Every day it becomes less of a chore to begin a website. Should you consider doing so?
If by chance you are a:
Owner of an existing business,
You are planning to start a business,
Work for someone else,
Have a hobby,
Or are opinionated about any subject
If any of these describe you, a website would benefit you.
Business owners: this should be obvious. With more and more people online every day, you are walking away from sales if you do not have an internet presence.
You are planning to start a business: start on the right foot and make a website an integral part of your marketing plan right from the start.
You have a job. There are two different types of sites you should consider.
First off, start a personal website to show what you know. The field does not matter; almost any would benefit from this type of site. A blog is the ideal platform for such a website. If you are job hunting in the future, your website will be a testament to your commitment and knowledge.
Second, if your are employed by a firm of any size at all, you can start a site that addresses some aspect of that firm. You work on this project on your own time. At some strategic point in the future, you casually mention to your supervisor that you are working on this personal project. This will show you are serious about your work and will likely keep you off the chopping block if layoffs or “restructuring” occur in the near future.
Hobbyists: if you are passionate about your hobby, start a site to tell the world about it. Thousands, probably millions, have done the same; why shouldn’t you?
Social commentator: if you feel strongly for or against some topic, a website can help spread the word far and wide.