Many small business owners want to manage their own websites. There are two key reasons for this: first, they don’t want to pay a web designer for every minor change, and second, they want the freedom to make updates whenever they need to. So, how can you run your own website effectively?
There are two main routes you can take:
Design the website yourself
Get a professional web designer to create it, then hand it over to you for ongoing updates
Let’s take a look at both options.
Designing Your Website Yourself
If you’re thinking about designing your own website, the first step is to choose the right platform. You want something that’s easy to use and maintain, especially if you’re not a technical expert.
I personally use Wix for the websites I design for small service-based businesses. It’s one of the most user-friendly platforms available for non-technical users. Another good option is Squarespace. Many professional designers also use WordPress, which has some drag-and-drop features. However, with WordPress, you may run into technical issues, such as plugin conflicts and updates, so you need to be comfortable managing those.
It’s important to be aware that designing your website yourself can be both time-consuming and frustrating. Many people who have taken this route will tell you the same. That said, it does give you complete control over your website. However, be realistic—unless you have design experience, the end result is unlikely to match the quality of a professionally designed website.
Hiring a Web Designer and Taking Over
If you want a professional-looking website, even a simple one-page site, it’s worth investing in a professional web designer. A well-designed website will look more polished and be more functional than something you’ve put together yourself, and it’s likely to make a better impression on potential clients.
If you do decide to hire a web designer, make sure you’re clear from the start that you want to manage the website yourself once it's built. You need to ensure they’re using a platform that’s easy for you to update, ideally one with drag-and-drop functionality that’s intuitive to use. Platforms like Wix or Squarespace are ideal for this.
Getting Support When You Need It
Even if you take over the website yourself, it’s important to have the option to call on your web designer for any complex updates or technical issues. Make sure your designer is available for ongoing support, should you need help with something beyond your ability.
Final Thoughts
Managing your own website is possible, but it does come with challenges. If you have the time and patience, designing it yourself could give you the freedom you want. However, for a professional result, I always recommend investing in a designer who can create a high-quality website, and then hand over the reins to you.
Whether you design it yourself or get professional help, make sure your website is easy to manage, user-friendly, and set up for future success.