Setting up a business is often complicated and costly, and it can be difficult to know where to spend your marketing dollars, especially when you’re just getting started.
A strong online presence is crucial for just about any modern business. It’s no wonder, then, that the majority of business owners reach a point where they ask an important question: should I design my website myself, or should I hire a professional?
DIY website builders are a great option if you’re a startup on a very tight budget and need to set up a basic, quick online presence.
If you choose to go the DIY route, make sure to keep things as simple as possible. We recommend building a basic website that clearly explains who you are and what you do.
Of course, that’s not to say you shouldn’t spend any money at all on your DIY project. If you’re not going to invest in a professional web design, it’s important that you at least spend on a well-designed logo, business cards, and a professional domain name (i.e. www.yourname.ca).
It’s also wise to invest in software that will systemize your business, saving you time and money in the long run. At the minimum, invest in a business-grade email system so you can manage your calendar, backup your emails, and run your business seamlessly on any device (so long as you have an internet connection).
We can create a unique professional logo, business cards, and domain name! Our brother company IT Horizons can get you setup right the first time with a business call email system from Microsoft.
The short answer to your burning question is that as long as you can afford it, you should always hire a professional web design firm.
When contemplating the costs of hiring a professional firm, also think about the costs of not hiring one. Bear in mind that an unprofessional website can drive business away, costing you far more than you would invest in professional services in the first place.
Think about how important a website is to the success of your business. Will most of your customers be finding you online? If the answer is yes, a professional looking website should be at the top of your priority list, regardless of your budget.
At Saltmedia, we know that choosing a professional web design firm isn’t a decision you make lightly. That’s why we want to equip you with all the tools and information you need to make the right decision for your business.
We offer free discovery meetings so we can better understand your business’ unique marketing needs, pains, wants and goals. We’re dedicated to taking as much time as it takes to ask the right questions and really uncover the best plan of action for your business. Our quote and recommendations are customised for you, not templated for every new lead.
We’ve been helping businesses big and small in Grande Prairie and the rest of Alberta establish a professional online presence for years. If you’re ready to invest in professional services, or if you have other unique online marketing needs, talk to us. We’re here to listen and are dedicated to recommending only the best options for your business.
We live, work, and gather on traditional, unceded, and treaty territories of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples from coast to coast to coast. We’re committed to our collective responsibility to the original caretakers of this land and to listening, learning, and acting in ways that support reconciliation.
