In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business or individual looking to make an impact. But before you dive headfirst into crafting your online presence, have you considered the Con's of DIY website design?
The Pitfalls of DIY Website Design
While DIY website builders like Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace have made it easier than ever to create a DIY website, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks.
1. Professional Quality and Unique Design
DIY platforms offer templates that can get you started quickly, but a professional website designer can create a unique and tailored design that aligns with your brand identity. This uniqueness can set you apart from competitors and make a lasting impression on your visitors.
2. Time Efficiency
Building a website from scratch is time-consuming, especially if you lack experience. Learning the ins and outs of a platform, customising templates, and troubleshooting issues can take countless hours, and can be a hugely stressful process if you don't know what you're doing.
3. SEO Optimisation
SEO (say what???). Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is critical for getting your website noticed. Professional website designers understand the latest SEO practices and can build your site with these in mind. This means your site will be more likely to appear in search engine results, driving more traffic to your business.
4. Mobile Responsiveness
The majority of web traffic these days comes from mobile devices. Ensuring your website looks and functions well on all devices is essential. Some DIY platforms (WiX is an example) require a separate mobile edit. Many DIYers don't realise this, in which case their entire online presence is left looking amateur and half-finished (not a good look!)
5. Advanced Functionality
While DIY platforms offer basic functionalities, adding advanced features such as e-commerce capabilities, booking systems, or custom forms can be challenging. A professional designer has the expertise to integrate these features smoothly and efficiently, ensuring they work flawlessly.
6. Site Load Times
Website speed is crucial for retaining visitors. Slow-loading sites can frustrate users and lead to high bounce rates. Professionals optimise your site’s performance for efficient load times that enhance user experience and improve your search engine rankings.
7. Long-Term Cost Savings
While DIY options might seem cheaper upfront, they often lead to hidden costs down the road—whether it’s fixing errors, adding advanced features, or redesigning an ineffective site. Investing in a professional designer can save you money in the long run by delivering a high-quality, scalable website that meets your needs from the start.
Conclusion - Why Hire a Website Designer?
While DIY website builders offer a tempting solution for creating a website, the benefits of hiring a professional designer are clear:
A designer can create a unique and personalised website that captures the essence of your brand and sets you apart from the competition.
Designers have a keen eye for aesthetics and understand the nuances of user experience, creating a website that is not only visually appealing but also user-friendly and intuitive.
A designer knows the back end fundamentals of creating a fully functioning website, such as SEO, image alt tags, image sizing for load speed, mobile optimisation, connection to Google, etc.
So, the next time you find yourself torn between a DIY website and hiring a designer, remember that the right choice isn't just about cost-effectiveness—it's about creating a website that truly reflects your brand and captivates your audience, and has all the fundamental aspects in place to function correctly.
And, by hiring a website designer, you can focus on what you do best—running your business—while the expert handles the technical aspects.
At Wanderlust Design, we work with clients that are brand new to business, right through to larger organisations. And we are dedicated to working WITH you to get you online within your budget. There are many options, so please reach out and let's chat about your vision and see how we can bring it to life!
If you still want to DIY, check out my DIY tips BEFORE you begin: https://www.wanderlustdesign.co.nz/diy-wix-website-design
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