There are more ways to create a website for your business than ever. Anyone can find a website builder and make their own website in less than a day. Website builders are increasingly easy to use and affordable. But that doesn’t mean they’re right for everyone.
Many opt for a professional web development company instead. A web development company can create a unique and professional website. And you’ll have more time to focus on your business if you leave your website to the professionals.
But how can you decide if a website builder or a web development company is right for you? Here are a few factors to keep in mind.
Website Complexity
First, you need to analyze what features and functionalities your website needs. Are you a freelancer that needs a simple portfolio website? Or do you have a retail business that needs an online shop and the ability to accept payments through your website?
Once you’re sure about the features your website will need, you can decide what option will fit your needs best. You may find that most website builders don’t offer all the functions you need, or that you want to make a more complex website without the restrictions of templates.
However, if you want a simple website to show off your portfolio and explain your services, a website builder should have everything you need. With multiple templates to choose from, you can build a beautiful website that will attract customers using a website builder.
Budget
Another factor to consider is your budget. If you’re starting a new business and don’t have a lot of capital to work with, maybe paying thousands of dollars for a website isn’t feasible. A website builder might seem like a cheap and easy way to get your website up and running.
However, you should think carefully about what will be best for your business in the long run. If your business is mainly or entirely online, it might be worth it to invest in a professionally designed website. Professional web developers can also design your website so that it ranks higher in search engine results, which will put your website in front of more customers. A website is an important investment, so don’t just decide on the cheapest option.
Professional web developers’ rates typically start at $30 an hour and can be much higher. If you need a website for your portfolio, blog, or small business, the cost of hiring a web developer might be too high. In this case, a website builder is an excellent, cost-effective option.
Time
Although website builders are pretty easy to use, it’s still time-consuming to make a website. You have to decide on the design, colors, menus, and page styles. It can be overwhelming for someone who’s never created a website before. Designing your own website is going to take time that as a business owner you might not have.
If you hire a web development company or a freelancer to create your website, you’ll be free to run your business without fretting about what Squarespace template to use. They can provide you with support and website maintenance so you never have to worry about your website not working properly. The pros know how to make a more reliable and secure website, reducing the risk of your website getting hacked. They’ll also make your website mobile-friendly so that people can easily navigate it from their phones. It takes time to integrate all of these features into a website and it’s no small task for an amateur.
On the other hand, if you have some time to create your own website and don’t mind learning how to use a website builder, you can get a simple website up and running pretty quickly. Website builders are easy to use, especially if you’re tech-savvy. Although design features are somewhat limited, you can still create a website that shows off your business’s personality.
It’s also a great opportunity to learn the basics of building a website. You can research tips on how to create an appealing website that your customers will love.
There’s no doubt that having a website for your business is essential. It can help you to reach more customers and it will make your business look professional. Whether you should hire a web development company or build your own website depends on the purpose of your website. For freelance portfolios, blogs, and even some small businesses, website builders should have everything you need to make your website. You’ll have some limitations on design and functions and it will take a bit of time to create your ideal site. But web builders are an accessible, easy-to-use, and affordable way to start your business’ website. However, if your website needs are more complex, it’s best to hire a professional web developer or a web development company. It will cost more, but it will save you time and you’ll get a well-designed professional website.