An increasing number of customers will find you first online. 94% of a website user’s first impression is influenced by design and deciding what they think takes only 5 seconds.
There are multiple apps out there encouraging you to make your own website. They all tell you how easy it is and what a professional looking website you will get. Some of that might be true but there are three key points you need to consider before taking on the task yourself:
Do you have the time?
It will take time to learn how to make the most of whatever tools you use. Once you have put the site together it will take constant updating and finessing to make sure it presents your brand properly and ensure that it helps with your key marketing plans. Can you afford to be spending hours sorting out your website?
Do you have the technical understanding?
To make your site appear at the top of Google’s Search Results Pages you will need to have a detailed understanding of Search Engine Optimisation, the best use of images and videos and the proper way to name pages, and that’s just the start! You will also need to buy and upload images cost effectively and correctly; mistakes can result in time consuming and expensive changes. People will be comparing your site to all the others they see; will yours be able to compete?
Do you have a design eye?
Scaling pictures and text to make them easy to read as well as have an impact is not straight forward. The templates your web building tool offers might be alright to start with. Will they suit your brand, your products or your idea of the perfect site as your business grows? Other people will be using the same templates. If your site looks just like lots of others what will make your potential customers stop and spend time on yours?
It’s not just eye candy
Paying to have your website designed might seem like an expense you can do without. A professional design is not just eye candy. How your site works is more important than you think. A poorly running site could damage your reputation. If customers struggle with awkward navigation, wait for images and video to load or wrestle with your payment system they are likely to look elsewhere for what they need.
The return you get having your website designed by a professional is huge. It is well worth spending time looking for a supplier who offers a cost-effective monthly fee to keep your site supported, up-to-date and performing at its best. Then you can spend all your time doing what you do best, knowing that your website is making an impact and increasing you customer base without impinging on your valuable time.