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As a small business owner, you know that every dollar counts. When it comes to creating a website for your business, you might be tempted to go the DIY route to save some cash. But is that always the best choice? Let’s dive into the world of web design and figure out when it makes sense to roll up your sleeves and when it’s time to call in the pros.
The Allure of DIY Web Design
We get it – the idea of building your own website can be pretty exciting. With platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress making it easier than ever to create a decent-looking site, why wouldn’t you give it a shot? Here are some reasons why DIY might seem appealing:
- Cost savings: Let’s face it, building your own website is usually cheaper upfront than hiring a professional.
- Complete control: You get to call all the shots, from colors to content.
- Learn new skills: Who doesn’t love adding “web designer” to their resume?
- Instant gratification: You can start building right away and see immediate results.
But before you jump headfirst into the DIY pool, let’s look at the other side of the coin.
The Power of Professional Web Design
While DIY has its perks, working with a professional web design agency can take your online presence to the next level. Here’s why:
- Expertise and experience: A good web design agency has seen it all and knows what works.
- Time-saving: While you focus on running your business, the pros handle the technicalities.
- Customization: Get a unique website tailored to your specific business needs.
- Optimization: Professionals ensure your site is fast, mobile-friendly, and search engine optimized.
- Support and maintenance: Many agencies offer ongoing support to keep your site running smoothly.
When to DIY Your Web Design
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. When does it make sense to take the DIY route?
You’re Just Starting Out
If you’re testing the waters with a new business idea, a simple DIY site can be a good starting point. For example, if you’re launching a food blog or a small Etsy shop, a template-based website can get you online quickly and affordably.
You Have a Super Tight Budget
When every penny counts, and you can’t afford professional help, DIY is better than no website at all. Many small nonprofits or local community groups start with DIY sites to establish an online presence without breaking the bank. We love to support new businesses so check out our offer made specially for those just starting out.
You Have Some Design Skills
If you’ve got an eye for design and some basic tech know-how, you might be able to create a decent site. Maybe you’ve taken some design courses or have experience with graphic design software. These skills can translate well to web design.
Your Needs Are Simple
For a basic online presence or a simple blog, DIY platforms can often do the trick. A local handyman or a small yoga studio, for instance, might only need a few pages with contact information and a list of services.
You Have Time to Learn
If you’re excited about learning web design and have the time to invest, DIY can be a great learning experience. This could be especially beneficial if you’re in a creative field and want to expand your skill set.
You’re Comfortable With Technology
This is a very important one.
If you’re the type who enjoys tinkering with new software and isn’t afraid of a little troubleshooting, you might enjoy the DIY process. This comfort level can make the learning curve less steep.
You Want to Understand the Basics
Even if you plan to hire a professional down the line, starting with a DIY site can help you understand the basics of web design. This knowledge can be valuable when communicating with professionals later on.
You Need to Launch Quickly
Sometimes, you just need to get online fast. DIY platforms allow you to launch a basic site in a matter of hours or days, which can be crucial for time-sensitive projects or events.
When to Invest in Professional Web Design
Now, let’s talk about when it’s time to bring in the big guns. Here are some signs that it’s time to look for a web design agency:
Your Business is Growing
As your business expands, your website needs to keep up. A professional can ensure your site scales with your business. For instance, if your small bakery is expanding to offer online ordering and delivery, a web design agency can help create a user-friendly e-commerce platform.
You Need Advanced Features
If you’re looking to add e-commerce, custom booking systems, or other complex features, it’s time to call the pros. A restaurant owner wanting to add online reservations or a fitness studio needing a class booking system would benefit from professional help.
You’re in a Competitive Market
In crowded industries, a stellar website can set you apart. A Chicago web design agency, for example, can help local businesses stand out in the bustling Windy City market. They understand the local competition and can create a site that appeals to your specific audience.
