Very new small business owners are thinking about what is important to spend money and what isn’t. Should I hire someone to help with sales or do it myself? Should I hire a bookkeeper? Can I incorporate my business on my own or do I need a lawyer?
One important question many ask: Should I make my own Web site or hire someone?
There are many tools out there that advertise the ability to quickly and easily make your own Web site. Many low cost Web hosting companies offer free tools if you sign up for the Web hosting. Some example pitches include “Build Website In 3 Easy Steps,” “Build A Web Site For Your Business. Fast & Easy. Try It Free!,” and “Free 30 Day Trial! Custom Website & Hosting For Less Than $5 a Month”
When deciding to use one of these services, you should consider the following:
- No matter what tool you use, when you make a Web site yourself, it will look like you did it yourself. Even if you pick the best software available, you’ll still need graphic design skills to make your Web site look like a professional did it. Graphic design is a talent and no software can make up for a lack of it.
- Many of these tools will use a template, which means that the design was already complete by someone else and will be adapted to your needs. The template may be used by other people and may not be a precise fit for your business
So when is making your own Web site a good idea?
- When you don’t have money set aside for a Web site: Some small businesses start with a do-it-yourself job and then hire a professional when the time is right.
- When your business isn’t relying on the Web for generating business. For example, a plumber who gets enough referrals from existing sources may not need a Web site at all, or just one that was done for free.
- When your timeline is very short. A do it yourself Web site can have something up in a few minutes, faster than a custom designed Web site. Even looks aren’t important, than this may be sufficient.
We’ve invited some Web designers to add their thoughts on this topic below. When do you think it is ok for a business owner to make his/her own Web site?
#1 by Ken on February 19, 2010 - 2:44 pm
I would have to say never. Let me clarify this. I am a small business owner. When I opened my doors, I began by doing my own bookkeeping. I missed many things that a professional bookkeeper would know to do. Fortunately my mistakes were not costly. One of the first things I tell new business owners is to hire a bookkeeper.
If you design your own website it is generally not going to cost too much if it doesn’t go well. You will really not be breaking any laws either.
Anyway, I think in these times people just starting businesses know they need a website and should have this included when they come up with a business plan. As far as the old school business owner, they may be content with their earnings without a website or just a storefront that does nothing to attract traffic. These are exactly the clients that need to be educated about how much more traffic they can bring into their store by having a professional web presence. Which will in turn produce more revenue.
Just my $.02
Great Post
#2 by David Greer on February 21, 2010 - 3:02 am
In response to this, i would have to say a small business owner certainly should not create their own site if they really want it to be effective.
As a relatively new Web Designer/Developer, I am approached by many small businesses asking me to critique their current site and let them know how to make it work better. Each of these sites were created with some free or low-cost service, and their sites look like it, and act like it.
Many of these services do not offer functionality, originality, or customizable options. If they did, these small business owners would not seek me out to fix their sites. With this said, stick to what you know. If you know Web Design, then create your own site. If you know a different business, then conduct your business, because if you need a Web presence and you create your own site, it will only be a matter of time before you seek out a professional.
Have a great day,
David L. Greer, Jr.
Freelance Web Designer/Developer
#3 by Albert Six on February 23, 2010 - 10:16 am
I would say: “Try to make your own web site before asking for professional help.” It is a good exercise. You will have to identify what is important and what is secondary – The importance of pictures to present your ideas – You will discover that your email address should not be on your web because crawlers are searching web sites for email addresses….
Google is offering to make your web site for about $30/month…. indefinitely. Communications will be over the internet. I am afraid that sooner or later you will need the user and the designer sitting at the same table. After paying Google every month you may also have to pay a professional designer to finally get what you want. What do you think?
#4 by Eric Hess on February 26, 2010 - 3:59 pm
I guess it really depends on what business you are in. If you are in a creative field, would you really want to put your faith in someone else to make a site for you? Fortunately for us freelancers, most of the companies looking are NOT in the creative field.
Now, the time factor is something else completely. If you spend all your time on your new business – as you probably should – then the time to build a website goes out the window.
That is where the web designer goes in and can really help your business. I always try to make small businesses feel like they are my only client and aim to find a way to let their business run 24-7 without their constant monitoring.
Is this something that they should hire out for? A way to “stay open” all day everyday? I don’t see why not…