Before you launch a website, there are various factors to consider. One of the key choices is whether to hire a web designer to build the site for you or go the DIY route.
If you make the decision to hire someone to create your website.. it can be expensive.
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When you build your own website you not only gain experience.. but in the process, you will be able to implement all of your own original ideas and create a site that looks exactly like the vision you have in your head.
I am always a huge proponent of doing things yourself. Not only due to the money saving aspect.. but in the process you will gain such valuable and much-needed experience.
Below we will explore some things to consider while contemplating whether you should hire a web designer to build your website.. or whether you should embrace the task at hand and enjoy the rewarding experience of building it yourself.
HIRING A WEBSITE DESIGNER CAN BE EXPENSIVE:
Cost is often the biggest consideration when deciding whether to build your own website or pay someone to do it for you. If you hire a web designer.. you will have to pay for their time and expertise. These costs can add up very quickly.
If you build your own website.. the only costs you will incur are for the registration of your domain name and your web hosting charges. These are things you will need anyway.. and the costs for these things are minimal.
To learn more about domain name registration as well as finding the best web hosting for your blog read the following posts:
* How to Register a Domain Name
* Best Web Hosting Services
If you read the articles we have provided here on our blog many of your questions will be answered. All the information you need to get started creating your own website is right here at your fingertips.
At a later date if you find that you want to incorporate some more technical things into your blog you can always hire someone for help in specific areas.
You will save money by doing some of the work yourself first. Then you can give your website developer an idea as to what it is you would like to add that is currently beyond the scope of your knowledge.
What ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BUILDING MY OWN WEBSITE?
You WILL Get Exactly What You Want:
Another advantage of building your own website is that you will be getting exactly what you want.
When you hire a web designer to design and build your website.. they will likely have ideas about what they feel it should look like and how it should function, based on other similar sites they have built.
However.. you likely have an idea in your head as to what you would like your site to look like. Often times it can be difficult to clearly describe your vision to someone else.
Even if you are able to communicate what it is you are looking for.. there is always a chance that something could go wrong in the execution. Designing and building your own website alleviates these issues and the stress involved.
BUILDING YOUR OWN WEBSITE IS a Learning Experience:
Another reason you might consider building your own website is because it’s a great learning experience.
The themes we recommend from Restored 316 Designs are very easy to customize.. even for the newest of newbies.
Additionally.. the people who have created these amazing themes provide excellent support to help you through any issues you may experience.
In designing and building your own website from scratch you will also gain valuable skills that can be helpful in other areas as well.
For example.. if you have the opportunity to learn even the smallest amount of code.. it can give you a better understanding of how websites work and will be very useful if you ever need to troubleshoot a problem at some future date.
The experience you gain from building your website can also be helpful if you ever decide to hire someone to help you with some of the more complicated features.
That way you will be able to explain what it is that you need and discuss the options in a knowledgeable way.
If you are still asking the question “Should I build my own website” the following are some more of the factors you should be considering.
SHOULD I PAY SOMEONE TO BUILD MY WEBSITE?
IF YOU BUILD YOUR OWN Website IT WILL BE UNIQUE:
Nowadays, it’s easy to find website templates online that you can use to create your site. While this is an option for those who want to save time and money.. it also means that your website will likely look pretty much like everyone else’s.
Building it yourself is the way to go if you want a website that truly reflects your brand and what you have to offer. This way.. you can add your personal touches and ensure that your website is uniquely you.. and stands out from the rest.
For instance, you can choose a unique color scheme, add custom graphics, or even create your own videos. The sky is the limit when you design and build your own website. For a truly unique site.. this is definitely the best option.
You ARE IN Control OF Maintenance and Updates:
Once your website is built.. some maintenance will be required from time to time.. such as updating your content and/or adding new products and services.
If you hire a web designer to design and build your website.. you may not be familiar with or comfortable with many of the day-to-day responsibilities of running the website.
