Product Description

There are thousands of books which try to turn you into a web developer. This is not one of them! Most business operators couldn't care less about browser compliance, XHTML, and cascading stylesheets. They don't want to become web developers: they're too busy getting on with business. How To Build A Website And Stay Sane is a plain-talking survival guide for business operators who want to find a good developer and not get ripped off. It explains the strategies behind many highly successful websites. It shows you how to find a good developer; balance short versus long term costs; streamline site maintenance; and make informed decisions when creating or redesigning your site. Jonathan Oxer has been instrumental in the development of hundreds of websites and in this book he speaks from over a decade of experience, guiding you through the process used to develop some of the most successful sites on the Internet. This book will save you time and money - and help make your online venture a success.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1016585 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 206 pages

Customer Reviews

Easy read, thorough and concise
When I first heard Jon Oxer (who is well known within certain technical circles) was working on a book like this, I couldn't wait to get a copy. In a nutshell, he explained that the aim of this book was to answer all of the common questions that he gets asked on a daily basis as the Technical Director of his company IVT. He said he wanted to create a resource that he could hand to all of his clients that asked questions like "What is hosting?" and "What is SEO?". Most "build a website" style books don't usually talk about these things, thus missing the mark completely.

I have taught web basics to many people, most of whom have purchased books like "Build a website in 10 days" or "Learn DreamWeaver" etc. and the first thing I usually tell them is to take a big step back and look at the big picture. There is so much more to building and maintaining a successful website than just learning HTML. They need to know about web hosting, contractors, front versus back end, copyright, domains names, eCommerce, and the list goes on!

This is the one of the books ("The Unusually Useful Web Book" is another) I now recommend to all my colleagues and clients if they're serious about coming up to speed with the web. It's an easy read, thorough and concise.

For managers, not developers
The first matter that must be understood is that this is a book for people who want to have a website, not for people who do the technical side of development. In this sense, the title is perhaps a little unclear. On the other hand, it is certainly requisite reading for those who want to use a website to successfully promote their idea, good or service and retain sanity.

The text points out that many people who want a website are more than a little unclear of the technology involved, what are realistic expectations and, most importantly, how to plan their content and processes. The chapters are therefore set according to different phases of development; the potential of websites, strategic planning, design, production, launch and promotion and finally maintenance. Each of these chapters are expressed with clarity, and plenty of real-world examples of successes and pitfalls. In addition to this there is a more-than-handy set of Appendicies which includes some great check-lists, developer and user profiles, design briefs and site review forms.

It's been over a year since I first read this book, and I continue to strongly recommend it. It is useful, provides an excellent summary of key ideas and is expressed clearly.

A fantastic resource for every business.
As a small business owner this book should have a place on every manager/owners bookshelf! It is written in plain English and is full of common sense strategies. As the convenor of a Graduate Certificate of Business (Small Business Management) at an Australian university I prescribe it to students as compulsory reading. It is a book for
business owners and managers who require help filling the knowledge gaps between their knowledge and that of the tech-heads of this world. I can't wait for Jonathan's next book to be released soon on Google Ad words.