When it comes to building a website for your small business, you have a few options: you can try to build it yourself using a website builder, build it from scratch on a hosting site using something like WordPress or Drupal, or hire a traditional web design firm or freelancer.
But why should you even consider professional web design in the first place?
Benefits of Professional Web Design
A professional web designer can bring a level of expertise and creativity to your website that many non-professionals cannot achieve on their own. Professional designers create sites that stand out and that are visually appealing, easy to navigate, and optimized for search engines.
Professional designers are able to create sites that prioritize user experience and that lead to more engagement, conversions, and sales. This leads to more validity for your site and brand because it doesn’t look like the thousands of sites made with the exact same template.
With a designer at your disposal, every aspect of your site is customizable and you can get the exact functionality your business needs to succeed. This can make a big difference in how your customers perceive your business and how easy it is for them to find the information they need.
Challenges and Downsides of Using Website Builders
While website builders can be a great option for some people, they do have their downsides. As we hinted at before, many website builders have limited customization options, which means your website may look similar to others using the same platform.
Website builders can be difficult to navigate and may not be as user-friendly as you need. And if you’re not tech-savvy, building your own website can be time-consuming and frustrating. Website builders aren’t standardized, so every platform has a different way of doing things, and even though many have drag and drop interfaces, that doesn’t mean you can escape coding entirely.
Any functionality necessary beyond the basics might not be possible. Integrating other sites and features, like social media, analytics, or other sales channels may be constrained. There are designers who only work with clients that need custom features on website builders, which can defeat the bargain of their low initial cost. Additionally, often website builders charge more for additional features that you may need.
Drawbacks of the High Costs of Using Traditional Design Firms
While capable of doing the most, traditional web design firms can be expensive, with prices often starting at $5,000 or more. This can be a big investment for a small business, and it may not be feasible for some companies. Additionally, many traditional web design firms require long-term contracts and ongoing maintenance fees, which can add up over time.
Why PageHoot is the Middle Way
PageHoot offers the best of both worlds: the expertise and creativity of a traditional web design firm, combined with the affordability and flexibility of a website builder. With our flat $99/month pricing structure, you’ll get a custom-designed website that is tailored to your specific business needs, without the high costs and long-term commitments of traditional firms. And we offer an all-in-one destination for business websites, which means everything is taken care of by us, so you can focus on running your business.
In conclusion, building your own website may seem like a cost-effective option, but it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks and the upside of professional web design. PageHoot offers professional web design at an affordable price, making it an outstanding and no-worry solution for small businesses. With our flat $99/month pricing structure, you’ll get a custom-designed website that is tailored to your specific business needs, without the high costs and long-term commitments of traditional firms.