Your DIY Site Isn’t Performing
If your current site isn’t bringing in leads or sales, a professional redesign could turn things around. Maybe your bounce rate is high, or your conversion rate is low. A web design agency can analyze these issues and create a site optimized for better performance.
You’re Rebranding
A rebrand is the perfect time to invest in a professional website that reflects your new image. A web design agency can ensure your online presence aligns perfectly with your new brand identity, from colors and fonts to overall user experience.
You’re Short on Time
Running a business is time-consuming. If you can’t dedicate time to building and maintaining a website, it’s worth investing in professional help. This is especially true for businesses that need frequent updates, like news sites or frequently changing product catalogs.
You Need a Unique Design
If standing out is crucial for your business, a cookie-cutter template site won’t cut it. A web design agency can create a custom design that truly represents your brand and sets you apart from the competition.
You’re Targeting a Specific Audience
If you have a niche market, a professional can help you create a site that speaks directly to your target audience. For example, a Chicago web design agency would understand how to create a site that appeals to local customers while also attracting tourists.
You Need Ongoing Support and Maintenance
Websites aren’t a “set it and forget it” thing. They need regular updates, security patches, and sometimes troubleshooting. Many web design agencies offer ongoing support packages, giving you peace of mind and a reliable point of contact for all your website needs.
You Want to Improve Your SEO
While DIY platforms offer some SEO features, a professional web designer can implement advanced SEO strategies. They can optimize your site structure, improve loading speeds, and ensure your content is structured for maximum search engine visibility.
You Need to Integrate With Other Systems
If your website needs to connect with other business systems (like CRM software, inventory management, or marketing automation tools), professional help can ensure smooth integration and data flow.
Finding the Middle Ground
Here’s a little secret: it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Many small businesses find success with a hybrid approach. You might start with a DIY site and then hire a professional to improve it. Or you could work with a web design agency for the initial build and then maintain the site yourself.
For example, you could hire a Chicago web design agency to create a custom, professional-looking site, and then use their training to update content yourself. This approach gives you the best of both worlds – a high-quality website and the ability to make quick updates without ongoing costs.
An important note to keep is that the visitors will judge you by the look of your website, so if you do decide to go the DIY route, make sure to watch YouTube tutorials and learn some basics of web design.
A bad looking website is like a bad looking space, people tend to leave.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
At the end of the day, the choice between DIY and professional web design comes down to your specific needs, budget, and goals. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- How important is my website to my business success?
- What’s my budget for web design?
- How much time can I dedicate to building and maintaining a website?
- What level of customization and functionality do I need?
- How tech-savvy am I?
Remember, your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. Whether you choose to DIY or work with a web design agency, make sure your site reflects the quality and professionalism of your business.
The Bottom Line - Knowing What & When Makes The Difference
Whether you’re a boutique owner in Wicker Park or a consultant downtown, your website is a crucial part of your business. While DIY web design can be a great option for some, don’t be afraid to invest in professional help when you need it. A skilled web design agency can create a site that not only looks great but also drives real results for your business.
And hey, if you’re in the Chicagoland area and decide to go the professional route, there are plenty of talented Chicago web design agencies ready to help. Just remember to do your homework, ask for portfolios, and choose an agency that understands your vision.
Your website is your digital storefront. Whether you build it yourself or bring in the pros, make sure it’s one you’re proud to show off. Happy designing!
Read Next
Social Media Marketing on a Budget: Tips for Small Businesses – click here.
External Links
The Pros and Cons of DIY Website vs. Professionally Developed – Enterpreneur – click here.
About the Author
Since early age (circa 2005.) Alex has been a student of informational technologies.
Having honed skills in VB & C++, he went on to learn web technologies all while keeping design, graphics, video, and animation as his hobby.
Alex helped countless businesses establish their brand & digital presence, in the form of websites, apps, marketing campaigns, and more.
In 2020 he sold his well-established digital agency to pursue an art career, but decided to come back to the world of digital in 2023.
ALEX DAWSON – Evolve with Digital