When you start a new business, what is one of the first things you must do? Create a website, of course! In our modern world, it is rare for a business to succeed without having a solid web presence. In fact, many brick-and-mortar businesses do more sales online than in their stores. If you are serious about creating a quality website for your business, your first step is to decide whether you want to use a website builder or hire a web designer.
Pros and Cons of Website Builders
If you have a very limited budget to work with, a website builder is probably going to be your cheapest option. Website builders typically provide a number of templates that you can choose from and then fill in the details of your business. Depending on the builder you choose, you may also be able to customize the website with additional forms and functions, like an online shopping cart or a menu for a restaurant. Keep in mind that using a website builder can be time-consuming if you want to really customize your website. However, if you are just looking for something simple, it might not be too bad. If you do not need any fancy customizations or sophisticated features, a website builder might be perfect for you.
When to Choose a Web Designer
If you really want your website to stand out and to look unique from your competitors, you may be better off hiring a web designer or a design service. Hiring a web designer will not be cheap (at least not for a good one), but the quality of the final product will be infinitely higher. If you want a website that offers special features and customizations, a web designer is definitely the way to go. If you do decide to hire a web designer or design service, just be sure to do your homework. Ask for references and check out samples of the designer’s work before hiring, and do not shop by price alone. Once you’ve selected someone, make sure to provide detailed instructions to ensure that the designer has a firm grasp of your vision and your expectations before he or she begins work.
The best way to make your business stand out is to have a high-quality website. Not everyone is a master web designer, however, so think about using a website builder or hiring a web designer to create a custom website for your business.
