The Pros and Cons of DIY Website Builders
A Polished and Professional Web Presence is a Must
No matter the size of your business or nonprofit, a polished, professional web presence is a must… but, what if a custom-built website just isn’t in your budget?
Do-it-yourself website builders such as Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace (among many others) are marketed as easy to use tool kits allowing anyone to build a professional quality website at little cost. While these platforms are certainly an inexpensive way to get a website up and running, their benefits are packaged with inherent limitations that you should keep in mind if you’re considering a DIY web project.
So, let’s take a closer look at DIY website builders – the benefits and the drawbacks:
You Don’t Need to Know Code
Alongside the low cost, the fact that DIY site builders don’t require any specialized technical knowledge to get started is their biggest selling point. The back-end of the site is in place, and the template-based system means you can get your site off the ground without having to do any coding or programming.
Design Knowledge Still Comes in Handy
You may not need coding experience to use DIY site building tools, but if you don’t have an eye for design, you could end up with a dull, “cookie-cutter” website, which could harm the perceived value of your brand to consumers. Because of this, it’s not a bad idea to consult a professional designer even if you commit to a template-based build.
Your Site May Not be Positioned for Growth.
The do-it-yourself option is a terrific way to get an initial foothold on the Web but, if you plan to “graduate” to a fully custom site someday, you may have to start from scratch. Many DIY site builders use proprietary code, and most won’t allow you to simply migrate your content to a new host.
Every Platform is Different.
If you’re serious about going the DIY route, do your homework before choosing a site builder. Each site builder comes with its own quirks and constraints that you’ll have to be willing to accept. If you do decide to enlist the services of a pro designer, be sure to hire someone who’s worked with the specific platform you’ve chosen before – knowledge and experience is the key to success.
The bottom line? Do-it-yourself website builders do offer a genuine upside, but the usefulness of these platforms is somewhat situational. If you’re on a tight budget, and you don’t require a highly adaptable website with room for growth, then the DIY option may be a good fit for you. Ready to get started? Contact us today.