What's better for you? DIY WordPress design vs design agencies

DIY WordPress design vs design agencies

If you want to update your website or build a new one, you must choose to either build it yourself or hire a professional. In the past, having an expert design and build a website was the only way to go. Currently, there are many website builders and content management systems that allow you to create an attractive web space for very little cost. Depending on the needs of the site, this may not be the right choice. The following considerations will help you decide on the best course of action.

Popular options

When you need a website, there are three popular options:

• Website builders. Platforms like Wix, Weebly and Squarespace help you to build beautiful websites without touching code. Coming in at under $10 month, they are a tempting option but do not have much flexibility, making them too limited for large websites.
• Content management systems. WordPress is the leader here, powering more than 30 percent of the web. The platform has many free and beautiful themes to get you started, but you will have to be comfortable with a little coding for optimal results.
• Professional design agencies. This is the most expensive option, with costs averaging between $2,000 and $100,000. While pricey, having professionals handling every aspect of the site presents unlimited possibilities while leaving you time to work on your business.

Site needs

When deciding on design options, you must determine the needs of your website. If it is just a few pages that provide basic information about you and your company, you can use a website builder to place images, videos and text or even WordPress with a free theme. If your site is your business, and you will be taking payments or offering a custom app, you will need to hire a developer for optimal results.

Skill level

If you are already a programmer, you can build the type of site you need from scratch. Most people do not have those skills and will likely turn to a site builder to create an attractive web presence. While limited, site builders get the job done quickly without coding requirements. Using WordPress means being comfortable with HTML and CSS on at least a basic level, but this will put you in complete control of design and content.

Budget factors

Regardless of whether you are building your own site or hiring someone else to do it, you will need to spend some money. Fees for a site builder or self-hosting WordPress can run from $50 to $300 per year. Professional designers and developers start at about $5,000 to $7,500 for a typical project. This cost can run much higher if there are many complex elements and functions, such as inventory management and product categories on an e-commerce site.

Building a website is an important step that requires many choices. If you cannot decide which way to go, consider your revenue. When less than 20 percent of the business comes from the website, a builder is a good choice. A more complicated site that brings in 100 percent of the business requires a professional developer and a larger investment. In the end, it comes down to time, skills, budget size and site needs.