Picture this scenario: you're planning to build a website for your small business.
You've heard about website builders like Wix that promise a quick and easy way to put together a professional-looking site. On the other hand, you're also considering hiring a web designer to craft a bespoke website just for you.
Which option should you choose?
In this article we'll explore the benefits of hiring a web designer for your small business and demonstrate why that might be the best choice for you — compared to using a website builder on your own.
A web designer can help you make a brilliant first impression
We've all heard the saying "you never get a second chance to make a first impression", and this couldn't be more true when it comes to your website. It is often the first point of contact for potential customers, so it's important to make an excellent impression right off the bat.
An experienced web designer knows how to create a site that's not only visually appealing but user-friendly and effortless to navigate. They'll ensure that your website represents your brand in the best possible light and leaves a lasting impression on your visitors. For example, check out my portfolio to see how professional web design can transform your business's online presence.
In contrast, website builders like Wix offer templated designs that can limit your ability to create a truly unique and memorable website. While they might be straightforward to use, they often lack the flexibility and customisation options that a professional web designer can provide.
Improved user experience
When it comes to your website, usability is key. If visitors can't find what they're looking for or get frustrated by slow loading times, they'll quickly leave and may not come back. A designer offers the skills and experience to optimise your website's functionality, ensuring that users can easily navigate and find the information they need.
Web designers can also help you make the most of essential elements — like mobile responsiveness and accessibility compliance — to create a website that works seamlessly across different devices and caters to all users. Check out my website design and development services for more information on how a web designer can improve your site's functionality.
On the other hand, website builders can sometimes fall short in terms of advanced functionality and customisation. While they offer basic features and templates, they may not have the same ability to create custom solutions that a professional designer can provide via their expertise.
Search engine optimisation (SEO)
A beautifully designed website is no good if nobody can find it. That's why search engine optimisation (SEO) is so crucial as it boosts your website's ranking in search results, and thus making it far more likely that potential customers will find you.
Website builders like Wix often have built-in SEO tools, but they may not offer the same level of expertise and customisation as a professional web designer.
A professional web designer will incorporate all the best practices for SEO into your website's development through tailored a SEO strategy — improving its visibility and driving more traffic to your site.
For instance, they'll optimise your site's metadata and headings, and ensure that your content is keyword-rich, engaging and informative. They may also recommend that you make certain changes to your website, like the ones outlined in my blog post on changes you can make to keep visitors on your site.
Save time and effort
As a small business owner, your time is precious. Learning how to design and maintain a website can be time-consuming, and it's likely that you have many other things that require your attention. Although website builders like Wix might appear as a handier choice, they can end up taking quite a bit of time to get to grips with. Hiring a web designer means you can focus on running your business while they take care of the technical aspects of your online presence.
Not only will a web designer create your website, but they can also provide ongoing support and maintenance to ensure it continues to perform well. Check out my website support services to see how I can save you time and effort in the long run.
Stand out from the competition
The internet is a crowded place, and it's crucial for your business to stand out. A professional web designer will create a unique, custom design that sets your business apart and helps you establish a strong online presence.
By investing in a high-quality website, you're showing potential customers that you're serious about your business and care about their experience. A professional designer can also help you effectively showcase your products or services, making it more likely that visitors will become customers.
In contrast, website builders often rely on pre-made templates — limiting your ability to create something truly unique and memorable. By hiring a professional you can help ensure that your site stands out and leaves an impression on your intended audience.
Higher conversion rates
A well-designed website doesn't just look good – it also drives results. A professional web designer knows how to create a site that encourages people to take action — whether it's making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting you for more information.
By incorporating clear calls-to-action, easy-to-use forms, and engaging content, they can help you increase your conversion rates and ultimately leading to more sales and growth.
While website builders offer some conversion optimisation tools, they may not be as tailored or effective as the strategies implemented by a professional.
Stay up-to-date with trends and technology
The digital landscape is constantly evolving and it's therefore important for your website to stay current in order to remain competitive.
Website builders may not always offer the latest features and technologies and staying up-to-date may be more challenging when using a template-based web builder platform.
Whether it's implementing the latest design trends, optimising your website for mobile devices, or staying on top of the ever evolving landscape of SEO, a web designer will help your small business maintain a cutting-edge online presence that is optimised for peak performance.
Scalability and flexibility
As your small business grows it's essential that your website can grow with it. A professional can create a website that's both scalable and flexible — allowing you to add new features, functionality and content as your business expands.
Website builders like Wix may have some scalability options, but they can be limited in terms of the customisation and advanced features they offer. By hiring a web designer you'll have access to a wider range of tools and technologies that can help your website evolve alongside your business.
Tailored solutions for your business
Every business is unique and your website should reflect that.
With a website builder you're often limited to the pre-made templates and features available on the platform. While these can be helpful for getting started, they may not offer the level of customisation required.
A professional web designer will take the time to understand your business goals and target audience in order to create a website that's tailored to your objectives and reflects your brand's distinct identity.
Better integration with third-party tools
Your website may need to integrate with various third-party tools and services like payment gateways, email marketing platforms or customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
Website builders often have limited integration options, and setting up these integrations may not always be straightforward. By hiring a web designer, you can ensure that your website works seamlessly with the tools and services that are essential for your business operations.
How I can help your business
I can help your business establish a strong presence online with top-notch web design and development services to create a bespoke website tailored precisely to your organisation's needs. My comprehensive website support services also ensure your website stays up-to-date and performs at its best — allowing you to spend more time actually running your business.