Did you know there are currently 1.33 billion websites online right now?
The vast majority of these sites are built using a basic web page maker. If you’re getting ready to build a site, you might be considering using this DIY method yourself.
As tempting as it sounds, you stand a much better chance of creating a successful website if you leave the designing to the pros.
In this post, we’ll discuss eight reasons why you should hire a web designer instead of DIY web page builder.
Web Page Maker vs. Web Designer: What’s the Difference?
Before we begin, let’s make it clear what we’re talking about.
A web page maker is a free or inexpensive tool that allows you to create your own basic website. Because it relies on preset templates and plugins, you don’t have to have any coding or design knowledge to use it.
In contrast, a professional web designer isn’t limited by preset templates. In fact, he or she will build you a custom website from scratch, perfectly tailored to suit your business and your audience.
Of course, not everyone needs to spend thousands of dollars hiring a web designer to build them a custom site.
A simple web page maker may be fine for individuals setting up:
- A hobby blog
- A travel blog
- An unfunded startup
- An unproven concept
- A small non-profit
On the other hand, you probably want to hire a web designer if:
- Your business is local and you have many competitors
- Your business generates over $250,000 per year in revenue
- You’re a solopreneur (consultant, attorney, real estate agent, etc.)
- You run a high transaction value business ($5,000+ per transaction)
Still unsure which path to take? Here are eight compelling reasons to consider a professional web designer for your business website.
1. Better Search Engine Rankings
Unless you’re a web designer yourself, chances are you’re no SEO expert.
In fact, most of us can’t even define search engine optimization (SEO)–let alone know how to achieve it. And without a site that’s optimized for search results, your site will disappear in the jumble of 1.33 billion other websites.
But wait, don’t those DIY page builders come with SEO tools? Yes, but the truth is that most plug-and-play templates feature little if any SEO strategy.
Web designers, however, are experts in SEO strategy. They know how to do keyword research and read competitive analyses. They can take all this knowledge and use it to build you a site that will feature high search result rankings.
And isn’t that what all of us want?
2. Grow As Your Business Grows
Do you know where your business will be in six months? Twelve months? Five years?
Of course, there’s no way of knowing for sure exactly how successful you’ll be. Still, you need to prepare for the future growth you’re hoping for.
What happens when your business takes off and you need to add an online shopping cart to your site? What if you want to integrate your site with another platform?
If you use a basic web page maker, you might be unpleasantly surprised to learn that you don’t truly “own” your site. It’s more like renting a piece of online real estate.
And like any rental property, you may be limited in the number of changes and upgrades you can make to your site.
3. More Credibility
While those drag-and-drop site builders are easy to use, they also create a glaring problem.
They all look alike.
Because those free or cheap templates are so common, virtually all DIY websites look identical. Your site will look almost the same as a million other sites.
A web designer isn’t limited by templates and free plugins. He or she can create a business website that is truly unique and offers a one-of-a-kind user experience.
In a world with over a billion websites, there’s no better way to stand out.
4. Better Security
Did you know there are over 4,000 cybersecurity attacks on businesses every single day?
If you rely on a basic web page maker, you may be leaving your fledgling site vulnerable to cyber predators. On the other hand, a web designer will build your site in such a way to protect it from the most common types of attacks.
And on the off-chance a security breach does occur, your designer will know exactly how to handle the situation. They keep on top of the latest security protocols and will ensure all your valuable information is backed up and secure.
5. Expert Design Insight
Have you thought about whether to use serif or sans-serif font? What about the color scheme for your website?
These may not seem super critical, but the truth is that these basic design elements could make or break your website.
94% of users place more importance on site design than actual content. So if your site isn’t easy to read, view, and navigate, no one’s going to stick around.
Web designers are experts in fonts, color psychology, and logo design. They know how to build a site that will attract–and not repel–potential customers.
6. All Those Add-Ons Add Up
Those low monthly fees on web page builder sites are tempting.
But what happens if you want to upgrade your site? What if you need more storage space or want access to your site analytics?
Before you know it, all those little extra fees could really add up.
Wouldn’t it be better to anticipate future growth and start with a website that can grow as your business grows? The upfront investment may actually save you in the long run.
7. Access to the Latest Technology
With technology increasing at a breakneck pace, it’s impossible to keep on top of the latest developments.
It’s not enough now to ensure your site is optimized for mobile. You also need to keep track of your analytics, plugins, and make adjustments as necessary.
Since most of us wouldn’t even know where to start with all that, it’s better to leave the techie stuff to the experts. Web designers know exactly what’s needed to build a solid site and keep it functioning at a high level.
8. Ongoing Support
Imagine there’s an issue with your DIY site. You’re on the phone with tech support, and they’re explaining that you need to update your DNS.
The problem? You have no idea what a DNS is.
If something goes wrong on the site you built yourself, you may be ill-equipped to fix it.
A web designer, though, will make your life so much easier. They’ll handle any technical problems for you, leaving you free to run your business.
Should You Use a Web Page Maker?
The decision, of course, is up to you.
However, given the eight items stated above, you have ample reason to hire a web designer instead of relying on a web page maker. A designer will ensure your website–and your business–sees the growth and success you’re looking for.
At OSO Web Studio, we offer much more than basic web design. We invite you to learn more about our services to see how we can help your company thrive.
You may also contact us with any questions or concerns. We look forward to hearing from you!
