There are so many questions to answer when it comes to creating your company’s online identity. From your social media profiles to your business logo, you’ll quickly find how important these things are to your brand.
But among the most common questions business owners ask is “Should I build my own website?”
The answer depends on your needs as well as the features you want your website to have.
As you decide whether you should build your own website or pay someone for their help, there are a few things you should consider. Among them is the advantages and disadvantages of taking on this crucial aspect of your business on your own. Looking at these items will help you know if you should hire a web designer or not.
Pros and Cons of Building Your Own Website
A do-it-yourself website can either be a great investment or the task could significantly cut into your valuable time. There are both good and bad reasons to use a website builder that may sway your decision over the long-term.
Pros
1. See Your Full Design Immediately
Among the bonuses of making your own website is the chance to view templates and get an idea of what your site could look like once it’s completed. Many of these templates also allow you to navigate your way around the website to see its functionality and what the other pages will look like. But without your own content, branding, and logos, you may not be able to get a clear picture of the end result until it’s done.
2. Cheaper
Most DIY website builders offer low prices with rates that can either be paid monthly or annually. But the cost of a website can vary greatly depending on how you want it to look and feel. You could end up paying as low $5 per month with the most basic and limited options available. Much of this will depend on the features you want and the style you choose.
3. Manage Your Own Timeline
As you decide if you should build your own website, you can expect the process to go at your own pace when making one for yourself. You’ll be able to finish it as quickly or as slowly as you want. Though you will need to consider any learning curves that come up along the way.
Cons
1. Cookie Cutter Design
One of the biggest problems with using a DIY website builder is that you’ll be using templates that have likely been used by hundreds (or possibly thousands) of other businesses. This makes your site much less unique and specialized to your company. Many consumers can easily tell the difference between a site made by a web developer vs. a website builder you used by yourself.
2. Waste of Your Valuable Time
As a business owner, you may be determined to do as much to build your company on your own as you can. But creating a beautiful website that will engage and convert your customers takes a great deal of time and effort. This is time you could otherwise be spending on other business development projects or even serving your own clients.
3. Minimal Customization
Another item on the list of cons to building your own website is the limited ability you have to customize it to your exact needs or wants. Simply put, DIY website builders don’t have the same modifications or options. You may end up with a bland website that isn’t able to do all the things you want it to for your customers.
4. Hidden Costs for Extra Features
While a reliable website design company will give you a set upfront price, you’ll need to watch your bank account when building your own website. Almost every new feature, plugin, or form will have an extra cost added to your bottom line.
5. Fewer Search Engine Optimization Functions
Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most important aspects of any website in any industry. If you want people to find your site on Google and other search engines, it’s important to set yourself up for success from the beginning. And while some may think it is a coincidence, the majority of customized WordPress websites rank more effectively than do-it-yourself website builders like Wix.
Benefits of Professional Web Design vs. a DIY Website
Now that you know the pros and cons of building your own website, let’s take a look at the perks that come with hiring a reputable web design agency.
- Get a unique design specifically made for your business.
- Provide a professional user experience to people who visit your site.
- Enjoy unlimited growth potential with a wide-open space to share content
- Publish only what you need but also get all the customized features & functions you want
- Promote a mobile responsive design that allows visitors to view your site from their smart phone or tablet.
- Create SEO content that will last and give your readers value for years to come.
Going with a web developer vs Wix, Godaddy, Squarespace, or other types of DIY website builders is a decision you are sure to be grateful for in the long run. If you want your business to remain relevant, beat out the competition, and see more success from a website, trust a dependable web design agency to handle the job.
Hire a Web Design Company & Count on the Pros
It may be possible to see some benefits to a DIY website vs. professional web design. But once you get started, you may quickly find that the minimal cost savings and simplistic style aren’t worth it. Instead, rely on experienced web designers from the get-go and see the dramatic difference in the end results.
If you’re curious about what it costs to hire a professional vs. a do-it-yourself site builder, check out our innovative website calculator tool.
Or get in touch with the team at AWEBCO today to learn more about our services and get an estimate over the phone!
3 Responses
Great article! I never thought of some of this stuff. I will consider the options for my business now. Thanks!
Kevin, Thank you for liking and commenting our article. We hope it was helpful for your business. Let us know if we can assist your business, or if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask. Team AWEBCO
It is very informative.