When developing a website design business plan in 2023, you first must consider if you want a professional site designed or if a DIY website is best. This all depends upon your online goals. There are a plethora of DIY website builders online such as. WordPress basic, WIX, and Shopify for those wanting to have an e-commerce site.
The favorite pre-set features available are the popular drag-and-drop templates. These are easy to use and don’t require a lot of expertise in the field. These are great for entrepreneurs just starting out with little capital and not much time for getting started. There are paid and free versions based on your business model.
DIY website design is the most cost-effective for those just beginning to have an online presence. DIY platforms require no previous design skills and are perfect for those wanting to go it alone. Although business owners may consider this choice, they must know that “free” or lower-cost platforms may have a template or theme restrictions. DIY website builders provide customizable and creative features such as contact forms, image sliders, blogging opportunities, etc. Further, the DIY user can easily redesign the site as needed.
Simple to use and cost-effective, DIY website design is trendy. There are many themes to choose from. Enter your content, upload images, and add features as needed. A DIY website design will enable you to have an online identity quickly and without worrying about the cost. This type of web design is perfect for first-time site owners. But to generate sales over a long period of time, the DIY method does have drawbacks to consider which will be discussed next.
Disadvantages of DIY website design:
Using a DIY design theme for the first time will go more smoothly should you have basic coding or design skills. However, as a business owner, you may not have the time to spend learning these skills. Instead, you may be busy taking care of existing customers and working throughout the day on other things needed to keep the business running, Although a DIY project is a less expensive choice for design, there could be a few hidden disadvantages with DIY design.
Additionally, you may be surprised to see that you will have very little flexibility and control when it comes to improving your DIY website design. DIY templates normally do not have advanced, customizable features. To have more flexibility it is important that you choose a “premium” design theme which might include widgets or other applications.
Security issues and slow-loading DIY sites:
If there is a security breach the site must be backed up regularly and not all DIY platforms include automatic backup services. Another disadvantage is that many of the drag-and-drop FYI builder-grade sites load slower than professionally designed sites. The old saying about “time is money” is so true. If you do not have the time then spending some money to hire a professional may be your best choice as you run your online business.
Hiring professional designers:
Experience tells us that hiring industry experts to design the site brings the best SEO (search engine optimization) results. Professional designers plan and implement the latest smart technologies and understand UI (user interfaces) and user experience. They are familiar with different programming languages and which is best based upon the specific project being tackled. Being familiar with software such as Adobe Photoshop, HTML, CSS, and JS gives them the design expertise to develop today’s eye-catching and modern websites.
Website design experts:
A professional designer understands the latest design trends which will put the client ahead of the competition. The limitations are much less when compared to the DIY web builders and the conversion rate is increased substantially as the site is designed using advanced tools. Professional designers will focus on all details and avoid pitfalls and challenges ahead. If you have an e-commerce site, using professional programmers is a much better choice since the site will be programmed to stay up-to-date and full of user-centric features. Your site will be fully customized to your business needs and will function perfectly following customer requirements.
How important is tech support?
One of the most important advantages of hiring a professional designer is the ability to have 24/7 technical support. To make any changes and to address any issue that may arise you have the professional at your fingertips, just a phone call away. You can count on solutions quickly and efficiently.
At Orlando Website Design, we provide complete client support and offer our guidance every step of the way. We look forward to becoming your partner as you start your first website or look for help as you redesign your existing website design. Feel free to contact our Design Wizards to answer more questions regarding DIY design advantages and disadvantages as you prepare your online business plan. We wish all of you a happy and safe 4th of July holiday ahead. Stay connected for all things design and programming for 2023.
Jean Holland-Rose
Chief Creative Partner & SEO Professional
