Having a website for your business is a must. Your website is a representation of your brand and also an important tool to attract potential customers and generate revenue. More than 50% of online users find an appealing website design crucial to their user experience.

However, building a website can be daunting for many business owners. It can be even more challenging for those without prior web design experience. This is where the debate about DIY vs. hiring a web designer comes in. 

In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of each option. We will also provide you with tips on how to find web designers for your business. With the right web designer, you can ensure that you get the best value for your investment. So keep reading to learn more about how a web designer can help you take your online presence to the next level.

Understanding the importance of a business website

An online presence is essential if you’re looking to reach a larger audience and improve brand awareness. A website offers a way to communicate with customers, showcase your products or services, and generate leads.

A business website is your virtual calling card, and it’s often the first impression that potential customers make of your company. It’s essential to make that first impression count. A well-designed website can convey professionalism, trustworthiness, and reliability. Additionally, a website is available 24/7, allowing customers to interact with your business when it’s convenient for them.

Another reason why a business website is so important is that it can increase your visibility in search engines. Most consumers search for products or services online in today's digital age. If you don’t have a website, you’re missing out on potential customers searching for your products or services. Search engine optimization (SEO) is a vital aspect of web design. It can boost your visibility, attract more traffic to your site, and ultimately increase your revenue.

All these factors make a business website no longer a luxury, but a necessity. It's crucial to have a strong digital presence in today's market. And a business website is a vital component of that strategy.

DIY vs. hiring a web designer: pros and cons

When considering building a business website, you may wonder whether to go the DIY route or hire a professional web designer. DIY web design may seem like a potentially cost-effective option, but it's important to think through the pros and cons of both options.

One benefit of DIY web design is it gives you full control over the design and implementation process. You can choose the layout, colors, fonts, and overall aesthetic for your website without needing to communicate your vision to someone else. Additionally, with the abundance of website builders and templates available online, creating a website has become easier for beginners who don't have extensive design experience.

However, one of the cons of DIY web design is that it can often result in a website that lacks professionalism and functionality. While website builders and templates may seem easy to use, they often come with limitations and can result in a website that looks generic and performs poorly. This lack of quality can ultimately cost you potential customers and harm your business's reputation.

On the other hand, a professional web designer can help you create a website tailored to your specific needs and goals. With a professional designer's expertise, you can expect a website that is both visually appealing and user-friendly. Additionally, professional design can set you apart from competitors and increase your credibility in the eyes of potential customers. A con of hiring freelance website designers is the cost, though you have to account for long-term ROI.

Benefits of hiring professional web designers

Customization

When you hire a professional web designer to create your business website, you expect to receive a fully custom design. A professional web designer will take the time to understand your business, goals, and target audience, and produce your site accordingly. As a result, they can create a website that effectively communicates your message and helps you reach your intended audience.

Search engine optimization

A professional web designer can ensure that your website is optimized for search engines. This means that your website will be designed with the user in mind. Consequently, your audience can easily navigate your site and find the information they need. A professional web designer will also optimize the website's meta tags, descriptions, and keywords. This can help improve your website's search engine ranking and drive more traffic to your site.

Mobile responsiveness

Professional website designers can also help you create a responsive and mobile-friendly website. More and more people use their mobile devices to access the internet. That’s why you need a website that’s optimized for mobile viewing. A professional web designer can ensure that your website is designed to be responsive, meaning it can adapt and adjust its layout to fit the screen size of any device.

Maintenance

When you hire a professional web designer, you can also expect to receive ongoing support and maintenance for your website. A professional web designer will be able to update and maintain your website. They can ensure it remains up-to-date and secure. This can save you time and money in the long run. Plus, you won't have to worry about learning how to maintain your website on your own.

How to find and choose a web designer for your business

Finding a suitable web designer for your business is crucial, as your website serves as your virtual storefront. There are many web designers out there. And it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. You should consider several factors to help you in your selection. 

Portfolio 

Do your research and consider their professional portfolio. Ask for references and testimonials from previous clients to get an idea of their work quality and the longevity of client relationships. Their portfolio should have a range of projects they've worked on, and keep an eye out for sites they've designed for your industry or for your niche.

Good communication and range of services

When selecting a web designer, ensure they are a good fit for your business goals and brand identity. They should be able to understand and cater to your specific needs, whether it's a simple landing page or an ecommerce platform. A freelance web designer should also have strong communication skills, regularly updating you on the user interface design process and keeping you involved in the decision-making process.

Expertise

Another critical factor to consider when choosing a web designer is their technical expertise. Ensure that they specialize in the particular website type you require, be it WordPress, Shopify, Magento, or another platform. They should also have a clear understanding of website optimization and be able to ensure your website is responsive and that it loads quickly.

Support and maintenance 

Ensure that the web designer will provide post-design support and maintenance. Websites will always require updates and revisions, so it's essential to have someone who can handle this efficiently. Some freelance web designers may offer training on website management, and some may offer ongoing support on a retainer basis. Choose a web designer that can provide aftercare services that are appropriate for you and your business needs.

Ensuring ROI: cost vs. value of web design

When hiring a web designer for your business website, you must consider balancing the cost and value of creating your online presence. While you want to ensure that you are reaching your customers and making a positive impression, you also want to keep your budget manageable. Ultimately, finding the right web designer means weighing the benefits against the costs and choosing the most valuable option.

While it may be tempting to opt for a cheap DIY solution or a lower-cost web design provider, it is important to consider the long-term ROI of your website investment. A well-designed website can be a powerful tool for increasing sales, driving traffic, and building your brand awareness. In contrast, a poorly designed, outdated, or hard-to-use website can be a major hindrance, turning away potential customers and damaging your reputation.

To ensure that you are getting the right cost vs. value balance, it is often best to work collaboratively with your web designer and be upfront about your budget and expectations. This can help you to establish a realistic timeline and ensure that you are getting the most value for your investment. Your web designer should be able to provide a clear overview of their web design services and pricing, as well as any value-added options that might be available.

The key to finding the right balance of cost vs. value for your business website is to do your research, consider your goals and expectations, and work collaboratively with your chosen web designer. With the right strategy in place, your website can be a powerful marketing tool. And it can help you grow your business, reach more customers, and build your brand online.

Why hire web designers for your business website

Now that we've discussed the pros and cons of DIY vs. when you hire the best freelance web designers and the benefits of hiring a professional, it's clear that investing in the services of a web designer can truly make a difference for your business. However, the cost of hiring a web designer can vary widely. This can depend on their expertise level, the project’s complexity, and other factors.

When considering the cost vs. value of web design, it's important to keep in mind that your website is not just an online brochure for your business. It has the potential to be a powerful tool for generating leads, converting customers, and boosting your bottom line. Therefore, it's worth investing in a high-quality web design tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Of course, you want to get a good return on your investment. This means choosing web design freelancers who have a proven track record of delivering results for businesses like yours. Look for a website designer who can show you examples of their work with other clients and who can provide testimonials from satisfied customers.

Get professional web design from B12

In the long run, investing in the services of a professional web designer and web developer is likely the best choice for your business, especially if you don't have the bandwidth to dedicate hours or days to it. Not only will a skilled designer create a site that looks great, but they will also be able to help you achieve your business goals through effective design, SEO, and conversion practices. So if you're serious about growing your business, start taking your website seriously and work with a team of professionals today.

Looking for the best web designers team without sacrificing control, affordability, or scalability? At B12, we have a team of experienced website designers that can help you build a professional, high-quality website. They can work with you so you can launch a user-friendly site that meets your unique needs. Get started with your website design project today and make edits any time using the easy B12 Editor.