diego

[JPnyc]

Just the file name, not the entire path. It's unlikely that he referenced the images using the entire path. It's probably local addressing. So just the image name myPic.jpg, and search on that.

[BigDoor]

I too came across the same situation you are in. constant updates or little tweeks here and there. I had my site converted to draw from a database and it is fantastic and easy to update with very little expertise. I would highly recommend it. It has saved us money and time without the hassle of contacting the developer on a regular basis. It was good for everyone.

[kimo1967]

I'm glad other website owners have come accross this situation. When your site needs constant updates or little tweeks here and there - It's inconvenient to be constatntly calling somebody up for minor changes. I myself have finally learned to work with changing text through my SiteControll FTP tool and some valuable hints given to me by our moderator JPnyc. I'm not naturally talented in this area but I'm learning slowly. My next goal is to be able to work with downloading images via my FTP tool. But, I will definitely consider converting my site to draw from a database (as JPnyc previously suggested) if I can't become proficient at this art. Thanks

[bawalker-ccs]

Kimo1967 - what you described is typical for many online business owners such as yourself. Most of my clients prefer to be in control of their own text updates and changes - that's where a good content management feature/online editor comes in. And they don't have to pay me everytime they want to make a change.

And If you have an ecommerce site, the store you are using is typically already database-driven and offers you an admin area to make your product changes.

And it doesn't have to be a PHP site to have content management -- ASP for windows or PHP for Unix, depending on what platform your site is hosted on - they will both do the job for you nicely! Betty

[The Don Namon]

Question: I'm launching a site relatively soon and will probably have the same problem as kimo. would it be wise for me to invest in ecommerce solution software that will design the site with templates and add a shopping cart etc. Will editing products be easier this way? Also, how does costs figure into this? Finally, if this is a good approach, can anyone name any worth while ecommerce solution software? (keep in mind budget is low, but quality is important)

[bawalker-ccs]

If you are looking to DIY, I would suggest you make sure the host you are going to use has a shopping cart and content management system available. It's best to get this setup right the first time, as trying to move your site to another host once you are already up and running and can increase your hassle factor. ANd be sure that the host will help you/offer support on their products when you have questions, etc.

[The Don Namon]

DIY? come again.. im being hosted by servage.net and either they dont offer much or im too unsavvy to tap into it.. i was looking into ecommerce solutions like shopsite.. but its EXPENSIVE! am i looking in the wrong places? any advice would be great

[JPnyc]

DIY=Do It Yourself.

[roban]

Cube Cart is my shop of choice and it's free as long as you keep the copyright notice in the footer. A license is $69.00 I believe. My vitamin store runs with it.

[CaptainMarvel]

Cube Cart is my shop of choice and it's free as long as you keep the copyright notice in the footer. A license is $69.00 I believe. My vitamin store runs with it.

How's that working out for you so far - both the cart and the business ??

[roban]

It's difficult for me to maintain an objective view as I aid in development and moderate the forum there but I'll try my best.

I tried, Zen, OSC, Joomla and test drove a few of the 'paid' shops and I have to say they all do pretty much the same thing so there has got to be another way of judging. For me, I was swayed by the support and the ease with which one can customize the software to suit individual needs and tastes. These 2 go hand in hand for, unless you're an expert coder, you're going to need help with any shop software. An online store is like any brick and mortar store in that it needs to be stocked, marketed and like any business the paperwork is endless so...my choice was based on the availabilty of resources to cover these areas.

My store has been online for a bit over a year and I have seen a steady growth (in direct proportion to the amount of work I am willing to put it). If you're looking to make a living within the first year, unless you have a very unique product and market, don't quit your day job.

The free shop's main advantage is, of course, it is FREE which gives you the chance to see how it goes without a great deal of capital outlay but expect to put in a little money and of course...one hell of alot of time.

[bawalker-ccs]

Unless you are up to installing and maintaining the code itself, you might want to consider some turn-key hosted solutions like citymax.om or sitesell.com - not necessarily promoting any one of them as I do my own coding, but it's just a few other viable alternatives you might want to check into..

[The Don Namon]

oscommerce is a free tool as well.. and it seems to offer more features like gift certificates and coupons and seo options.. what made u choose cubecart instead

[roban]

oscommerce is a free tool as well.. and it seems to offer more features like gift certificates and coupons and seo options.. what made u choose cubecart instead

The support system. Osc I found to be unfriendly and not too swift in replying to calls for support. Cube Cart is the antithesis. I became a moderator on their forums as well.

