Every business needs a website, and in today’s ever-increasingly digital world, it’s never been more important to have a commanding online presence. Fortunately, it’s also a lot easier to create a website today than it was 20 years ago thanks to a whole host of tools. But the right path for one business may not be the right path for another, and you must consider your goals as well as your budget.
This article will explore three popular routes that businesses choose to go down in terms of web design, touching upon the benefits and drawbacks of each option. Read on to see which is the right option for your business.
1. Go It Alone With DIY Web Design
For those who prefer a hands-on approach, modern web design tools make it easier than ever to create a website without coding knowledge.
Maybe you don’t have the budget to bring in design assistance, or maybe you just love the idea of learning new skills. Whatever the reason, learning web design from scratch has become an increasingly popular option. This is largely due to the arrival of no-code web design tools that have revolutionized the way we create websites.
The likes of Webflow, Wix and Squarespace allow budding designers to go it alone without needing to undertake complex web development courses. The end result is often a professional-looking website that comes without the hard work that was once required.
Webflow in particular is a great option for those who want to design without code. It may be a little more complex than older tools but, given a little time and patience, you’ll find yourself able to create highly responsive, aesthetically pleasing interfaces that will resemble websites created by top agencies.
Benefits Of DIY Web Design
Lower Cost
The most obvious benefit is the money you’ll save on needing to either hire or outsource to an agency. For smaller businesses, this is a particularly attractive benefit as they will be working to much tighter budgets.
Control
If you choose to go it alone, you won’t have to worry about conveying your idea to another individual or business. For the creative types, putting their idea into action may actually be a far more enjoyable experience than having back-and-forth communication.
Challenges Of DIY Web Design
Learning Curve
Despite the advancement of web design aids, they still require some degree of learning. More advanced platforms like Webflow will require longer learning periods which can subsequently slow down other business processes.
Customization Limitations
There’s only so much you can do without using code. Whether it’s down to the platform you are using or your own skillset, you may find that there are certain things that just aren’t possible when working with a DIY web design tool.
2. Hire A Freelancer
If you like the idea of hiring a professional but are still restricted due to budget, you may find that hiring a freelancer is the best option. Freelancers bring pros such as experience and technical know-how but command a smaller fee than agencies would.
Just like the no-code web design world, the freelance world has benefited from a rise in online platforms and digital tools. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr connect businesses with freelancers and this is a great place to find a web designer for your needs. You’ll find a whole host of options which allow you to reach out to designers that fit your requirements in terms of cost, experience and expertise.
You may find that some designers are just starting out and will be happy to work for less to build up their portfolio which can again be a great option for smaller businesses. On the other hand, if you require a freelancer with specific expertise in eCommerce web design principles, you may need to be prepared to pay a higher amount for a more specialized skillset.
Benefits Of Hiring A Freelancer
Affordability
You may find that freelancers offer the best value for money, especially if you’re not working on a large-scale project. You’ll still receive a high level of work but won’t be charged the price of working with a full agency due to lower overheads.
Flexibility
As pointed out above, you’ll be able to scour the internet until you find a freelancer that works for your business and your budget. You may also be able to negotiate with freelancers, unlike agencies that generally offer their services at a fixed price.
Challenges Of Hiring A Freelancer
Lack Of Support Post-Project
The best agencies will work with you on a long-term basis and offer support even after they’ve handed over your new website. Freelancers, on the other hand, are less likely to offer this which could lead you to run into issues further down the line.
Lack Of Communication And Project Management
Where agencies and freelancers differ the most is their approach to project management. Working with an agency should see you receive a dedicated project manager or account manager who will act as a link between your business and the agency. While communication can vary from one freelancer to the next, this is a luxury that is often not received when working with a freelancer.
3. Work With A UI/UX Agency
If you require the full package, you’ll probably want to look at working with a design agency. Most design agencies go far beyond web design, and you may see them refer to themselves as a UI/UX design agency due to their vast offering. UI refers to a user interface while UX stands for user experience. You may also find their services expand into branding or packaging design.
You’ll benefit from receiving a holistic approach to web design when working with an agency. UI teams are responsible for how your website looks while UX designers are concerned with usability, responsiveness and performance. You’ll likely find that an agency has in-house developers who are able to customise websites to your specific needs without being constricted by the no-code platforms that we mentioned earlier.
Benefits Of Working With An Agency
Comprehensive Strategy
When working with an agency, you can expect to receive a strategic approach. While freelancers may be more concerned with the look of the website, agencies will be able to plan out how your website can be designed to align with your business goals. This is something that is particularly important if your website is selling a product.
Ongoing Support And Communication
Agencies are able to demand a higher fee due to the superior communication and support they are able to offer. Your dedicated account manager will constantly be on hand to take on any feedback or concerns which should keep your project running smoothly. You’ll also probably have introduction calls and ongoing meetings to ensure you are getting exactly what you want.
Challenges Of Working With An Agency
Most Expensive Option
As you’d expect, receiving the full package comes at a cost and working with an agency is the most expensive option. However, it’s important to consider that the cost of working with an agency can drastically vary from one to the next.
Longer Timelines
Agencies won’t just work with one client, so your website won’t be the sole focus of the agency. As a result, you can expect your project to take longer to complete than if you were working with a freelancer or even tackling the project yourself.
Final Thoughts
The right option is dependent on a range of factors that have been mentioned throughout this article. Nobody knows your business better than you, so it’s important to consider all web design options as well as your business needs before committing to a decision.