Hey there, hardworking business owners! Ever feel like building your own website is like trying to decipher an alien code? You're not alone.
Let's talk about the wild world of websites, where terms like "SEO," "responsive design," and "CMS" fly around like nails from a nail gun. But instead of neatly landing where they should, they often end up scattered all over the place, leaving us scratching our heads.
Diving into website building can feel like opening a toolbox and finding tools from another planet. You might have heard words like "HTML," "JavaScript," or "bandwidth" and thought, "Are these new power tools I've missed out on?" Spoiler: they're not.
In this blog, we're going to take an honest look at just how difficult it can be to build your own website. If you're up for the task because you like learning and want to be self-sufficient, more power to you. You should move forward expecting to trial-and-error your way to invaluable small business tech skills.
But if learning and self-sufficiency in the world of web design are not what you had in mind (there's not shame here - your hands-on business teaches you more than you need to know anyway), you may want to steer clear. And the goal of this blog is to show you why. It's a "fair warning" guide to save you from hours of labor and frustration that you may not have to spare.
Before we get to the 20 problems with trying to build your own business site, let's first discuss the individual mentioned above. What if you still want to take a crack at building your own website, even though you've never done it before?
If you think you might be this person, here are some skills and character traits that you'll need to tap into to make your website a reality.
Remember, building your own website can be a rewarding journey, but it's not a small feat. It's like taking on a major DIY project; you need the right tools, skills, and a hefty dose of patience. But if you're up for the challenge, go for it! And for those who'd rather focus on what they do best and leave the website building to the pros, well, the rest of this blog is for you.
Creating your own website can range from fairly straightforward to quite challenging, depending on several factors:
In short, if you're tech-savvy, have time to learn, and are building something simple, it's not too difficult. But if you're busy with your business and less comfortable with technology, it might be a tougher hill to climb.
Designing a website can be tricky because...
Whether it's worth it to build your own website really depends on a few key things:
The hardest part is often just getting started and then balancing all the different elements – design, content, functionality, and maintenance. It's a bit like juggling a bunch of different tools at once, each needing its own kind of attention.
In short, yes, a beginner can design a website, but it takes time, the right tools, and a willingness to learn and experiment.
A bad website design is usually one that makes things hard for your customers. Here are some tell-tale signs:
Designing a basic website might take a few days, while a more involved one could take much longer. It's all about how complex your site is and how prepared you are. If you're a typical local service provider, you don't need anything too complex, though both functionality and design are critically important.
Most websites fail for a few key reasons, much like common pitfalls in any business:
The first thing to consider when designing a website is knowing your audience. It's like knowing who you're selling your services to in your business. Ask yourself:
Getting into the nuts and bolts of website building can be like trying to learn a new trade overnight. You might find yourself tangled in all the tech speak and software. It's like trying to fix a leak with a wrench that doesn't fit.
Building a website can eat up time like a big job on a tight deadline. You're already juggling a million things, from managing jobs to keeping customers happy. Fitting in website work is like trying to squeeze in one more job at the end of a long day.
It's like putting up the best sign for your business, but in the online world. If your website isn’t set up right, it's like that sign is hidden down a back alley where no one can see it. You need the right tricks to make your site pop up when customers are looking.
Your website's security is as important as locking up your tools at the end of the day. Without the right security, hackers can break in and mess things up. It’s like leaving the door to your shop wide open when you go home at night.
Everyone’s using these little devices, so your site needs to work well on them, not just on a computer. If it doesn’t, it's like handing out flyers that are too blurry to read. You want a site that looks good and is easy to use, no matter what device your customer is on.
Getting your website to work with the systems you already use can be a real head-scratcher. It's like trying to fit a new part into an old machine – they don’t always go together easily. This can be stuff like your appointment scheduler or your inventory list.
Those "free" or "cheap" website builders can start adding costs for extra features, like a fancy paint job on a truck. You think you're getting a deal, but then the extras pile up and suddenly you're paying a lot more than you expected.
A slow website can drive customers away like a bad smell in a restaurant. If your site takes too long to load, people will lose patience and leave. You need a fast-loading site to keep customers' attention.
When things go wrong, or you just can't figure something out, you need help, fast. But finding someone who can help, especially if you're using a DIY website builder, can be like finding a needle in a haystack. It's important to have good support you can count on.
Like any important tool in your business, your website needs regular maintenance to stay in top shape. This means updating content, fixing bugs, and making sure everything is running smoothly. Neglecting this is like skipping regular maintenance on your work vehicle.
Your website should be easy to navigate, just like a well-organized workshop. If customers can't find what they need quickly, they'll get frustrated. You want a site that's as user-friendly as a simple tool, not one that's complicated to figure out.
Your website needs fresh content regularly, like a shop window that changes display to attract customers. This could be new photos of your work, updates on services, or helpful tips. It keeps customers interested and coming back.
Understanding your website's analytics is like reading a map to find where your customers are coming from. It can show you what's working and what's not, but it can be as tricky as learning a new language. This info is key to making smart business decisions.
Your website should reflect what your business is all about – your brand. It's like wearing your company uniform so customers recognize you. Make sure your website shows off your unique style and professionalism.
You don’t want a website that looks just like your competitor's. Using the same old templates is like having a truck that looks exactly like everyone else's. Your site should stand out and show what makes your business special.
Figuring out what to say on your site can be as tricky as explaining a complicated job in simple terms. You need clear, engaging content that speaks to your customers and tells them why they should choose you.
Using high-quality images and videos is key, but they need to be optimized so they don't slow your site down. It's like having a great billboard, but it needs to be in the right spot to get noticed without causing a traffic jam.
Regular backups are critical, just like backups for your important job files. If something goes wrong, like your site getting hacked or crashing, you need a backup to restore everything. It's like insurance for your online presence.
There are laws about what you can and can’t do on a website, like privacy rules and making your site accessible to everyone. It's like following building codes and safety regulations in your work.
First impressions are everything. Your website should look professional and polished, like a clean, well-organized shop. This shows customers that you're serious and trustworthy.
In wrapping up, we've navigated the twists and turns of website building, much like a complex plumbing or landscaping project. It's clear that creating a website is no small feat. It demands time, technical savvy, and a whole lot of patience – resources that are already stretched thin in the busy life of a small business owner.
While some of you may feel the thrill of tackling this digital challenge head-on, remember that your time and energy are precious. You're the expert at what you do, whether that's keeping homes warm, gardens lush, or pipes flowing. Why not let an expert take the reins on your website, too?
That's where we come in. We understand your business needs and have the tools and expertise to build you a website that not only looks great but works seamlessly to bring you more customers. By partnering with us, you ensure that your online presence is in skilled hands, leaving you free to focus on what you do best – running your business and serving your customers.
So, before diving into the deep end of website design, consider this: the smartest tool in the toolbox is often the one that knows when to call in a specialist. Let us be that tool for you. Together, we'll build not just a website, but a stronger, more visible, and more efficient online extension of your business.