[reciprocal_link]

You may wanna consider oscommerce for your shopping cart.. You can set your prices, products, text, Basically have the bull by the horns in other words.. I don't know if your hosting provider provides this.. Here is a couple of stores that I've made.. and my customers keep the site updated very easily:
http://inspirationalhearts.com/novelties-and-gifts and
http://www.jjgingerbsvarietynook.com/home-decor < still in development but these sites should give you a pretty good idea.
If you have any questions please feel free to pm me

[The Don Namon]

great insights..

roban a good support system i agree is important, but cubecart just doesnt seem to be as feature packed as oscommerce.. wat can u say of cubecart in that respect

[The Don Namon]

reciprocal.. i am considering oscommerce. how much html knowledge is required to use osc to a reasonable potential.. unfortunately im not that html literate but want to do the setup work on my own in order to eliminate excess costs..

thanx

[JPnyc]

HTML is about as easy to learn as anything in I.T. Easier than learning a program like Screamweaver or FrontRage

[karlcore]

To the OP -

Please remember one thing above all others: This is your business. While it may be attractive to think you're saving money by doing it yourself, I would regard it as foolish to try such a thing. Your posts in this thread indicate to me that you're really not qualified to do web development. This means that ultimately, the web site you put out there will likely be substandard and that will cost you dearly in sales. Do yourself a favor and hire a professional.

[prasad_v2biz]

You may like to evaluate some of the well known storefront platforms. The service provider will host the site as well as most of the service providers will have an effective and easy content management interface. I would request you to evaluate a few of them.

Prasad
Managing Director
www.v2biz.com

[The Don Namon]

jpnyc - know any good sites where i can get a-z html tutoring?

karlcore - i understand what you're saying but i also don't have the capital available like that.. do you have any suggestions of affordable yet quality web designers?

prasad - care to give specifics? which platforms are u suggesting?

thanx guys for all ur inputs! by the way, someone in another thread suggested ecommercetemplates for beginners.. yes? no? why?

THANX IN ADVANCE

[prasad_v2biz]

Hello,

It would have been easier to narrow down search based on the specifics of your needs. You may like to address following functional aspects while looking at the ready made platforms.

• Marketing & Merchandizing
• Order Processing & Fulfillment
• Customer Support Management
• Supply Management
• Business Analytics

There are many good service providers and you can search them on web. I can list a few for a quick help but you will have to choose amongst many other based on your business needs. This is just a representative list and does not contain all the good / eligible service providers..

http://www.prostores.com/
http://www.citymax.com/
http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/merchant/
http://www.shopcreator.com/index.cfm
http://www.miva.com/us/

Thanks,

Prasad
Managing Director
www.v2biz.com

[karlcore]

karlcore - i understand what you're saying but i also don't have the capital available like that.. do you have any suggestions of affordable yet quality web designers?

I'm not sure if my response will violate the forum rules.
I can help you. If you're interested, e-mail me at karl@karlcore.com

[prasad_v2biz]

Hello,

You may also like to have a look at the thread : http://forums.smallbusinesscomputing.com/showthread.php?t=2148

Thanks,

Prasad
Managing Director
www.v2biz.com

[autoecart]

I would have your professional designer use a content management system so that it can be easily updated and managed. This also allows for sitewide changes without having to redo each page

[Nora]

I'd like to suggest that you find a good class on web site management that includes planning and the technical basics.

Every web site owner should understand what a web site is all about. Getting your hands into the coding and file structure - at least just a little bit, will both help you manage your own site and help you communicate with development professionals. Think of web development as a line with you doing all the tasks at one end and the developer doing all the tasks at the other end. Both ends are danger zones - either you have lack of control or you are spending time doing something that a developer could do more efficiently. But, where you are in the middle is something you should investigate.

I teach web classes at a local adult learning center. When they asked if I would teach Dreamweaver, I explained that the only way I would teach web site construction was if I could have the prerequisite of web site planning and management. I keep running into to so many small organizations that don't know anything about how their web site works - or what makes a good web site happen. They often pay way too much for a badly designed site, or they don't appreciate a good developer, or they get a site that is technically correct but ugly, or they get a site that is beautiful, but not search engine friendly, or ...

[JPnyc]

All good and valid points, Nora. Those are all common issues. I see all these slick looking sites and then I check the code and it's coded to 1983 standards. Sometimes I don't even need to check the code. When I see a delay on mouseovers I know it was made in screamweaver. The worst javascript on earth, is what that thing puts out