If you own a business but do not have a website, then you have already missed out on leads. But still, you can revive it with the establishment of a fully functional website. Although, in the modern digital landscape, every business needs a captivating online presence. In the digital age, almost every customer first searches for services and products online. Research found that 85% of consumers conduct online research before buying online. So, if you do not have a strong online presence, it means you are behind your competitors.
Secondly, a website acts as a mirror for your business. In addition, having an ecommerce website allows you to show your products and also acts as a payment gateway. So, you must have a visually appealing website to attract visitors.
Whether you are new to business or experienced, there are two main options for you to craft a functional website. Hiring professionals or using ecommerce website creators. It is up to you, either do it yourself or hire a pro! But which will work pretty much better is again a burning question. Both have their own pros and cons. But it depends on your preference what suits your needs. Here, we have covered some important considerations that will help you find the right entry.
Let us delve deeper!
DIY Ecommerce Website Platforms
What Are DIY Website Platforms and How Do They Work?
DIY website builders are the platform for ordinary people to design and build their sites. You do not need any technical or design expertise.
One of the attractive features of online website creators is drag-and-drop functionality.
It allows you to establish an effective site by only using a mouse and your imagination.
It is just like playing a picking-and-dropping block game. You can simply take the desired element and put it on the layout wherever you like.
These work with your internet browser, so you do not need to install any software.
There are umpteen of the best options available online. For example, Wix, Weebly, Squarespace, Godaddy, and many more.
The Advantages of Using DIY Website Builders
- Cost: Using ecommerce website creators is a much more inexpensive option than hiring a professional.
- Ease of Use: Most of the website builders are simple to use. You just need to drag and drop the elements. This makes it convenient for all without any technical expertise.
- Flexibility: DIY web design tools offer various options to craft unique and customised options.
- Control: DIY tools offer you full control over the website, which you are not able to get from professionals.
The Drawbacks of Using DIY Website Builders
- Quality: Website creators do not have many additional features or functionalities. If you want something powerful, then use a contact form, a simple cart system, or a standard photo gallery. At that point, doing it yourself is not worth it.
- Time-Consuming: If you have enough time to become aware of every single element of the DIY option, then it is good. Otherwise, it will take your precious time to learn. So, if the time you spend learning to use the builder is costing you an unseen loss, Then it is a false option.
- Technical Support: There is no doubt that you will craft a website with a DIY option. But a good website does not mean only a good layout. It involves many other technical aspects, such as loading speed, navigation, web security, or SEO elements. For this reason, you need technical support.
Hiring a Professional Web Developer
What Does It Mean to Hire a Professional Web Developer, and How Does It Work?
A professional web designer builds the layout and design for a website.
Simply put, a website designer improves the appearance and functioning of a website.
Professional designers use design software to generate visual elements. Website designers typically specialise in UI, or user interface.
It means they effectively design a site that is intuitive and simple for visitors to navigate.
The Advantages of Hiring a Professional Web Developer
- Expertise: Professional developers have educational backgrounds or long-time training in a particular field. They stay updated with the trends. Thus, their expertise and experience made them a powerful option over any other. Moreover, their skill makes them more reliable at crafting well-organised sites.
- Time-saving: Experts understand the preferences of the customers. They comprehend every single command and craft the same layout on their own. Thus, you can customise any design without wasting your precious time.
- Quality: Well, the DIY website is easy to design. However, there are many intricacies to making any website functional and high-performing. That is easy by hiring experts. As professionals, we have the skill to craft a high-quality website within a given time frame.
- Peace of mind: The most important consideration is peace of mind. When we hand over our project to professional hands, it automatically generates a feeling of relaxation. Hiring a professional designer removes all the stress of security and technical factors on the website.
The Drawbacks of Hiring a Professional Web Developer
- Cost: If you are new to business or do not have a sufficient amount to invest in hiring professional designers, do not choose this option. Because, this solution needs a handsome amount of investment.
- Control: When we hire professionals for any project we do not get full control of the website. For minor changes or maintenance, you need to ask for the experts.
- Communication: Effective communication is very necessary in every deal. In that case, if you don’t have a clear vision of your site, it might be difficult for your designer to craft the exact design.
How Can You Choose Between the Two?
Here are some notable factors that will help you to jump into the final thought of choosing between the two: hiring a professional or using ecommerce website creators.
Let us have a look:
What kind of website do you need?
First of all, you should be crystal clear about what kind of website you need. If you are new to the business or just need an online presence, then it is good to choose a DIY builder.
You can create a brochure-type website. This type of site is good for showcasing your work sample or business contact.
But if you are in business in the long run and already have a good reputation.
Do not get derailed!
Because you need a complex website to handle multiple features. This might be difficult with DIY options.
How much can you invest in designing your website?
The budget is an important factor in designing the website. It narrows down your options.
Professional web designers charge a high amount for building a decent website with mobile friendliness.
Similarly, an ecommerce website with more complexities will cost more.
Thus, you can make a well-informed choice based on the cost that you can afford.
Do you have an impressive knowledge of technology?
If you are a business owner or, at the same time, a web designer, it is like the cherry on top.
But if not, do not take risks.
Then, a website builder is not a long-term effective solution.
Considering the technical aspects, security, and maintenance of the website.
Bottom Lines!
In a nutshell, ecommerce website creators work effectively from the start; however, sooner or later, you will need to hire a professional web designer.
Nonetheless, if you have just started your business or don’t want to spend enough, then it is an ideal option to have an online presence.
It is an easy-to-use and cost-effective solution.
But if you have a well-reputed and established business, hiring a professional is perfect for you.
