How easy is it to create my own business website?
In today’s digital age, creating a business website has become more accessible than ever before. With numerous website builders and do-it-yourself (DIY) platforms available, SMB owners in Hastings, East Sussex, may wonder whether they should embark on the journey of creating their own website. In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of taking the DIY route for a business website to help you make an informed decision.
The Pros and Cons of Creating Your Own Business Website
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost Savings One of the primary advantages of creating your own business website is the potential cost savings. Website builders and DIY platforms often offer affordable pricing plans, allowing you to create a basic website without breaking the bank. This can be particularly beneficial for SMBs with limited budgets. | Time and Learning Curve Creating a professional and functional website requires time and effort. Learning how to use website builders or DIY platforms, understanding design principles, and optimising your website for search engines can be time-consuming. SMB owners need to consider whether they have the bandwidth to dedicate to website creation while also managing their business. |
| Control and Flexibility By creating your own website, you have full control over its design, layout, and content. You can customise the website to align with your brand’s unique identity and tailor it to your specific requirements. DIY platforms provide a range of templates and customisation options, giving you the flexibility to create a website that reflects your vision. | Time and Learning Curve Creating a professional and functional website requires time and effort. Learning how to use website builders or DIY platforms, understanding design principles, and optimising your website for search engines can be time-consuming. SMB owners need to consider whether they have the bandwidth to dedicate to website creation while also managing their business. |
| Learning Experience Embarking on the journey of creating your own business website can be a valuable learning experience. It allows you to gain firsthand knowledge of website design and development, which can be useful in managing and updating your website in the future. This hands-on approach can be empowering and rewarding for SMB owners who are eager to delve into the world of web design. | Limited Customisation and Features While website builders and DIY platforms offer customisation options, they often come with limitations. The templates provided may not fully meet your specific design preferences or offer advanced features required for your business. Customisation options may be limited, resulting in a website that may not fully align with your brand identity or unique needs. |
| Technical Limitations Creating a business website requires technical knowledge and expertise. While DIY platforms aim to simplify the process, you may still encounter technical challenges along the way. Troubleshooting issues, ensuring proper website functionality, and implementing advanced features may require technical skills that are beyond your scope of expertise. | |
| Lack of Professional Touch While DIY website builders provide user-friendly interfaces, the end result may lack the professional touch that a web design agency can offer. A professional web design agency like Gold Pebble has the expertise and experience to create visually stunning, user-friendly, and highly functional websites that can effectively showcase your business. |
Challenges when building your own business website
As mentioned above the learning curve required is very steep. Traditionally you had to learn a new programming language, how to publish it to a server, get a URL, monitor security. Frequently finding you had to pay developer to update if you hit a problem or want a new page.
If you wanted to evolve your site with new pages or features, or if you wanted your site to become more dynamic you would have to find new templates. Ultimately owners wanted more control, add new features, new coding formats and as technology evolved and browsers updated, more had to be learned.
CMS – a friendly way to build your business website
CMS, short for Content Management System, is a software platform that enables users to create, manage, and modify the content of a website without the need for extensive coding knowledge. It provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies website creation and maintenance, making it accessible even for individuals without technical expertise.
For small businesses looking to establish a strong online presence, a CMS is a game-changer. Here’s why CMS is important for your SMB:
Ease of Growth and Expansion
A CMS allows your website to grow with your business. As your needs evolve, you can easily add new pages, features, and functionalities to keep up with business growth.
Templates and One-Click Installs
Many CMS platforms offer a wide range of templates and themes that serve as a foundation for your website’s design. These templates are fully customisable, providing a professional look and feel without the need for complex design work. Moreover, with one-click installs, setting up these templates becomes a breeze.
Drag and Drop Building
CMS platforms often include drag-and-drop functionality, enabling you to easily arrange and organizse content elements on your website. This user-friendly approach empowers you to create a visually appealing and engaging website with minimal effort.
Adding Plugins for Business Growth
A significant advantage of CMS platforms is the availability of plugins. Plugins are add-ons that enhance the functionality of your website. For instance, you can add e-commerce capabilities, contact forms, social media integration, and much more with just a few clicks. These plugins facilitate your business growth and provide a seamless user experience for your customers.
WordPress – our CMS of choice for your business website
When it comes to creating your own business website, there are several Content Management Systems (CMS) available in the market. However, at Gold Pebble, we firmly believe that WordPress is the ideal CMS for SMBs looking to build their online presence. In a nutshell, here’s why…
- User-Friendly Interface
- Vast Selection of Themes and Templates
- Scalability and Flexibility
- Robust Plugin Ecosystem
- Strong Community Support
Popular WordPress plugins and their benefits for small businesses:
WooCommerce
This plugin transforms WordPress into a powerful e-commerce platform, enabling businesses to sell products or services online and manage inventory, payments, and shipping.
