Lucy Bramson
11 December 2023
For freelancers and small business owners, the decision of whether to build your business website yourself or to hire a professional web designer and developer is crucial. While both options have their merits, the advantages of hiring a professional often outweigh the convenience of using a template builder. Let's examine the pros and cons of each:
DIY platforms are budget-friendly and suitable for those with limited financial resources. That said, while the tools are cheap to use in comparison to the initial outlay of hiring a professional, the ongoing monthly hosting costs are around the same.
User-friendly interfaces and templates make it accessible for beginners, requiring minimal technical input. The ease of use of these tools isn’t guaranteed, however.
DIY tools use templates to allow for quick website creation, ideal for those in need of a rapid online presence.
DIY templates often impose restrictions, limiting your ability to create a unique and fully customized website. Your site can end up with a cookie-cutter look, and having a design that is recognizable from other similar websites will cheapen your brand.
DIY designs may not meet professional standards, potentially affecting user experience and trustworthiness. In many cases, users end up populating their website design according to what is possible within the constraints of the template, rather than what they would ideally like to include.
Implementing advanced features like e-commerce or databases can be challenging with DIY platforms. This puts a ceiling on functionality, and in cases where extras are available, they can come with steep price rises.
DIY platforms may lack the robust SEO tools needed for optimal search engine rankings. To get the best out of your site in terms of SEO, expert input is recommended.
Ongoing maintenance is your responsibility, which can consume time and potentially lead to technical issues. In addition, some website builders such as WordPress have been known to implement updates that have led to significant rework and in some cases total rebuild for their clients, due to a lack of backwards compatibility.
Even with the big name website builders that focus on usability, the user experience isn’t always as intuitive as they claim. Users can run into difficulty, and many of these tools do have a learning curve. Pair that with a clunky backend that makes updates challenging, and the tech rage becomes real.
While these DIY tools are aimed at beginners and focus on limiting choice by using templates, it has to be said that not everyone is a natural designer, and like with many things, achieving your desired brand aesthetic can be better left to the professionals.
A professionally designed website shows that you are a credible professional and will make potential clients confident to work with you.
Professionals have the skills to create a website that is uniquely tailored to your brand and business objectives. They take the time to understand your vision and convert it into a design that reflects your identity. This is not possible with website builders that use templates that mean that many sites end up looking the same.
Professional web designers will have valuable experience and advice, which can help you to optimize your digital presence. Working with a third party in understanding your brand and your business can offer unique insights and ideas that you may not have otherwise thought of.
A professional designer can craft a website that not only looks stunning but is also optimized for the best user experience. First impressions matter, and a professionally designed website leaves a lasting, positive impact on visitors.
Your business might require specialized features such as e-commerce capabilities, databases, or membership systems. Professionals can implement these complex features effectively, ensuring your website functions flawlessly.
SEO is a complex field that requires ongoing attention to detail. Professional web designers and developers understand the intricacies of SEO and can optimize your website to rank well on search engines, bringing in more organic traffic.
Your website needs to run smoothly and be up to date at all times. Professionals offer ongoing support and maintenance, saving you time and headaches, while ensuring your website operates seamlessly.
Your website is a critical representation of your brand. Professionals are well-equipped to create a site that aligns perfectly with your branding, from colours and typography to messaging and user experience. It's an embodiment of your brand's identity.
In a world where online presence is crucial, professionally designed websites stand out from the crowd. They convey a sense of trust and credibility to potential customers, setting you apart from competitors who may rely on generic templates.
Designers understand user behaviour and can create intuitive interfaces that enhance user satisfaction. They consider factors like information architecture and navigation to ensure visitors easily find what they need.
Web technologies are continually evolving. Professionals stay updated on the latest trends and standards, ensuring your website remains current and adaptable to future changes.
For businesses with online stores, professionals can seamlessly integrate secure e-commerce platforms and payment gateways, ensuring a smooth and trustworthy shopping experience for your customers.
While the upfront investment in a professional may be higher, their efficiency can save you time and money in the long run. You get a high-quality website that can lead to better returns on your investment.
Hiring a professional may require a higher initial investment, which can be a constraint for some small businesses. It is worth noting, however, that ongoing monthly hosting fees will be similar to those charged by DIY website builders.
Developing a custom website may take longer than using a template, potentially delaying your online presence. However, doing it yourself does take time away from your billable hours so this also needs to be considered.
You depend on external professionals for updates and changes, which can involve additional costs.
You may have limited control over your site if you're not directly involved in the development process. This will vary from professional to professional, as many encourage regular review and creative input/sign-off from the client (you).
The decision between DIY website building and hiring a professional ultimately depends on your unique business goals, resources, and technical skills. While DIY platforms offer affordability and accessibility, they come with limitations in terms of customization and advanced features.On the other hand, hiring a professional offers a level of expertise that provides unbeatable customization, design quality, and functionality. It's the ideal choice for businesses aiming to create a unique, high-performing, online presence. Despite the potential for a higher investment, the long-term benefits of hiring a professional often exceed the initial cost. Remember that your website is a critical representation of your brand, and it's worth investing in professionals who can bring your vision to life, and guarantee your credibility. As with many decisions between doing it yourself and getting the professionals in, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should!
