So you need a new website: should you make it yourself or get a pro?

There are so many of DIY website builders available, so it’s tempting to take the bull by the horns and create your own website. Why pay a pro your hard-earned dosh to do something you can just whip up yourself?

Seriously though, it’s worth considering the benefits of investing in a professional website designer vs making it yourself…

Hidden costs of DIY website builders

DIY website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and GoDaddy can tempt you with the promise of low monthly fees and user-friendly interfaces. While the initial cost might seem like peanuts, some hidden expenses can quickly add up:

• Subscription fees: the base price often excludes essential features like custom domain names, e-commerce capabilities, and advanced design options.
• Add-ons and plugins: many necessary functionalities, such as SEO tools, security features, and analytics, come at an extra cost.
• Premium themes: basic themes are often limited, pushing users towards purchasing premium designs to achieve a professional look.

These incremental costs can often be more than the flat fee of hiring a professional web designer.

Do you really know what you’re doing?

DIY tools have improved a lot, but they still can’t match the results that a professional web designer can produce. Here’s why:

• Customisation: professionals can create bespoke designs tailored to your actual business needs and brand identity, which is often impossible with off-the-shelf templates.
• Functionality: bespoke features like membership systems and interactive elements require coding skills beyond the capabilities of most DIY builders.
• SEO: proper search engine optimisation requires a deep understanding of SEO, which professionals can seamlessly integrate into your site design.
• Success: does your site actually meet your goals and attract your target market, as well as drive them to take action and contact you?

A professionally designed website not only looks better but also performs better, driving more traffic and conversions.

Ongoing maintenance and updates

Websites are not a one-time investment; they require regular updates and maintenance to stay secure and functional. DIY sites often fall behind in content updates. This can seriously affect your Google ranking. A neglected site isn’t going to consistently appear high on search engines.

Professional designers often offer maintenance packages that ensure your website remains in optimal condition, saving you the headache and potential loss of business from site issues. Or with me, I give the option of training you to manage your site yourself.

Time is money

Creating a website isn’t just about dragging and dropping elements. It requires:

• Planning and research: understanding your audience and what your competitors are doing
• Design and development: creating a visually appealing and functional site that aligns with your brand
• Testing and troubleshooting: making sure the site works seamlessly across all devices and browsers

For someone without web design expertise, these tasks can be time-consuming and frustrating. Every hour spent on your website is an hour not spent on your business.

Finally, consider the opportunity cost. The time and energy you spend learning web design and managing your site could be better invested in growing your business, improving customer relationships, or expanding your product line. By delegating your website to a professional, you free up valuable resources to drive your business forward!