Yoast SEO
Yoast SEO helps optimise website content for search engines, improving visibility and driving organic traffic to small businesses’ websites.
Jetpack
Jetpack offers a suite of tools that enhance website security, performance, and marketing. It includes features like site backups, image optimisation, social sharing, and website analytics.
Contact Form 7
This plugin allows easy creation and management of contact forms, enabling businesses to collect customer inquiries and provide a seamless communication channel.
Alternative CMS options to WordPress
When considering alternative CMS options, businesses should assess their specific needs, technical expertise, and budget to choose the CMS that aligns best with their requirements. However there are two that standout from the crowd:
Drupal
Drupal is a robust CMS suitable for complex websites with extensive customisation needs. It offers scalability, advanced user management, and a wide range of modules for specialised functionality.
| Drupal Pros | Drupal Cons |
|---|---|
| Advanced customisation | Steeper learning curve |
| Scalability | Potentially higher development |
| Extensive module availability | Potentially higher maintenance costs |
Joomla
Joomla! is a user-friendly CMS that strikes a balance between ease of use and flexibility. It supports content management, e-commerce, and social networking features, making it suitable for various business needs.
| Joomla! Pros | Joomla! Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly | Limited theme options compared to WordPress |
| flexible | Not as widely supported by plugins |
| supports e-commerce and social networking | Not such a choice of themes |
Drupal offers advanced customisation and scalability but has a steeper learning curve compared to WordPress. Joomla provides a balance between ease of use and flexibility, offering a range of features suitable for small businesses.
Other options for building your own business website
If you’re considering taking the DIY route, and don’t really have the time to learn a CMS, you may have come across platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or similar options. In this section, we’ll explore these options and evaluate their ease of use and suitability for SMBs in Hastings, East Sussex.
Wix
Wix is a popular website builder that offers a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy for users with no coding experience to create a website. Here are some key considerations when evaluating Wix for your business website:
| Ease of Use | Wix provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to easily customise your website. Its drag-and-drop editor simplifies the process of adding and arranging elements on your site, making it accessible for beginners. |
| Design Templates | Wix offers a wide range of professionally designed templates catering to various industries. These templates provide a starting point for your website’s design and can be customised to match your brand’s look and feel. |
| Features and Functionality | Wix offers a range of features and functionality through its app marketplace. However, it’s important to assess whether these features meet your specific business needs. Some advanced functionalities may require additional plugins or coding expertise. |
Squarespace
Squarespace is another popular website builder known for its visually appealing templates and intuitive interface. Here are some key considerations when considering Squarespace for your business website:
| Design and Aesthetics | Squarespace offers professionally designed templates that are visually striking and modern. The platform emphasises clean and elegant design, making it suitable for businesses that prioritise aesthetics. |
| Content Management | Squarespace provides a robust content management system, allowing you to easily update and organise your website’s content. Its interface is intuitive, making it convenient for SMB owners to manage their site independently. |
| E-commerce Capabilities | Squarespace offers built-in e-commerce functionality, making it suitable for SMBs looking to sell products or services online. It provides features such as inventory management, secure payment gateways, and order tracking. |
Considerations for SMBs when choosing to DIY your business website
While Wix, Squarespace, and similar platforms offer convenience and ease of use, there are a few key considerations for SMBs.
Customisation and Scalability
While website builders provide flexibility, they may have limitations in terms of customisation and scalability. As your business grows, you may require advanced functionalities or a unique design that aligns with your evolving brand. Assess whether the chosen platform can accommodate your future needs.
Time and Learning Curve
Building a website on your own still requires time and effort to learn the platform and create a site that meets your expectations. SMB owners should evaluate whether they have the bandwidth to dedicate to website development while managing other aspects of their business.
Professionalism and Branding
Consider whether a DIY website will truly reflect the professionalism and branding you want to convey to your target audience. A web design agency like Gold Pebble can provide a tailored, visually stunning website that effectively communicates your unique value proposition.
Security
While plugins and modules can enhance your website’s functionality, it’s important to prioritize security when incorporating them into your site. By following best practices such as choosing reputable sources, keeping your add-ons updated, and implementing strong security measures, you can minimize the risks associated with using plugins or modules.
Creating your own business website can offer cost savings, control, and a valuable learning experience. However, it’s important to consider the time commitment, limitations in customisation and features, technical challenges, and the lack of a professional touch. If you’re seeking a website that truly captures your brand’s essence, provides advanced functionalities, and saves you time and effort, partnering with a web design agency like Gold Pebble is the ideal choice.