Creating an incredible-looking website isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a necessity. A poorly designed site will make it nearly impossible for you to convert website visitors into leads. But, if you’re not an experienced web designer, should you hire one to create your website?
Business owners can hire an individual freelancer or agency, or they can use a website maker to create their own. There are pros and cons to both options, which we’ll explain below.
Why Hire a Web Designer?
Any business looking to make an impact should be able to present a website that’s as impressive as the business itself. For example, The 215 Guys out of Philadelphia deliver the perk of human touch and precise attention to detail, as well as custom results no one else has.
Designers can bring that little bit extra to the project by achieving what builders can’t.
There are several benefits of hiring a web designer, including:
Consistent Brand Identity: From your company logo to your business card to your website, having a consistent brand identity means maintaining what makes you unique.
Uniqueness: An experienced website builder will produce nothing less but excellence. No matter what you want, web designers can make your idea come to life. You can see the benefits of having a professional web design because people who will try to look at your website will have a better first impression that can catch their attention.
No Limitations: Website builders lock you in place with templates and limited features, but a web designer is only as limited as to their own skillset.
Analyze Traffic: A good web designer will watch the site to ensure your content is optimized using SEO and other marketing practices.
Collaboration: Once you’ve developed a working relationship, your designer will have a deep understanding of your brand and can be there to adjust as your needs change.
Although there are several positives to hiring a web designer, there are also some negatives:
Cost: Professionally built websites are more costly. Depending on the complexity of your site, it may take longer to complete your web project.
Locked Features: Some web designers will lock specific features on your website, so you have to go back to the designer to make style or navigation changes.
Why Use A Website Maker?
Website makers capture the true spirit of DIY but take a lot of time and a bit of expertise to initiate. As you continue to use a website maker, you may enjoy the creative process.
There are many great reasons to choose a website builder, including:
Cost: No matter how advanced, website builders are more cost-effective than web designers. Most website builders start at $20 a month.
DIY Factor: With a website builder, you can undertake the process by yourself in a few hours. However, it may take days to tweak your website.
No Experience Necessary: It’s common for website builders to use drag-and-drop elements or pre-designed templates that require no coding experience.
Ease of Use: Web builders are designed for everyday people. With an easy-to-use interface, almost anyone can create a website from scratch.
Tech Support: If you have a problem navigating, editing, or designing your website, you can contact the company’s tech support via phone, email, or live chat.
Website makers also come with their fair share of negatives:
Limited Time and Functionality: Website makers come with limited options, and if you don’t have the time or experience to edit your design, it could look cookie-cutter.
Non-Transferable Content: Some website makers won’t let you transfer your content to another provider if you switch down the road.
Locked Features: Email forms, e-commerce, and mailing list integration features are locked behind paywalls. These little costs add up over time.
Your website is often the first touchpoint you’ll have with new potential customers. Although web designers cost more to hire, DIY websites may not be optimized and take a lot longer to make.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.