Website Builder vs. Web Designer: Which One Should You Choose?
In 2021, having a website for your business is a necessity as more consumers turn to the internet to find the products and services they need.
Either you don’t have a website or your current one needs a serious makeover- but where do you begin?
For many, it comes down to doing it themselves with a website builder or hiring a professional web designer/web design agency.
In this post we compare the two so you can decide the best route to take depending on your unique needs.
What is a website builder?
A website builder is a DIY software tool consisting of pre-made website templates you can customize yourself. With this method, the building process has been simplified, so it’s not necessary to know how to code.
What is a web designer design agency?
A web designer is a creative professional who can build a website from scratch- like an artist working from a blank canvas.
Note that this is not to be confused with a web developer, who takes a newly designed website and uses coding to transform it into a live, functional online platform.
DIY website builder: pros vs. cons
Using a website builder offers users a cost-effective way to design a website on their terms, but it does have a few drawbacks to keep in mind.
Pros:
It’s affordable
Many website builders give you a set monthly price or monthly subscription that may cost less than working with a professional web design agency.
It’s convenient
Most of these builders are online, so all you have to do is hop on your computer, log in, and you can create from anywhere.
It’s easy to use (to an extent)
As mentioned, these builders are designed to be user-friendly so people without experience can build a website.
Cons:
It can be time-consuming
If you don’t have any experience building websites, it can be time-consuming. You do choose a pre-made template, but the details take time to get it just right.
From the content to the CTA, to choosing images...you might spend an hour just figuring out how to properly crop an image so it doesn’t touch corners with another image.
Good things take time, and that applies to web design. You can’t expect to be able to jump right on and whip up a masterpiece in a day.
You need to know what makes consumers tick
A business website isn’t about just looking pretty. It needs to be designed in a way that leaves visitors wanting more. When someone clicks onto your website, you have mere seconds to grab their attention, or else they’ll be clicking that X in the corner.
So ask yourself: do you know what makes potential leads click that CTA? It can be anything, from the placement of a button on the page to the ease of being able to navigate through your website.
You need to have a basic understanding of SEO
This is another crucial element of online marketing because you want your business website to pop up on the first page of Google when people search for your services. This takes consistency, time, and churning out well-written, SEO-focused copy.
Professional web designer: pros vs. cons
A professional web designer or a web design agency has all of the relevant tools and ideas to build and maintain a beautiful, functional website that adequately reflects your brand.
Pros:
They are experienced at every level of the process
By now, you understand that building a website isn’t just about nice colors and pictures. It needs to be clever so that it keeps consumers engaged.
It also needs to rank on Google. By partnering with a web designer/developer/web agency you get a team of passionate individuals who have made this their life’s work. They have the experience and talent to build a website that works for your brand.
You can focus on running your business
Working with a team brings considerable peace of mind. You don’t have to learn how to code or build a website. Instead, you can focus on running your business and let a trusted professional handle your online presence with finesse.
It’s convenient
You get expert advice, guidance, and a beautifully designed website without having to lift a finger. It sure beats figuring out how to build a website and then hoping it has all of the elements that attract and hold customers.
Cons:
Finding the right match
This is a creative process that puts your brand’s image in someone else’s hands. You need to take time to research and chat with different designers/agencies to find the one that aligns with your goals.
Look for one that offers a free consultation and quote, with prompt support and personalized service.
Cost
Of course, this varies from person to person, but you may need to pay more than you would with a DIY builder.
Bear in mind that you get what you pay for. With a professional designer, they are up-to-date with the latest SEO and design trends- which are changing all of the time.
They know what makes consumers tick and the marketing strategies that get results online.
