Hire a Website Designer Or Use A Website Builder?

Creating a website is one of the most important steps for any business, big or small. In the past, a website designer was often the go-to for a professional, customized look. But today, with powerful website builders readily available, hiring a designer isn’t always necessary. In fact, many business owners now find they can create a professional-looking site without the extra cost or time.

This article will walk you through when hiring a website designer might not be needed, explore easy-to-use website builders, and help you decide on the best option for your specific needs.

Why Do People Usually Consider Hiring a Website Designer?

Traditionally, people have hired website designers for several reasons:

However, today’s website builders come with templates and tools that can help you achieve these goals without a designer’s help. Here’s why you may not need a designer for your site.

Using a Website Builder as an Affordable Alternative

Modern website builders, like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify, have been developed to simplify the website creation process, allowing even complete beginners to create attractive, functional sites.

What Makes Website Builders So User-Friendly?

• Drag-and-Drop Features: Website builders have simple, drag-and-drop editors that let you customize pages without any coding skills.
• Customizable Templates: With a variety of templates available, you can choose a layout that suits your brand and make small adjustments to make it your own.
• Integrated Tools: Many platforms come with built-in SEO tools, eCommerce capabilities, and responsive designs optimized for mobile, so your site will look great on any device.

These features make it easier than ever to create a professional-looking website without needing a designer.

When a Website Designer Might Not Be Necessary

In many cases, using a website builder will be enough to achieve a professional online presence. Here are some scenarios when you might not need to hire a designer:

1. You’re Creating a Small, Basic Website

For small businesses, bloggers, or anyone with a straightforward site, a website builder can easily handle your needs. If your site’s main purpose is to provide information, showcase a portfolio, or host a blog, you can save money by opting for a DIY platform.

2. Your Design Needs are Simple

If you don’t need a highly customized look, website builders come with hundreds of design templates that look polished and professional. They offer enough flexibility to adjust colors, fonts, and layouts, so you can make your site unique without custom design work.

3. You’re on a Tight Budget

Hiring a website designer can be costly, especially if you need frequent updates. Many website builders have affordable plans that give you full control over your website, allowing you to keep costs low while still achieving a polished look.

4. You Need to Launch Quickly

For time-sensitive projects, website builders let you create and launch a site within hours, rather than waiting weeks or months for a custom design. This is especially useful for event-based sites, new business launches, or temporary sales pages.

Advantages of Website Builders Over Hiring a Designer

Opting for a website builder can save you time and money. Here are some specific advantages of using a builder rather than hiring a designer:

1. Complete Control Over Design Adjustments

Using a website builder means you can update your site anytime you want. This level of control is beneficial for business owners who frequently need to make changes or add content.

2. Affordable Pricing

Most website builders offer monthly or yearly subscriptions that are significantly lower than the cost of hiring a designer. You get full access to features without paying extra for custom design work.

3. Built-In Features for Growth

Many builders come with tools that help with SEO, email marketing, social media, and eCommerce. These features make it easier to grow your online presence without needing a team of specialists.

4. Real-Time Updates

If you spot something that needs tweaking, you can log in and make the adjustment immediately. There’s no need to contact a designer and wait for changes to be made, saving you time and keeping your site up-to-date.

When You Might Still Want to Hire a Website Designer

While website builders are highly capable, there are still situations where hiring a designer might be beneficial:

1. Large, Complex Websites

If you’re running a large website with specific needs, such as a high-traffic eCommerce store, a custom design may be worth the investment. A designer can help build complex features or systems that might not be possible with a standard website builder.

2. When Branding is a Priority

For some companies, a custom website design is essential for branding and differentiation. A designer can create a look that’s completely unique and closely aligned with your brand.

3. Advanced or Ongoing Development Needs

If you anticipate needing advanced features or want someone to manage updates and maintenance, a designer or developer might be a good choice for ongoing support.

4. When DIY Isn’t Feasible

Sometimes, business owners simply don’t have the time or confidence to use a website builder. If you’d rather delegate the entire process, hiring a designer can help you get a professional result without your direct involvement.

Steps to Follow If You Choose a Website Builder

If you decide that a website builder is the best choice for your project, here are some steps to make the process as smooth as possible:

1. Choose a Website Builder Platform

Research popular options like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify, and select one that suits your needs. Some platforms specialize in eCommerce, while others are better for blogs or simple business sites.

2. Select a Template

Look for templates that reflect your brand style and purpose. Once you pick a template, you can personalize it with colors, fonts, images, and logos to give it a distinct look.

3. Optimize for Search Engines

Use the built-in SEO tools provided by most website builders to make your site discoverable. Update page titles, meta descriptions, and add relevant keywords to boost visibility in search engine results.

4. Take Advantage of Help Resources

Most website builders come with resources like tutorials, customer support, and community forums. Use these resources to learn the platform and get answers to any questions that come up along the way.

Conclusion

Hiring a website designer is no longer the only way to create a polished, professional-looking website. With today’s website builders, small business owners and solo entrepreneurs can easily create sites that look great and perform well. By evaluating your needs, budget, and available time, you can decide if a website builder meets your requirements or if hiring a designer would add unique value to your project.

For most simple websites, a DIY website builder can provide all the necessary tools at an affordable price. If you’re ready to start building, explore some of the popular website builder options and get your site up and running in no time.