Establishing an outstanding online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes and types–whether you operate a retail space, offer financial services, or anything in between. While DIY website builders like Squarespace and Wix offer convenience and affordability, there are innumerable reasons why hiring a freelance web designer is a superior choice for business owners looking to leverage their online presence as much as possible.
Customization and Flexibility:
One of the primary advantages of hiring a freelance web designer is the customization and flexibility they can offer. Unlike DIY platforms that provide pre-designed templates, a freelance designer can create a website uniquely tailored to your brand’s identity and goals. This level of customization allows you to stand out from your competitors and create a memorable online presence.
Professionalism and Credibility:
A professionally designed website instills trust and credibility in your brand (source). Freelance web designers have the expertise to create a polished and professional-looking website that effectively communicates your brand’s message and values to your audience. This professionalism can help you attract and retain customers, leading to increased sales and growth for your business–especially when you find a freelancer familiar with your space.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO):
SEO is crucial for driving organic traffic to your website and improving its visibility in search engine results. Freelance web designers understand the importance of SEO and can optimize your website’s structure, content, and metadata to improve its ranking. This can help you reach a wider audience and increase your chances of success online. It sets you up for success if you hire an SEO specialist since they won’t have to fix a ton of mistakes that you might make if you try to develop and design your site with Wix or Squarespace.
Responsive Design:
With the increasing use of mobile devices (over 80% of website visitors in many cases), having a responsive website is essential. Freelance web designers can ensure your website is optimized for all devices, providing a seamless user experience across desktops, tablets, and smartphones. This responsive design can help you reach more customers and improve your online presence.
Ongoing Support and Maintenance:
Building a website is just the beginning. Freelance web designers offer continuing support and maintenance services to ensure your website remains up-to-date and secure. They can also provide valuable insights and recommendations for improving your website over time, helping you stay ahead of the competition.
Cost-Effectiveness:
While DIY website builders may seem cost-effective initially, hiring a freelance web designer can save you money in the long run. A professionally designed website is more likely to attract and retain customers, leading to a higher return on investment (ROI) for your business. Additionally, freelance web designers often offer flexible pricing options, allowing you to find a solution that fits your budget.
Technical Reasons:
If we dive into the weeds for just a moment, using a ‘sandbox builder’ such as Wix or Squarespace is nice when you don’t know how to code, but it adds a ton of bloat to your website–this will cause the website to run slower and can make optimizing the website down the road a considerable pain. Starting with a great CMS like WordPress and an experienced designer can save you big headaches later.
In Conclusion:
In conclusion, while DIY website builders offer convenience, they often lose to freelance designers in customizability, professionalism, and long-term effectiveness. Hiring a freelance web designer gives you the advantage of a custom-designed website tailored to your specific needs and goals, helping you stand out in a competitive online landscape. With their expertise and creativity, freelance web designers can help you create a website that looks great and drives results for your business for a long time.
