Managing a successful online publishing site requires providing not only great content, but also beautiful design and easy-to-understand navigation. Trying to stay relevant and noticed, many publishers end up spending a fortune on custom-built websites. Though they are (hopefully) left with a beautiful, functional and relevant site, there is a significant downside:

1.) High costs: Is the cost worth it? If you are a big site with the large IT department and funds to support it, it may be a good risk. But if you are a smaller Internet publisher, you may not have the funds.

2.) Scope creep: This is almost inevitable and can easily change a six-month project into a two-year investment before you realize it.

3.) Talent in short supply: The pool of talented developers who know programs such as Apache Web Server, PHP, MySQL, or even Drupal, Joomla or WordPress CMS is a small one. So in addition to paying for design and programming, you may also find yourself paying to have your IT people trained on the technologies.

A Better Solution: Third-Party Cloud-Based Services
A better alternative is a third-party cloud-based service that offers customizable web design and hosting all in one place. Publishers can accomplish all of their objectives on the same platform. With customizable interfaces and easy navigation, an eye-catching site no longer needs to be synonymous with custom-made and expensive. You can also publish content, send email, adjust SEO, use directories, view videos and much more. They are so inclusive most companies using these programs no longer need an IT department. Basically, with these new website technology developments, you can concentrate on why you went into your business in the first place. So stop trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, focus on the content that keeps readers coming back for more.