A website allows you to reach more customers and promote your brand, 24/7. But when it comes to website design, one of the first things you have to think about is whether you want to create it yourself or invest in professional website design. Several factors will determine whether you need a highly functional site designed from scratch or if a DIY option will work.
To DIY or not: How do the options compare?
Do it yourself
If you’ve done some research online, you’ll know that there are now countless do-it-yourself website design services available. These services substitute design and coding knowledge and typically offer a low start-up cost.
Who is this for?
If you’re a brand-new business without much revenue yet, or you’re still playing around with products or services, this could be a suitable solution for you. DIY website builders offer a basic platform for you to test the waters of the online world.
The pros of building it yourself
- It is affordable
- A website can be designed in minutes
- You can make changes immediately
The cons of building it yourself
- Your website will have limited functions
- It can look generic
- It may offer only limited use of SEO and marketing tools
- You may have limited support
Hire a pro
A website works for you 24/7. Therefore, it needs to follow structure, be accessible and user-friendly, and complement your brand in every way. This is what professional website design can offer you if you are serious about creating an online presence.
Who is this for?
If you own a small or medium-sized business and have already made some revenue from your products or services, using a free website builder may not be the right option for you. You want to stand out online with a unique, highly functional website. Therefore, hiring a professional website designer is a better option.
The pros of using professional web design
- There are plenty of design customisation possibilities
- Your website will be more unique
- You have access to professional support
- You can make use of advanced SEO and marketing tools
- Your website will load fast and be completely mobile-friendly
- You can use your own domain name
The cons of using professional web design
- It may be more expensive
- It requires you to communicate your needs
- It may take longer to launch
Which is better in the long run?
Ultimately, a website is an investment. If you’re planning to run your business for many years, you require an online presence that truly promotes what you do. A website designed by a professional can bring your vision to life. An experienced web designer can also help you to launch a unique website that sets you apart from your competitors. In the long run, this offers more value to your business. So, even though it may cost more, you will get a better return on investment in the future.
Invest in an effective website design solution
Some things shouldn’t be skimmed on and rather left to the professionals. Even though using a DIY platform to design your website is more affordable, it can hurt your brand if not executed well. Looking past the attractive costs involved and thinking about your business’ future, a web design professional can help you reach your goals and grow your business.
Looking for a website designer in South Africa? Talk to the team at Web Guru. We take the robot out of web design and create stunning, fully functional WordPress websites.
Photo by Domenico Loia on Unsplash
