Why it Worth Investing in Pro for Website Development
In a world where the internet is king, having a website has become a necessity for businesses and individuals alike. However, the temptation to save some money by building a website without professional help can be strong. While it may seem like a good idea at first, there are many risks involved in DIY website building. In this article, we will explore 10 of these risks and why it’s worth investing in professional support.
1. Poor User Experience
One of the most significant risks of building a website without professional help is creating a poor user experience. Your website’s user experience plays a vital role in attracting and retaining customers. If your website is difficult to navigate, slow to load, or has broken links, users will quickly leave your site and find a more user-friendly website. This can lead to a loss of potential customers and revenue.
A real-life example of poor user experience is the website of the 2012 London Olympic Games. The website was slow to load, difficult to navigate, and had broken links. This led to frustration among users and a negative impact on the event’s online presence.
2. Inconsistent Branding
Another risk of building a website without professional help is creating inconsistent branding. Your website is an essential component of your brand image. It should reflect your brand’s personality, values, and messaging. If your website’s branding is inconsistent with your brand’s image, it can confuse customers and damage your brand’s credibility.
A real-life example of inconsistent branding is the website of the luxury fashion brand, Prada. The website’s design was inconsistent with the brand’s high-end image, leading to confusion among customers.
3. Inadequate Security
A website built without professional help may have inadequate security measures in place. Cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated, and businesses must take proactive measures to protect their websites and customer data. If your website is not secure, it can be vulnerable to cyber attacks, leading to a loss of customer trust and revenue.
A real-life example of inadequate security is the website of the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The website had a security flaw that allowed hackers to steal sensitive taxpayer information. This led to a loss of trust in the IRS and a negative impact on the agency’s reputation.
4. Poor Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Search engine optimization (SEO) is an essential component of any website. It helps your website rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to find you. However, building a website without professional help can lead to poor SEO practices, such as keyword stuffing or irrelevant content. This can harm your website’s ranking and visibility in search engine results.
A real-life example of poor SEO is the website of the German car manufacturer, BMW. The website was found to be using deceptive SEO tactics, leading to a penalty from Google and a negative impact on the company’s online presence.
5. Limited Functionality
Building a website without professional help may limit your website’s functionality. Your website should provide a seamless user experience and offer features that meet your customers’ needs. If your website lacks essential functions or is difficult to use, customers will quickly look for alternatives.
A real-life example of limited functionality is the website of the UK National Health Service (NHS). The website lacked essential features, such as online appointment booking and prescription ordering. This led to frustration among users and a negative impact on the NHS’s online presence.
6. Inadequate Mobile Optimization
With the increasing use of mobile devices, it is essential to have a website that is optimized for mobile devices. Building a website without professional help may lead to inadequate mobile optimization, such as slow loading times or poor functionality on mobile devices. This can lead to a loss of potential customers who prefer to use their mobile devices to access your website.
A real-life example of inadequate mobile optimization is the website of the US State Department. The website was not optimized for mobile devices, leading to frustration among users and a negative impact on the department’s online presence.
7. Lack of Technical Support
Building a website without professional help means that you are responsible for maintaining and updating your website. If you encounter technical issues, you may not have the expertise to resolve them. This can lead to website downtime and a negative impact on your business’s online presence.
A real-life example of a lack of technical support is the website of the UK bank, TSB. The bank’s website experienced a significant outage that lasted for several days, leading to frustration among customers and a negative impact on the bank’s reputation.
8. