A well-designed website is a powerful tool that attracts customers and builds trust while showing the uniqueness of your brand. A professional website is crucial for the success of your business.
However, with the rise of DIY website builders, you might be tempted to take the do-it-yourself approach to create a website.
How can a DIY website builder harm your business?
Lack of Customization
DIY website builders have a pre-designed templates that may look appealing, but they lack the flexibility to truly reflect your brand’s unique identity. The DIY template you choose will have limited customization options.
Your website is a reflection of your business and your unique brand. If you choose a cookie-cutter design, your site just looks like so many other websites. The challenge is being confined to generic templates that lack customization.
Your business needs to stand out from your competition online. The design needs to make a great first impression on visitors.
Limited Functionality & Features
DIY builders have basic options that are perfect for entry level websites. What happens when you need more advanced functions and features?
As your business grows, you may require specific features such as e-commerce, customer management systems, or integrations with tools that only professional web designers can offer. DIY website builders often fall short in specialized functions which limits your website’s potential.
Poor User Experience
User experience is crucial for any website’s success and is an important factor to Google.
Sure, DIY website builders give you easy drag-and-drop interfaces, but they often overlook the importance of user experience (UX) design principles.
DIY websites lack the necessary user-friendly functions designed to keep visitors engaged. Potential customers bounce when they can’t find when they need.
Professional web designers understand layout, navigation, and user flow which ensures a seamless experience for visitors, and keeps them on your site longer.
Lack of Mobile Responsiveness
It’s a mobile world, and having a mobile-responsive website is a requirement, not a choice!
That DIY website you’re building might claim to be mobile-friendly, but in reality, the responsiveness is often generic and subpar.
Your DIY site might not be all that responsive, resulting in a poor user experience, low search engine rankings, and lost opportunities.
With a huge majority of traffic coming from mobile devices, your website has to adapt flawlessly to different screen sizes. A professional web designer has the tools needed to provide a better user experience that is fluid on all devices.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Limitations
Search engine optimization (SEO) is how your website gets found in Google search results and brings organic traffic.
A DIY website builder might give you limited access to SEO elements such as metadata, heading tags, and URL structure – but that’s not enough.
Without proper SEO optimization, your website may struggle to rank well, further reducing its reach and reducing potential customer leads.
A professional web designer will possess technical expertise and an understanding of industry best practices when it comes to SEO.
Time and Maintenance Constraints
Do you really have the time it takes to build your website? Most business owners have more important things to do like running their company.
Building and maintaining a website involves more than just the initial setup.
DIY website builders might sound easy and cheap at first, but as your business grows and your website needs evolve, you’ll waste valuable time trying to work within the constraints of the DIY limitations. And there’s that monthly fee you’re paying that adds up.
Leave the work to a web pro so you can put your attention back on managing your business – where your attention belongs!
Lack of Professional Support
Customer support is limited, or you have to rely on a community forum for assistance.
Just don’t expect timely responses or personalized service from an expert. Wait time is typically 24 hours for an answer to a trouble ticket.
A professional web designer handles any technical issues that might arise. They also offer personalized support and expertise when it comes to helping you manage your website.
My clients know they can call or email for speedy, friendly replies. My support team resolves issues in as little as ten minutes.
Skip the DIY Website Builders
While DIY website builders might sound cheap and convenient, they often fall short in meeting what your business needs. And those monthly feeds will add up quickly.
Remember, your website is often the first point of contact for potential customers, so you have to appear professional from the start.
Investing in a professional web designer for a customized, user-focused website that grows with your business.
Plus, you’re investing in your community when you hire a local designer.