You don’t want to find yourself in a position where you have to pay someone every time you need to make changes and/or updates.
On the other hand.. if you have built the site yourself you can log in and make any changes and updates yourself at your convenience.
You will not be at the mercy of your web designer.. who may be very busy with other clients and unable to get to your website for several days.
And, of course, in being able to do these things yourself.. you will not be incurring any additional costs.
When you are using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress.. you will need to stay current on updates to ensure that your website is secure from hackers.
You should always make sure WordPress is set to auto-update so the newest updates will be installed as they are released.
Another thing to keep in mind is that as your business grows.. your website will need to grow as well. If you want a website that can grow with your business.. it’s best to build it yourself.
If you have designed your website yourself.. you will be familiar with the functionality of your site, for the most part, and will be able to make changes and upgrades as need be.
You can always hire a web designer or technical expert on an as-needed basis to help in the event you would like to add some complex features that are beyond your capabilities.
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You Have a User Experience Upper hand:
User experience (UX) is a big factor in website design.. yet it’s so often overlooked. When planning your website.. you need to consider the user experience and how you would like people to interact with your site.
The goal is to make it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for and to navigate your site easily.
When you hire someone to build your website.. they may not necessarily have the same understanding of your business and your target audience the way you do.
If you build the site yourself.. you will have the opportunity to test things and make changes as you get a better feel for exactly what it is that your audience enjoys.
This gives you the upper hand in being able to create a website with an excellent user experience.
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT WHEN BUILDING A WEBSITE?
Search Engine Optimization:
The most important thing when building a website is Search Engine Optimization! You can have the most beautiful site on the planet.. but if no one can find it.. all of your design efforts will be in vain.
Anyone who expects to make money with their website will need to invest in a few eBooks and/or training courses to gain a good solid understanding of SEO!
To learn more about Search Engine Optimization.. read the following posts:
* SEO for Beginners
* SEO Training Courses You Actually Need
* The Best Blogging Courses to Grow a Blog
A high ranking in search engine results will make it more likely for people to find your website. This is important because, according to studies, nearly 60% of web traffic comes from organic search.
If you want your website to be successful, you must ensure your site as a whole.. as well as each individual post, is properly optimized for the search engines. When you build your own website.. you can ensure the highest level of optimization.
When hiring someone to build your website.. you will find that most people are either very well versed in the technical aspects and design aspects of designing websites.. or they are well versed in Search Engine Optimization.
This is because each of these professionals specializes in what they do best. Very seldom will you find someone who excels in both fields!
It’s kind of like finding that once-in-a-lifetime athlete who excels in two different sports.. like Bo Jackson or Deion Sanders.
In any case.. if you hire a web designer your site may not be properly optimized and could end up ranking lower in the SERPs. When you make it more difficult for people to find your site this will negatively impact your traffic and your business.
This is one of the main things you need to consider when seeking answers to the question: “Should I build my own website.. or pay someone?”
It’s Rewarding:
Last but not least, building your website yourself is much more rewarding.
When you see people visiting and interacting with your site.. it’s a great feeling of accomplishment knowing that you alone are responsible for designing your site.
You are the amazingly talented person behind it all.
Hiring someone to build your website takes away that feeling of accomplishment. It may be easier and less time-consuming.. but it is not nearly as satisfying. When you build your own website, you can take pride in knowing that you created it yourself.
IN Conclusion:
In finding the answer to the question.. “Should I hire a web designer or build it myself?” the above points are factors that need to be taken into consideration.
Building your website may take more time and effort, but it’s ultimately so much more rewarding.
You have complete control over your site and can ensure it is exactly how you want it to be.. and that it portrays your vision accurately.
If you have the intellect, the patience and the desire to learn.. building your own website is always your best option.
About the Author: Sherry Bennett
Ms. Bennett is a Professional Blogger, who has been earning a living online with niche websites for 25+ years.
Through hard work and dedication, she has turned her passion for blogging into a 7-figure business.. and you can do the same.
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