Today you can sign up to a range of website builders that promise to make the creation of your website a breeze. So why not build a website yourself using one of these products? There are a number to choose from, Wix, Weebly and Jiggly to name a few. They are essentially systems that allow you to drag and drop your content boxes and flesh out your site in just hours. This can seem enticing and perhaps look to save you money. But there are a few things to watch out for, and you really need to consider the experience and expertise of a professional website company.
So what does a website builder provide?
So you’ve got a small business and need a website on a budget. When you decide to use a web builder setup is pretty quick and easy. The main benefit is your don’t need knowledge of CSS or HTML. Pick a template, change fonts, colours, images. Use a drag and drop elements to create your site. Even with a drag and drop system you still need the required knowledge of design fundamentals and website usability. And what about the shopping cart layout in your online store? How do you set out your products so they are clearly visible? Linking to and from your facebook page and other social networking sites in a way that people will see the links and follow your social media accounts? These are some of the ‘simple’ things that can be overlooked when undergoing a web development makeover. Website design is key when attracting potential customers and clients to your business and establishing a strong online presence.
Which is why you should use a website designer.
Web builders might seem like the best way to go, but with limited understanding of User Experience (UX) design, inability to transfer your site to another provider or host and limited features you could end up with a nightmare.
The most important reason you should use a web designer is the designers education, training and experience. Websites are not just pretty images and text on a page, throw in some buttons to your store and off you go. Like artwork and drawing, there is a psychology to website design that makes them ‘just work.’ You’re paying for years of experience and knowledge to get it right first time and get your business running its best from the get go.
With a website builder you may be able to accept credit card payments but will your site design evoke enough trust for people to actually go ahead with the transaction?
At Willow Jam Media we each have over 15 years experience in the industry. We care about your business and understand that what makes a great product or service is passion and a love of what you do.