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A few days ago, we received an important email from our website hosting company. Unfortunately, they’ve informed us that their servers will be shutting down at the end of March, marking the end of our so-called "lifetime" hosting service. This has brought us to a critical decision point regarding the future of our website. As the saying goes, it’s a "use it or lose it" situation.
Our website currently sees a fair amount of traffic, which shows that people are interested in what we do. However, the level of interaction on the site has been relatively low. This raises some important questions about whether the effort and cost of maintaining an independent site are justified.
As I see it, we have two main options moving forward:
- Transfer to a new server provider.
After researching a few hosting options, we’ve found that moving the site to a new provider would cost approximately £42 a year. This would allow us to keep our independent site and continue serving visitors who may be looking for us online. - Bid farewell to having an independent site.
This would mean shifting our focus entirely to other platforms, such as social media, and letting go of the maintenance and costs associated with an independent website.
The Pros and Cons of Keeping an Independent Site:
Pros:
- Professional Presence: An independent site adds a level of professionalism and legitimacy to our group, making it easier for new members or collaborators to find and trust us.
- Full Control: We have complete control over the content, design, and functionality of the site. This means no algorithms or third-party restrictions determine how we engage with our audience.
- Central Hub: The website can serve as a one-stop resource for all things related to our group, including event details, updates, and media galleries.
- SEO Benefits: A well-maintained site can help us rank in search engines, driving organic traffic from people searching for topics related to our interests.
Cons:
- Cost: While £42 a year is relatively low, it’s still an ongoing expense that we’d need to justify based on the value it provides.
- Maintenance: Websites require time and effort to update and maintain. Without regular updates or new content, the site may appear stagnant.
- Low Interaction: If site visitors aren’t engaging or interacting with the content, the site’s purpose may be questioned.
- Alternative Platforms: Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer free and easy ways to reach and interact with our audience, albeit with less control.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Is the independent site something you find valuable and worth preserving? Or do you think we’d be better off consolidating our efforts on social platforms where we already have a presence?
Let’s discuss! Your input will help shape the future of our online presence.