To do-it-yourself or not? That is the question
I often get requests to design and build websites for my clients. Sometimes, the client has already even attempted to “start” to build the website themselves, and why not!? With all the cool tools like WordPress, Wix, and SquareSpace, you can easily build your own website. Well, at least that is what the advertisements claim. They make it look so easy; however, the ads aren’t entirely accurate. You still have to be somewhat ‘tech savvy’ if you’re going to build your own website. If you do, here are some things to consider.
Time
Time is money. What is the best use of your time? Where do you want to focus your efforts? Is building a website from scratch what you were really hired to do? How long will it take you to build a site vs. a professional doing it for you?
Planning
Would you build a house without blueprints? Would you build a car without instructions? The tools and quick tricks make people so mesmerized that they forget to plan. One of the most important steps in building a site is starting with a sitemap. This will visually lay out what pages you will have and how they will all connect. You do this before you design and before you write text. This will lay the foundation for what’s to come.
Brand guidelines
Don’t get distracted by the bells and whistles; forget the BRAND. Your site is another touch point in a client’s brand experience. Make sure it is consistent and relevant. Ensure it has the same look, feel, and tone as your other materials.
Audience
Make sure you are keeping your audience in mind. Who are you talking to? What do THEY care about? How will you solve THEIR problems? Your website should answer these questions.
The Bottom Line
When all’s said and done, yes, you can do it yourself—if you have the time and skill, go for it. However, if you don’t and want to get it done right the first time and faster than you can do it yourself, it’s probably better to call a professional.
Spend your time on your actual job and leave the heavy lifting to a professional. You’ll be glad you did. After the site is built, updating it on your end is pretty easy—especially if you use WordPress.
We have helped many clients spread the word about their organization on paper and online. Take a look at some of our work and call or email us to see how we can help you.
Alizah Epstein
Founder and Chief Creative Officer
Epstein Creative Group | Branding and marketing design studio
www.epsteincreative.com