Let’s set the scene. You’re an entrepreneur, and you’ve got a fantastic business idea. You’ve done your market research, you’ve got your business plan, and you’re ready to take on the world.
But wait, there’s a possible hitch. You need a website.
Not just any website, but one that represents your brand, appeals to your target audience and converts visitors into customers.
Now, you’re faced with the million dollar question. Should you build it yourself, or should you hire a professional? It’s a tough call, right? Or is it 🤔
The Need for a Professional Website
In this hyper-connected world, having a robust online presence is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity.
According to data from Statista, over 5.35 billion people are using the internet today. That’s a staggering number of potential customers who could be just a click away from your products or services. But here’s the catch – they won’t stick around if your website doesn’t cut it.
A professional website does more than just look good. It enhances user experience, boosts SEO ranking, increases your brand’s credibility, and ultimately drives sales.
That’s right, your website could make or break that crucial first impression.
So, as you navigate the digital landscape of your entrepreneurial journey, remember that your website is more than just a digital storefront.
It’s your brand’s online home, and you want it to be as welcoming and efficient as possible. And sometimes, achieving that may require a professional touch.
What is the Average Price for a Simple Website?
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of website costs. If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you might be wondering, “How deep do I have to dig into my pockets to get a decent website?”
Well, the cost of building a simple, one page website could be around $500 and $1,500+ when hiring a professional to build it for you.
And you’ll also need to secure your domain, which can cost between $10 and $20 per year (depending on how good a name and if you want .com or .com.au or both).
PLUS, there’s the annual cost to host your website which can be around $20+ per month (that’s a DIY option).
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Website for a Small Business?
So we’ve talked about the cost of building a simple website but what if you’re a small business owner? What additional costs might you need to consider?
Firstly, let’s clarify one thing – a business website is not just a digital brochure. It’s an interactive tool that can help you connect with customers, showcase your products or services, and even conduct transactions.
So, it’s no surprise that a business website might require a few extra bells and whistles compared to a simple, one page website.
For a three to six page website, it’s possible to be quoted anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000+
The final price tag can fluctuate based on several factors such as the complexity of the design, the functionalities you need, the platform used, the experience level of the professional hired, and so on.
You’ll also need to consider ongoing costs like website maintenance, updates, hosting, and domain renewal. These costs will depend on whether you DIY or have a professional to manage it for you.
Costs can vary from $60 to $300 per month.
Yes, it sounds like a lot of money however, remember, a well crafted website is an investment that can pay dividends in the form of increased customer engagement, higher sales, and a stronger online presence.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Now you’ve got a sense of the costs involved in building a website. Here comes the tricky part – deciding whether to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself or to bring in the big guns and hire a professional.
If you’re a hands-on entrepreneur with a knack for learning new skills (and the time to learn and do it), then a DIY could be a viable option. Numerous website builders out there, like GoDaddy, offer user-friendly interfaces and plenty of templates to choose from.
Plus, it can be a more cost-effective solution if you’re on a tight budget.
However, building a website isn’t just about choosing pretty colours and uploading some images. It requires a fair amount of technical knowledge and a keen eye for design.
Plus, plus, SEO optimisation, mobile responsiveness, and site speed are critical components that could take a lot of time to master.
And let’s not forget, that time is money, especially when you’re running a business. This is where the value of a professional web designer comes into play.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Web Designer
We’ve covered a lot of ground so far, and it’s perfectly normal to feel a tad overwhelmed. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a great looking website that ranks.
So here’s a thought. What if you didn’t have to do it all by yourself? What if you could delegate this mammoth task to a seasoned professional? Sound like a better plan?
You see, investing in a professional web designer isn’t just about saving time (although that’s a pretty big perk!). It’s about leveraging expertise and experience to create a website that not only looks fantastic but also works like a well-oiled machine.
Here are benefits to hiring a professional:
01. Quality Design
A professional designer brings a refined aesthetic sense to the table. They know how to strike a balance between visual appeal and user friendliness.
They can help you avoid common design pitfalls and ensure your website looks and feels professional – think seamless navigation, consistent branding, and visually appealing layouts.
02. Customised Features
When you work with a pro, you’re not limited by the constraints of a website builder template. Want a unique feature that sets your website apart from the competition? A professional can make it happen!
Whether it’s integrating a booking system for your salon or setting up a live chat for your online store, a web designer can customise your site to suit your business needs.
03. Long term Maintenance
Remember when we talked about the ongoing costs of a website? Well these are the things that can easily go in the ‘too hard basket’. Trust us, we know!
However with a professional on board, you can rest easy knowing your site is in good hands. They can handle regular updates, troubleshoot issues, and even help with SEO and digital marketing strategies.
No that sounds like a really good plan!
The Risks of Not Investing in a Professional Website
Let’s now flip the coin and consider the other side of the story. What happens if you decide against investing in a professional website?
01. Lost Business Opportunities
Imagine this – a potential customer hears about your business and decides to look you up online. But alas! Your website is slow to load, difficult to navigate, or worse, non-existent.
Chances are, they’ll hit the back button faster than you can say “Wait!”. A poorly designed or non-functional website can deter potential customers, leading to lost business opportunities.
02. Poor Online Presence
Like we’ve said, in today’s digital age, your online presence is your brand’s virtual storefront. A subpar website can negatively impact your brand image, making it harder to build trust with your audience.
First impressions matter, and your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers.
03. Difficulty Competing in the Digital Marketplace
Without a professional website, competing in the digital marketplace can feel like trying to win a marathon with a sprained ankle. Your competitors are likely investing in their online presence, and if you’re not, you risk falling behind.
Now, we’re not saying that DIY’ing your website is a no-go. If you have the time, skills, and inclination, by all means, go for it!
But it’s essential to understand the potential risks and weigh them against the benefits of hiring a professional.
Think of it this way – investing in a professional website is like planting a seed. It might take time and resources to nurture it, but with care and attention, it can grow into a robust tree, bearing fruit for years to come.
So, why not give your business the fertile ground it needs to thrive in the digital landscape?
Making the Decision
We’ve journeyed through the world of website costs, explored the value of professional web design, and delved into the risks of not investing in a great looking site. If you’re still here with us, give yourself a pat on the back!
To sum it up, building a website – especially one for a small business – is not just about throwing some text and images onto a webpage. It’s about creating an engaging, user friendly platform that effectively showcases your brand to the world.
Sure, you could go the DIY route, but remember, there are potential risks to consider.
On the flip side, investing in a professional web designer can offer benefits. Yes, it might cost more upfront, but think of it as an investment in your business’s future growth and success.
So, as you weigh your options, consider the long term benefits. Think about how a professional, well-designed website could boost your brand’s image, engage your audience, and ultimately drive your business forward.
And if you’re looking for a team of professionals who can help bring your vision to life, why not consider us? We’re all about creating stunning, effective websites that help businesses shine online.
Why not take the leap and invest in a website that could be your business’s ticket to digital success?
After all, in the grand scheme of things, a great website isn’t an expense, it’s an investment in your business’s future, it’s an asset for your business.
Ready to turn your site from ‘meh’ to magnificent? Let’s chat and get things going!