Website Help

Okay, I have looked and looked and can't seem to find anyone who can speak English and help me with setting up a website for my business. Who did you use? Were they expensive? Is it easy to manage/update/etc? I'm afraid I'm in over my head and would really like a little sanity check. Is there specific software I need to create a site on my own? I don't even know if that is feasible for me.

Here's what I was thinking that I wanted. For my business I perform long arm quilting services, custom machine embroidery, sewing lessons/instruction, classes, and sell fabric, notions, and patters. But I want it to be a fun site to visit too, so thought I would like to add a chat room to it as well. Is that even do-able?

I'm utterly and hopelessly lost. This might not be the right place to post this plea, so forgive my transgression if I've stepped out of line. Just looking for a little assistance and a nudge in the right direction.

Thanks for listening/reading.
LEM

LEM, if no one here can give you specifics, I'd suggest that maybe you talk with some people who have already have successfully set up sites - Bonnie at Quiltville comes to mind, as does Judy Laquidara.

As for selling product, have you checked into Key to the Web? That's the most common e-commerce hosting that I see when "Chasing the bunny" and other quiltshop surfing activities.

Good luck.

Lem...i've sent you a PM

Good Luck with it LEM, please, keep us up to date with what you learn. In the future Im thinking of setting up a website too and like you, know nothing about it. Id be interested in reading how you go with it A store I know set up her own store, she used this, dont know anything about it myself but it may be of help, never know

http://www.diyestores.com/

Be care who you deal with... My husband and his father are setting up a website and for what they paid out they are not getting much help....

Thanks all for the helpful input. I'm going to check a few things out and hopefully {crossing fingers} I'll be up and running soon. You should be able to find me under www.morrowfabricservice.com when everything is complete. Hopefully by the end of the month to start with a basic site. Wish me luck! :spring1:

Good luck Lem! Hope you are up and running soon.

LEM.. I see some business... just using a blog...it seems to work for them.. maybe something easy for yourself to manage.. not sure if it is suited for what you need it for..

Deb