I saw an advertisement today for a build-your-own website company, and it got me thinking. Business owners hire professionals to assist with so many important tasks, so why would a website be any different? What makes websites something they should do themselves? Let me share the couple of thoughts that went through my head this morning about this.
Did you build your own office?
When you started your business I’m assuming there were many things you needed that you were not an expert at. When it was time to get an office space did you get out a hammer, some nails, and a book about construction? I’m guessing you probably either hired a contractor to build you a space, or you called a Realtor who found you an office. When you needed to create your legal entity and incorporation documents you probably consulted a lawyer or some sort of expert. When you needed a logo you probably did not spend several hundred dollars for an Adobe Illustrator license and create your own; instead you most likely hired a professional graphic designer for the job.
With each of these examples you could have invested in software, hardware or materials, read tutorials and eventually figured out how to get the foundational building blocks in place to start your business. If you had done that, however, you would never have gotten your business off the ground because you do not have the years of experience and expertise in these specific areas that a professional would who specializes in those disciplines. When it comes to important aspects of your business you know the value of hiring a professional to get the job done quickly with a high degree of quality.
How valuable is your website?
Now lets take a look at your website. Would you consider it any less important than your office, your contracts, or your logo? I would argue that it is every bit as important and maybe even more so. For most businesses your website is your full time 24/7 sales force. It is people’s first impression of your business. Looking at your website is what will convince that costumer to pick up the phone and call you or send them running to your competitor. A well done, professional website is worth its weight in gold. A poorly done amateur website can bankrupt you.
How much free time do you have?
I would also like to mention the time commitment issue. A well designed website is not built in an hour. Design work and branding has to be done, website copy has to be written and added, professional photos have to be selected and inserted, functionality has to be configured, lots of testing has to be done for compatibility with several browsers and multiple devices; the list goes on and on. While you as a business owner could read books and tutorials and try to figure all of this out, would that ever be the highest and best use of you time? You could be making money by running your business, or you could be spending weeks and months trying to put together a website. Your time is just too valuable to spend this way.
Does it really save you money in the long run?
So why do people do it? To be honest most of them are looking to save a few dollars, and the advertising makes it sound like they will have a professional website up in a few hour for a couple of dollars. Unfortunately it simply is not true. We all know that you get what you pay for. A web design expert will be aware of industry best practices and will focus on usability ensuring an enjoyable customer experience. They will know how to showcase your brand and what differentiates you from your competitors. They will make sure your website works properly on smart phones, tablets, and in Firefox, Chrome, IE and more.
Your website should get a huge ROI and be one of your most valuable assets. Consider the following statistics:
- 1/3 of the world’s population uses the Internet
- Global smartphone use is projected to reach 2 billion by 2015
- Nearly 1/2 of Internet users between 18 and 29 use mobile search daily
- 70% of mobile searches for products and services will result in a sale in the near future
When you consider how vitally important a professional website is to your company’s success is it something that you really want to cut corners on? I think not. It is too important. A professional website should be looked at as an investment not an expense. If done properly it will have a huge influence on the success of your business. When customers see your professional website and choose you over the competition you will realize it was well worth the investment.
Affordable Web Design Services
If you are in the market for a professional website we would love to help. We have new affordable website packages that include copywriting, stock photography and lots more. This enables us to put together a professional website for you while freeing you up for doing what you do best – running your business. Call us today to learn how we can help you.
Jade Stanley
Vice-President
Oasis Interactive, Boise, ID
The Boise Website and Branding Specialists