Should I hire an expert to build my website?
Most business owners and entrepreneurs realize it’s important to have a website.
But how important? Can you build it yourself, or is it worth spending some money to have an expert handle the job? After years in the digital marketing space working with all kinds of businesses, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, it’s clear to us that professional web development is a worthwhile investment. Here are a few reasons why:
Your time and money are valuable.
While it’s true that many web building platforms advertise quick, “do-it-yourself” websites, it’s probably fair to say that, though a savvy business owner, web design isn’t your area of expertise. Do you really want to spend your valuable time Googling “best ideas for a great homepage,” or troubleshooting social media widgets?
Experts Are More Efficient
You probably don’t waste time deciphering your business taxes without an accountant or fixing the office toilet without a plumber, so why try to tackle your company’s website on your own? The truth is, professionals are much more efficient and less likely to screw up.
The Hidden Costs of DIY
Speaking of screwing up, fixing and rebuilding a DIY website is always more expensive than starting off strong in the first place. An experienced marketer can create an effective digital strategy that makes sense for your unique business. This allows your website to be a tool ideally suited for the business you are growing. Plus, a professional will build it right the first time.
You respect your audience.
Your time is valuable, and so is the time of your customers. By respecting them enough to offer them clear, accessible information, you’re setting the tone for how they’ll feel when they interact with your business.
User Experience is Everything
The people visiting your site should quickly and intuitively find what they need and make a connection with you. If it’s not easy, they’ll click elsewhere. It’s called User Experience, or UX, and it’s super important. Whether you’re hoping to gather contact information or sell products online, good design can raise your website’s success rate by up to 200%.
Experts Improve User Experience
A web expert will research your target audience, identify your goals, and strategically design your site to convert users into customers. Research shows that, on average, every $1 invested in UX brings $100 in return. But on top of that, you’ll be communicating respect for the clients you’re hoping to work with. You won’t waste their time; not on your website or in person.
You want your website—and your business—to stand out.
You’ve spent a lot of time and energy becoming great at what you do.
But chances are, you’ve got competition. The online space is full of businesses fighting for attention and it’s going to take more than a one-size-fits-all template to make your company stand out. How do you ensure your site isn’t lost in the fray? You guessed it—that’s where the professionals come in.
SEO is Critical (and Complicated)
93% of online experiences begin with a search engine. So, making sure your website appears in search results is key. That’s why Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is so important. It’s also fairly complex. There are powerful tools that can increase your website’s performance, but the algorithms of these tools change constantly. A web expert stays up on the trends and helps craft important details, like keywords and optimized URLs, to ensure your business stays visible in the marketplace. Oh, and don’t forget about paid search! The art of crafting ads and running Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns is not for the faint of heart.
Branding Matters
Every web user, whether they’re aware of it or not, is judging your business based on your website’s look and feel. An expert knows that a website is your chance to make a good first impression. That’s why a memorable brand identity is crucial. For many users, this creates an intangible “feeling” that, when executed well, will compel them to get in touch or buy your product. As a matter of fact, consistent branding can increase revenue by 23%.