DIY Website Not Cutting It? Here's Why You Need a Web Designer
Are you struggling with your DIY website? Have you poured countless hours into building your online presence but feel that something's missing? You're not alone. Many people just like you have ventured into the world of DIY website design, only to find that it’s not that easy. But there's good news – you don't have to go it alone.
In this blog post, I will let you know about the benefits of hiring an expert as well as how to find a designer to elevate your existing DIY site. Wanna hear some good news ….You probably don’t need to scrap what you have done either!
So, let's dive right in.
Reevaluating Your DIY Site
Before I dive into the reasons for hiring a web designer, let's take a step back and assess the current state of your DIY website. Ask yourself these important questions:
Is your website visually appealing and user-friendly?
Does it load quickly and perform well on various devices?
Are you satisfied with your website's search engine ranking?
Does it effectively communicate your brand message and services?
If your answers raise concerns in any of these areas, it might be time to consider finding a web designer to take your site to the next level.
Why Seek Professional Help with Your Existing Website?
If you're wondering why you should consider hiring a web designer's help for your DIY site ...Here are a few important reasons:
Enhance Your Online Presence
When you invest in a professional web designer, you're investing in your brand's online presence. A skilled designer can create a website that not only looks great but also functions seamlessly. This means more user engagement, increased credibility, and a competitive edge.
Strategic Approach
Web design is more than just pretty pictures and colours. It's about creating a strategic online presence that attracts and converts customers. A professional web designer can align your site with your business goals and implement strategies to drive customer engagement and conversions. I regularly see this most important factor missing across the majority of DIY websites!
Save Time and Frustration
DIY web design can be a time-consuming and frustrating process, especially if you're not experienced. By bringing in a web designer, you free up your time to focus on what you do best while leaving the technicalities to an expert.
Optimise for SEO
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is a crucial aspect of online success. A web designer can implement SEO best practices to ensure your site ranks higher on search engines, driving more organic traffic to your site.
Mobile Optimisation
With the increasing use of mobile devices, having a website that is mobile-friendly is essential. A web designer can ensure that your site is responsive, providing a seamless experience across all devices. And with Squarespace’s new Fluid Engine editor, this becomes even more important because you will have to effectively rebuild your site for mobile.
Collaborating with a Web Designer Expert
Getting an expert to work on your DIY website doesn't mean giving up control; it's about enhancing your vision with professional guidance. Here's how the collaboration process typically works:
Consultation and Assessment: A web designer will start by understanding your goals, target audience, and preferences. Together, you'll assess what's working and what needs improvement.
Tailored Design and Optimisation: Based on your vision and the designers recommendations, your website will undergo a makeover. Expect improved design elements, enhanced user experience, and optimisation for search engines.
Technical Enhancements: Web designers can fine-tune your website's technical aspects, ensuring it's responsive, secure, and speedy.
Content Refinement: Not all web designers offer this service, but they could offer you help with crafting compelling content that aligns with your brand and engages your audience.
How to Find the Right Web Designer
So, you've decided to take the plunge and get professional help for your existing DIY site. But where do you start when looking for the right web designer? Here's a step-by-step guide:
Define Your Goals
Before you start searching for a web designer, have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your website. This will help you find a designer with the right skills and experience.
Research and Shortlist
Begin your search by googling ‘Squarespace Web Designer *add location’ or reaching out to your network. Look at the portfolios of web designers who specialise in Squarespace websites. Pay attention to their design style and the types of projects they've worked on.
Check Reviews and Testimonials
Don't hesitate to reach out to their previous clients for feedback. Honest testimonials can give you insights into the designer's work ethic and professionalism.
Interview Potential Designers
Arrange zoom meetings or phone calls with your shortlisted designers. Discuss your project, ask questions, and gauge their enthusiasm and commitment to your vision.
Set Clear Expectations
Once you've chosen a web designer, establish clear expectations in terms of the project timeline, costs, and deliverables.
Collaboration
Maintain open communication with your designer throughout the project. Provide feedback and work closely together to achieve your desired results.
Elevating Your Online Presence
Now, let's explore why investing in an expert web designer is crucial for your business:
First Impressions: Your website is often the first interaction potential customers have with your brand. A polished, professional site creates a positive first impression.
Improved User Experience: A web designer can make your site more intuitive and user-friendly, reducing bounce rates and increasing user engagement.
SEO Boost: Optimising your website for search engines can significantly improve its visibility, making it easier for potential customers to find you online.
Time Efficiency: While you may have spent countless hours tinkering with your DIY site, a web designer can achieve results more efficiently, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
Competitive Edge: In a crowded digital landscape, a well-designed website can set you apart from your competitors and establish your brand as a leader in your industry.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
What's the difference between a web designer and a web developer?
A web designer focuses on the visual aspects and user experience, while a web developer deals with the technical and functional aspects of a website.
How much does it cost to hire a web designer for my DIY site?
The cost varies based on the complexity of your project and the designer's experience. It's essential to discuss pricing upfront. I offer 5 hour packages that’s generally more than enough time to get your site looking professional and optimised.
Can a web designer work with my existing DIY site on Squarespace?
Yes, a web designer can improve your existing Squarespace site by refining the design, functionality, and SEO. Please note that if you have an older 7.0 site then you would likely need to fully upgrade to their new editor on 7.1 Fluid Engine. And this would not be a simple hourly package.
What if I want to make updates to my site in the future?
Many designers offer ongoing support and maintenance plans to help you make updates as needed. However, if this is something you want to do yourself, ask the designer to do a training session with you.
How long does it take to see the results of professional web design?
The timeline depends on the scope of your project. Simple redesigns may take a few weeks, while larger overhauls could take a few months. It’s impossible to give an exact timing on this and I would be cautious if any web designer offers any type of guarantee.
Final words …
Investing in a web designer to help with your existing DIY site can be a game-changer for your online presence. The benefits of enhanced design, improved functionality, and expert SEO optimisation can take your website to the next level. As you embark on this journey, remember that your unique vision is only a click away from becoming a reality.
If you're ready to take the next step and need assistance with your DIY site, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I specialise in Squarespace web design and can help you transform your online presence.