Even though I teach how to sell on eBay, I hear a lot of talk about how to make a website, because eBay is a door to the entire world of ecommerce. My students discuss templates, software, how & whether to hire a designer. I know how overwhelming all this knowledge can be, but truthfully, the best way is to focus on a do-it-yourself website.
Yes, there’s a lot to learn. Yes, it’s incredibly time consuming. Yes, it’s hard to stay motivated when you aren’t making any money. But isn’t that the way it always is with a new craft? Were Mel Gibson and Nicole Kidman great the first time they acted in front of a camera? Were Larry Bird or Shaq experts with a basketball their first time on the court? Did Georgia O’Keefe pick up her brush and paint masterpieces? Excellence in any field is the result of long hours of practice and effort. Why should net marketing be any different?
My opinion: the only way to wealth and independence is by mastering basic skills and web design is one of these basics. Hire designers or use templates only after you can make a website yourself. Otherwise, you will always be dependent.