Custom Website Design VS. DIY: Which One is Right for You?
Your website is the digital face of your business. It's often the first impression for potential customers or clients. Launching a website that is both strategic and converts can make or break a business's potential revenue. Imagine waking up to sales notifications or new lead inquiries – this can be your reality with a little planning, strong copywriting, and a strategic and stunning website. This is your opportunity to wow your potential client!
In this blog post, we'll discuss the pros and cons of custom design versus DIY templates, and by the end, you'll know which option is right for you.
Hire a Website Designer
Investment:
A well-done custom website can typically start around $2,800 for 3-5 pages and increase to over $10,000. There are many amazing website designers out there who would be happy to take on your project. The challenge can be finding the right fit.
The Pros:
Saves Time and Energy: Hiring a website designer can save you time, energy, and, most importantly, money. You might be wondering how spending $2,800+ on a website saves money.
Let's think of it this way: your time is money. If you're spending days, weeks, or even months on your website, you're losing money. Also, a well-done and strategic website has the potential to convert a larger amount of sales or leads in your business. Essentially, your website is an investment that pays you back over time, not an expense.
Fully Customized Site: This means that you get exactly what your business needs, and you can be confident in your decisions. Your designer will help you strategically set up and layout a website that is unique to your business goals.
The Cons:
Cost is Higher Than DIY Option: The cons of hiring a website designer can range from connecting with the wrong designer for your business. There is a website designer out there for you; you just need to find them. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach. From design style to experience to niche, the biggest piece of advice is to do your research and find a designer you connect with. A good website designer doesn't have to have years of experience, and years of experience doesn't always result in the right designer for your business.
Ensure that your designer gets the vision before hiring them.
Time commitment: While the time commitment is significantly less than DIY, you will still need to dedicate time in gathering resources for your designer and providing feedback. There is also the fact of waiting for your website design date. Designers typically book out their calendars in advance. Meaning if you are looking to launch a website quickly this may not always be the best option for you.
However, there are designers that offer quick turnaround projects. If you are someone that wants to launch quickly, and does not want to wait weeks or months this type of design may be the perfect option for you.
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Who It Is For and Who It Isn’t For:
Custom website design is for the entrepreneur who is ready to take action to launch a strategic website that works for them and their business. If your time is more valuable to you than the cost of the custom project, then you know that custom design is for you. Or if you just don't want the stress of continuously wearing all the hats in your business.
Ready to explore custom design? Contact me for a free consultation
DIY Design
Investment:
The cost of a template can range anywhere from $197 to $1,500.
The Pros:
There are an excessive number of website templates available for every website builder out there. The catch is to find a website template that fits your needs before making that purchase. These templates typically come with video tutorials, bonus resources, and technical support.
The cost is significantly less than a custom project or hiring someone to help you. If you are just starting out or do not have the funds available to invest in a designer right now Templates are an amazing resource and starting point.
You do not have to wait days, weeks, or months to launch a strategic well designed website. If you find the right template you could launch within a weekend or even a few hours if you are truly dedicated.
The Cons:
Like many things in this world, not all templates were created equal. There is a time commitment when it comes to DIYing your website, and you need at least a small amount of technical skills to succeed. If you are a self-starter this option may be perfect for you.
Time Commitment: When you DIY you are committing your time and energy to customizing the template and launching your website. This may include learning new skills, going through rounds of trial and error, and requiring things out on your own with limited support.
Finding a template that works for you: I cannot stress this enough. Do your research before purchasing a template. Find the correct template for your business can save you time and limit any frustration you have when launching. Ideally you can find a template for you business that has everything you need from pages, to sections, to tutorials.
Who It Is For and Who It Isn’t For:
You are ready to launch a website quickly, but you are not ready to invest in a custom project. Ideally, you have a little technical knowledge, and know you can figure out anything with a video tutorial. If you like the idea of DIY but are unsure if you can make the needed changes to customize your template there is always the option to purchase a Template Customization Package.
What to Do Next
Now that you've figured out which option is best for you, it's time to take action. Stop wasting time, losing potential leads, and showing off a website that is not strategic for your brand. Your website is an asset, not an expense. I challenge you to treat it as such.
