DIY vs A Professionally Created Small Business Website

We will admit to having a bias on this topic. Still, most people already know that having a website for your small business is essential.

Websites offer small businesses an effective way to show their products or services and reach a wider audience.

But, many small business owners end up torn between creating a do-it-yourself (DIY) website or hiring an experienced professional to create your website for you.

Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. It's essential to understand each option before moving forward.

Before we get started, it's essential to know that by DIY, we mean websites created using Shopify, Wix, Squarespace and a myriad of other big corporations that provide built-in website platforms in their list of services.

First, let's look at the benefits of creating a DIY website. One of the most significant advantages of DIY websites is cost savings. We're talking strictly about money because if you factor in the time it takes to build your website, you might not find the cost savings worthwhile.

Services like those above will allow you to build websites based on pre-created templates. Doing this can save money on the upfront costs of hiring a professional web developer.

Another advantage of DIY websites is the amount of control you have over the look and functionality of your website. You can choose the layout, colours, fonts, and features that best represent your brand and business. Additionally, you can change your website anytime without going through a third party.

(We want to point out that with ORP.ca, we happily provide training to clients to enable them to make content and other changes to their website at any time. Some clients update content, while others contract us to make changes and provide technical updates.)

However, there are also several significant disadvantages to creating a DIY website.

One of the most notable is your need for website design and development expertise. While website builders have made it easier for anyone to create a website, they do not necessarily make it easy to create a professional and effective website.

Design and development require specific skills and knowledge that professional web developers have honed through years of experience.

Another disadvantage of DIY websites is the time investment required to create a website.

While website builders have made the process easier, creating a website from scratch can still take a significant amount of time. As a small business owner, your time is valuable, and spending it building a website is not the best way to use your time.

So what are the primary benefits of hiring an experienced professional to create your website?

One of the greatest benefits of contracting out your website build is the level of expertise that professional web developers bring to your project. Website designers have the skills, experience and knowledge to create websites that look great, function smoothly and work properly.

Experienced web developers can create a website that is optimized for search engines, load quickly and are user-friendly.

Another benefit of hiring a professional web developer is the level and type of project customization they can offer.

While website builders do provide a level of customization, they are limited in what they can do.

Professional web developers can create a unique website tailored to your business's individual needs and goals. Designers and developers can also provide ongoing maintenance and technical support to ensure your website stays up-to-date and secure.

However, cost is one of the main disadvantages of hiring a professional web developer. Hiring a professional can be more expensive, and the upfront fees can be a significant investment for small businesses. Additionally, ongoing maintenance and support can also come at a cost.

Another disadvantage of hiring a professional web developer can be the need for more control over the website. While experienced web developers work with you to create a website that meets your objectives, they may not always be available to make changes or updates. This can frustrate some small business owners who want more control over their websites.

In conclusion, both creating a DIY website and hiring a professional web developer have advantages and disadvantages.

While DIY websites offer cost savings and a level of control, they require more expertise and time investment to create a professional and effective website. Hiring an experienced web developer offers expertise and customization but at a cost and potentially limited control. Ultimately, deciding to create a DIY website or hire a professional web developer depends on your budget, time, and business needs. It's essential to weigh these factors carefully to make the best decision for your small business needs.

Advantages of working with ORP.ca:

• You can work directly on your business and not have to learn a bunch of skills you may only use once.

• You receive one-on-one treatment from fellow small business owners, not big businesses, who do not understand our specific needs.

• You will receive regular communication from us at each stage of your project, and we will send you tips and updated relevant information on an ongoing basis afterwards.

• ORP.ca has the experience you need to get the job done right. We have been doing this for a living since 2003 and have worked on hundreds of website projects during that time.

• We provide custom solutions focused on your small business website and digital marketing needs.

Don't let your website hold you back. Fill out the contact form now to learn how ORP.ca's small business website design and digital marketing team will help you create a beautiful and functional website.