Having an online presence is essential to the success of any business. Your website is an always present portal to your business, giving you the opportunity to reach new customers, share your unique values and build credibility. However, actually building that website can be far from simple.
One of the first decisions to make is how to build your website. There are essentially two options: design your own website using a website builder or hire a website professional to create your website for you. Both have advantages and disadvantages, depending on your business and unique needs.
When to Use a Website Builder
Website builders are often a more affordable solution compared to a custom website designed by a professional. This advantage makes tools like SiteBuilder, Wix, and SquareSpace an attractive option for those who are just starting out with their business and may have more limited finances.
Website builders are a less expensive option because they offer a more traditional, out-of-the-box design compared to a custom-built website. Pre-made page layouts, with the ability to let you customize your own content, take you from a blank page to a full website rather quickly. This is ideal for when you need a running website right away.
While these are reasons to consider a website builder, this solution does have its drawbacks. These platforms are more susceptible to security issues and lack the personalized guidance that come from hiring a professional designer. With only three percent of completed websites built using these DIY tools, there are compelling reasons to invest in a web designer.
When to Hire a Designer
You’re Ready to Make an Investment
Hiring a professional designer or company to create your website is an investment – one that shows that you are truly ready to commit to your business. This investment, in turn, provides you with a range of benefits that a website builder solution simply cannot. These benefits include improved security, professional guidance on best practices and a fully customized website solution with the advanced features your business needs.
You Need a Secure Solution
As they are so widely used, website builders are a popular target for hackers, malware and other threats. In addition, automatic updates from the website provider can result in further risks and problems for your site. A website custom-built by a professional is far less likely to experience these types of issues, and your designer can provide a personalized approach to dealing with any potential problems as they arise.
You Want a Unique Website
Even with edited colors and images, it’s nearly impossible to create a site with a website builder that looks truly original. When you hire a designer, the result is a website that was created just for your business and has the customized features you need, such as a password-protected members-only content or account area. Most website builders severely limit the functionality of your website.
You’re Looking for Professional Guidance
The right website designer can provide more than just an attractive and highly functional website for your business. They can provide valuable insights into web design best practices, SEO recommendations for your industry and even user testing of your website. These additional expert resources are something you won’t find with an out-of-the-box website builder.