BLOG: Creating your own online resource

In my last post, I wrote about a website with clinical guidelines that we built for our local department. In this post, I am going to show you how to get started building your own.

Creating an online resource is easier than most people realize, but before you begin, there are some important points to consider.

Time

This will most certainly take up much more of your time than you realize in the beginning. It is also important to note that creating a website is one thing, but it is equally important to maintain and keep it up to date.

Plan it carefully

Before you start, use plenty of time to plan it, make drawings and imagine how the site will feel when using it. Do not be shy to visit other sites to seek inspiration and ideas.

Programming

You do not need to know any programming, but it is definitely a plus. You can create a perfectly fine site without dealing with any programming or server settings at all by using an all-in-one service such as Wix or Squarespace. If you are feeling adventurous, you can dive straight into the deep end and use a content management system such as WordPress or Joomla. By using a content management system, you have more flexibility, and it often delivers better performance on larger sites. There are great courses on Lynda.com to get you started with Squarespace as well as more advanced courses on content management systems and programming.

Domain names and hosting

This is automatically set up for you when you use a service such as Wix or Squarespace. If you are setting up a content management system, you will need to buy and set up a domain name, which is the address of your site. You will also need a hosting provider that will store all of your files. My favorite services are Namecheap for domains and SiteGround for hosting.

Costs

The running costs are lower than most people think. All-in-one services range from $100 to $220 per year, which includes hosting and usually a domain name as well. Domain names usually go for $10 to $15 per year. Hosting for a content management system starts at around $80 per year.

Conclusion

It has never been easier to create your own online resource, and the total running costs typically range from $100 to $230 per year. If you have a good project in mind, I encourage you to go for it, but keep in mind that it may take more of your time than you realize.

For more information:

Helgi David Björnsson, MD, runs a website with a collection of his favorite finds on Ophtholinks.com. He can be reached at email: helgidavid@gmail.com.