How to Tell when Your Website has Outgrown Squarespace or Wix
Connecting with your customers online is essential to the growth of your business. When you want your products and services to be seen by the masses, you need to invest in a good digital marketing plan. Part of that plan will include having a website to convert visitors into paying customers. But keep in mind that getting from point A to point B is a delicate process.
When visitors come to your website, it only takes them a fraction of a second to form an opinion about your brand. If you want to make the right first impression, it’s critical that your website provide the best user experience possible from the moment someone clicks onto your page.
Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur? If so, you’ve probably considered building your first website using a “click it and forget it” platform like Squarespace or Wix. Don’t get me wrong, these website builders are amazing when you’re just starting out and need a quick, easy solution. But as your business grows, you may quickly outgrow the framework — in fact, you may have already!
Here’s the thing: if you’re in need of a relatively amateur website, Squarespace may be the right fit for you. Wix is another great tool for building small business websites. But once you cross the threshold into larger, more competitive spaces, you will need to scale your web development process accordingly.
When Does it Make Sense to Use Squarespace and Wix?
Sites like Squarespace and Wix can be a lifesaver when you’re a small business or entrepreneur who doesn’t have the time, skill, or money to build out an intricate website. What makes these platforms so appealing is that you can create your website and it doesn’t require having any specialized knowledge of CSS or HTML code. However, the catch here is that you will be at the mercy of the limited templates offered by these platforms. This also means that there may be hundreds of other websites out there that look just like yours.
The main benefits of a do-it-yourself site like Squarespace or Wix include:
Affordability: It’s a budget-friendly investment for small businesses.
Speed: It only takes a matter of hours to get your website up and running.
Attractive Design Options: The templates are much better than they were even just a few years ago. However, design options are limited in scope, which means there isn’t much room to distinguish your site from all of the other businesses that share the platform.
There are also a few drawbacks to consider, including:
Design: Customization options are limited and available templates are often generic.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): SEO tools are lacking. This means you’re left with little control over when, where, and how customers find your website.
Cost: These platforms only require a minimal upfront financial investment to get started. The problem, however, is that you will likely spend several hours learning how to use these platforms in addition to building out content. This means you’re left with less time to focus on the other priorities that come with running a business.
As your company begins to grow, you may need to upgrade your website to meet your current needs. This is where turning to a skilled developer for website management starts to make sense, rather than using platforms like Squarespace or Wix.
Why Use a Web Developer?
Web developers can create a custom design and structure for your website to meet the specific needs of your business and your target audience. They can deliver to you a website that is both unique and complementary of your brand voice. This means that you can attract more leads and stand out from your competition!
Who should take advantage of web development services?
Businesses That Bring In $250K or More
Is your business generating at least $250,000 annually? Then you would most likely benefit from a professionally designed website.
Local Businesses in a Competitive Industry
If you’re a digitally native brand, a professionally designed website can help you to maximize search engine optimization for your website.
Solopreneurs Generating Over $150K in Revenue
If you offer professional services, you're probably better off investing in a professionally designed website.
Businesses That Generate $5K or More Per Transaction
If you’re looking to improve lead generation and convert more site visitors into paying customers, a professionally designed website can help you reach your goals!
What Are the Pros and Cons of Working with a Professional Developer?
A professionally designed website allows you to work collaboratively with an expert you who will take the time to understand your brand and your vision for your company. They can help you to create a unique online experience for your users that they won’t get anywhere else.
There’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of "free" online tools, but you should carefully consider the true cost of investing your time and energy into these platforms. Most people don’t think about the costs associated with training someone to learn and manage the platform, lost revenue if your website is not properly optimized, and the time required to update your site over time.
Here are some of the main benefits that you can expect from hiring a professional developer:
Professional Design: Get a cohesive design that helps your brand stand out from the competition.
Enhanced Optimization: Give your audience a unique, quality experience on your website. This will result in increased conversions and sales for your business.
Better SEO: A professional developer will identify relevant keywords for your industry and ensure that your site is properly tagged and structured.
There are some drawbacks to consider, including:
Setup Costs: The upfront cost to set up your website will likely be higher than what it would cost to use platforms like Squarespace or Wix. However, as a business owner, you should carefully consider whether it’s worth your time to learn how to operate these tools.
Longer Timeline to Launch: Custom websites can take much longer to complete, depending on the nature of your business and what features you want included.
While the initial setup costs may be higher when you use a professional web developer, keep in mind that a custom website will often generate greater returns for your business.