Are you in the process of starting up a new business? Do you have your products or services defined and are now contemplating how to navigate your website solution? Many people are capable of building a simple website using platforms like Wix, Shopify or Squarespace… so why would you pay a web designer to do it for you?
Building a website can be a timely process
Do you have the time to build a website? If you are creating a website from scratch (and have no previous experience) it can be an extremely steep learning curve. There is more that goes into a website build than visual elements and the layout of the page. Your website will need to capture leads, take bookings or process sales. For a web designer, implementing all of this functionality comes as second nature. By hiring a professional website designer you will not only free up your own time to focus other business areas, you can also accelerate the build process – bringing your website to the market sooner!
Getting the visual aesthetic right
“A successful visual design does not take away from the content on the page or function. Instead, it enhances it by engaging users and helping to build trust and interest in the brand.” Even the most creative and astute business owners can struggle translating their vision into an online reality. Sometimes the emotional attachment to the brand can cloud judgement on what works with the website design. Professional designers will ensure that the correct approach is taken to your visual design and consider elements like: contrast, balance, scale, space and content hierarchy.
Creating a purpose-built website
Responsive web design
Whilst most templated solutions are built to be responsive, the ability to alter the inclusions or layout of the design can be complex. In an attempt to minimise the design for smaller screens and devices, many templates / themes will exclude elements (or change the appearance) as the screen size is reduced. By working with a professional, you can decide what and how the information is displayed – regardless of the device.
Functional Requirements
If you are contemplating building your own website, there is a good chance you have overlooked some important functional elements that form part of a successful online business. An expert knows how to set up payment portals, customer databases and links with third party applications (like Email marketing software, Google Analytics, Social networks and CRMs). They will have a good understanding of best practice inclusions and will implement these functions with ease.
Website Customisation
Do you want to step outside the constraints of a template solution? A web designer will build to your requirements, rather than fit the design around a pre-existing template. There are a lot of user-friendly template solutions that require zero coding, but there is a good chance you will encounter areas that you would like to change… but just don’t have the technical knowledge to do so.
SEO friendly websites
The riddle of optimising your site for search engines is complex. Both Off-Page SEO and On-Page SEO should be considered. Off-Page SEO generally refers to external promotion methods used outside of your website design to improve the ranking of your website in search results. “On-page SEO is the practice of optimizing individual web pages in order to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic in search engines.”
A good web designer should take care of these measures and ensure that On-Page Ranking factors are considered during the website build.
So in summary, I guess you are still wondering… Can I build my own website? In short, yes you can. However, many people find that the benefits gained from hiring a professional will far outweigh the short-term cost savings.
