The Biggest Mistakes of DIY Websites
Opting to build your own website is something many new business owners try out and most soon decide it isn’t worth the hassle and opt to use a designer instead. A DIY website can save your business a little money but in the long run it won’t be up to the task of promoting your business and getting you the ROI you need to succeed. There are many big mistakes that come with trying to wing it and build your own website and here are some of the most common and most damaging ones.
Not Understanding your Business Needs
You may be convinced what you need is a simple landing page so people know who you are and what you do. We regularly hear the phrase ‘I just need a simple website’ and this is never usually the case. What our customers want is an effective website, one which gets the results they’re looking for and one which challenges and exceeds their competitors. We’ve said it before but your website can be the most powerful tool you have for promoting your business so it needs to be effective in bringing in business and not just a simple template design which you don’t know how to use.
Not Understanding your Audience
It is very easy to get wrapped up in web design if it isn’t your job. Changing colours, sizes and repositioning images can be quite overwhelming and you may spend hours fiddling with colours and sizing to your personal preferences rather than thinking about what your audience needs. Does your website match the ideals and opinions of your target audience? Your website is not part of you, it’s a reflection of your business and should be tailored to suit your business customers. You may love the colour purple but if it doesn’t fit with your brand then you need to avoid it. Many small business owners have template sites setup which perfectly match their personal tastes but don’t actually consider the preferences of their audience. A professional web designer works to construct a website that you are more than happy with but also suits your industry and your audience.
Not Understanding what Google is looking for
Many small and new business owners are shocked to find their website isn’t even close to the first page on Google. There’s a misconception that building a website and leaving it there is enough to please Google and other search engines. This is simply not the case and as we know search engine optimisation is an absolute must to help push your business into the consciousness of Google and other search engines. Optimising your website involves certain elements of design as well as content and building a website yourself, with no knowledge of this, often means that you end up with a site that simply cannot and will not be found by Google. A professional designer will ensure your design is SEO ready and may also be able to advise on how to continue your strategy and implement it regularly to ensure your search engine results page improves.
A DIY design may seem like a cost-effective first step to get your business online but it won’t deliver the results you’re looking for. A professional designer is an investment in your business you won’t regret.
If you would like to know more or find out how we can help you then please call us on 020 8144 6540 or contact us at www.thewebsurgery.com/contact