Why Hire a Web Designer When You Can Do It Yourself?

With services like Squarespace, GoDaddy, Wix, WordPress themes do you really need someone to create a website for you? I’ve seen this question being asked a lot on social media, and I thought I’d share my thoughts on the subject. So do you need a designer to create your website? My short answer: no, you don’t. It is possible for you to create a website on your own – there are a lot of resources on the internet to help you do so. While you don’t NEED a professional to create a website, I do recommend it. Someone who works on websites consistently will be able to help you develop your website using tools and techniques that you might not have access to otherwise.

You are probably thinking, of course – you say that – you are a web designer and want people to hire you. While I do design websites, that isn’t why I am telling you this. I want your website to be as successful as possible and hiring a designer is a good way to help your website be successful. Think of it this way, you could cut your own hair but it might not be the best haircut you’ve had. You pay someone to cut your hair so it will look good and be done correctly. The same goes for your website. You have the ability to make a website but a designer is going to make sure that the site is built in a way that is best for your business.

Here are some reasons why I think a designer would be helpful to you:

1. Templates aren’t always as user-friendly as they seem.

Some templates are really awesome, they offer a lot of features for your website. Others sound awesome but when you start using them you find their limitations. Free templates might not have the options you want for your website or might require coding skills to get the functionality you want. Purchasing a template is another way to go, but they can be expensive.

This is one way a designer can help you out – you might not need a custom coded website, but they will be able to help you pick out a theme that works for you now and in the future.

2. Some website builders lock you into their hosting.

This is a complaint I hear about a lot. A company starts a website with their hosting company’s website builder -which was great a first. Now the company wants to expand their website and will be charged a lot more to do so. Now they want to move their website to another hosting provider but can’t take their website because it was built with a website builder.

A web designer or developer will have the insight into which platform will accommodate your needs best because he or she will have more experience with different hosting companies and website builders and will be able to walk you through your options. This way, no matter what direction you decide to go in, you know your options and limitations.

3. What about the technical aspects?

There are some aspects of your website that are very technical – such as setting up emails, installing SSL certificates, creating forms for visitors to fill out or setting up an e-commerce system. Many website builders do make this process easier than it used to be, but it can still be complicated. Having someone who is experienced with the technical aspects of a website will save you time and will give you more time to focus on other things.

While you don’t need a professional to create your website, I recommend having someone experienced helping you with your website. It will save you a lot of time and will eliminate a lot of trial and error. Have you hired a professional to help you with your website? If you have, why did you decide to do so? Let’s talk about it in the comments below!