Are DIY Website Builders The Best Option for your business?

HVD Studios • Dec 01, 2021

Should you make your own website or hire a website designer to do this for you?

As a business owner, one of the biggest decisions you'll have to make is deciding the fate of your virtual space. Do you hire someone to create a website for you or by default, will you have to make your own due to your current financial situation? 

We've come up with 5 things you'll need to consider before making the leap.  They aren't solutions to your decisions, just something to think about.

Let's get started...
1. Are you computer literate?

This question is first for a reason.  There are many business owners who simply aren't comfortable enough with personal computers outside of using one to check emails or do online shopping.  As a website owner, it will be your responsibility to first determine which do it yourself website builder is best for your needs and from there, you'll need to find the right template, modify it, buy and connect your domain name, purchase hosting, launch the site, and then make updates as they are needed.

2. Are you patient enough to make your own website?

There are many things that go wrong when using a do it yourself website builder.  They are marketed as "easy to use" but believe us, we had to devote an entire studio to assisting customers who struggle doing this.    Do you get frustrated easily? Does sending off emails or calling an 800 number to get help something that seems like a burden to do? If you lose patience easily (patience is needed when making your own website), you may need to keep this in mind.

3. Do you have the time?

It takes your average person about 2-3 months to make a website that they feel comfortable enough to show.  Using templates seem easy enough, but when you start substituting your own images with the placeholder images, and when you start learning your way around the various options and features of the editor you are using, the website ends up taking on a look of its own and to many, this look isn't a good one. One day turns into a week and a week turns into a month.

You'll also need to learn the non technical aspects of making your own website such as SEO.  Since you are the owner, you'll need to spend time troubleshooting when issues arise.

4.  Do you have the eye for design?

 When working from template, one thing to keep in mind is that they are basically the frame to your new home.  It's up to you to add the drywall, plumbing, electrical, and roof to make it yours.

 Choosing the right colors and right images can have a huge impact on how your website will look.  Images that are blurry or fuzzy will instantly make your website unattractive and using the wrong colors can either uplift of dampen the mood of your customers. You also need to consider visitors who are colorblind or visually impaired.

 5. Can you afford it?

 So you saved thousands of dollars by making your own website which is great but you also need to factor in the other costs.  Most website builders run around $20/mo or so to host. If you are selling items (e-commerce) or maybe have a booking system on your website, these are additional costs that can easily increase your monthly investment an additional $45 or so.  Just something to consider.

 Get the help you need

 We are certified and experienced trainers using the Wix Platform.  If you are using a do it yourself website builder and are struggling, we can help. Visit us at Studio D or contact us and we'll be more than happy to assist.

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