If you're anything like me, you're neither an internet techie nor a web designer or even a programmer. You're a Mortgage Professional and probably don't want to change professions at this point. I don't blame you...I wouldn't either.

Let's begin by saying that in order for you to survive in the Mortgage Business, you need a personal mortgage website. And, you need it now!

Before giving you my idea on how to accomplish this economically...here's a few things you probably shouldn't do: 

1. Do not hire a web designer. Unless you have money to burn...designing and implementing a mortgage web site from scratch is very expensive. There is a better alternative. 

2. Do not program it yourself using a software program like Microsoft Front Page. There is a better alternative. 

3. Do not ride-in on the coat tails of the mortgage brokerage business you are connected with, and then use an email address tied to that company. There is a better alternative. 

4. Do not invest in a mortgage website promoted by companies that will use a standard template, and then personalize it for your use. There is a better alternative. 5. Do not buy a software program that will build a website for you. They are sometimes called a "WYSIWYG" program or "What-you-see-is-what-you-get" software, and a good one is very expensive. There is a better alternative.

That being said...here's my recommendation: Use a web host that provides you the following services... 

1. A free trial period. It's tough to make a decision with very little information. A trial period gives you the chance to play with the editor and build a web site from scratch. 

2. A free web site domain search and domain registration. This is a feature that is available after the trial period and you've decided to commit to the service. 

3. A free plain English web editor to build, edit, and add to your web site. This is the key to your new service. If it works for you and you get good results...go for it! 

I can't say enough about a service that provides this kind of capability. The ease with which you can create a full blown website is mind boggling. If you're baffled about links, ftp uploading, site maps and all the other web site things...don't take my word for it...take some time and check it out for yourself.

In a few short hours you can have your own mortgage website up and running. Now, you're in control of your own destiny. Now, you can send your contacts and prospects to your site instead that of a competitor. Now, you control the content of your website and can change it quickly to fit the needs of your contacts and prospects and your marketing program.