subject: Is It Smart To Build My Own Small Business Website? [print this page] If you're bootstrapping it with your small business, you're unlikely to have a big budget for web design and development. Because of that, many folks turn to the do-it-yourself approach. After all, why pay for something you can do yourself, right? As great as a cheap, awesome, DIY fix might seem, the results are rarely awesome, and many people don't actually find it very easy either.
The Look
If you don't know how to make your own website from scratch, you'll have to resort to one of the many DIY website builders online. The thing is, when you're using a stock website builder, your site will generally come out looking pretty generic. So while you might be happy initially, over time, you might just realize that your site isn't nearly as professional looking or appealing as you once thought. You see, since you're using a template (or template pieces), your site can only be edited so far. In addition, certain features may simply not work with your template.
The Time
While many of these DIY sites promise a "fast and fun" experience, realize that it's going to take you time - and possibly lots of it. Even if you have a background in web development, each site is going to require a learning curve as you figure out the tools, the techniques and the quirks. And unfortunately, you may have to learn a lot of it by trial and error, spending many hours in help forums and making a lot of mistakes.
So while you might think you're saving a little by doing it yourself, consider how much your own time is worth. How much do you make hourly? Are your own wasted hours learning how to make your own website truly saving you more than going to a professional?
The Cost
Aside from your own lost hours, there are the actual brass tacks costs of building the site. Many of these services are initially inexpensive; however, look at the long term costs. Most of them charge a monthly rate of $15-$20, and most of that goes to cover hosting. While that might not seem like much compared to the $500 or more that you'd have to pay a designer, it does add up - especially when you consider that regular hosting (without the DIY design studio) only costs a few bucks a month.
The Verdict
So while it might cost you more out-of-pocket initially to hire a professional, you might just save a lot more down the line. You'll have someone who knows what he's doing, who can deliver a professional, unique site for your small business, and who can update or change your site when needed.
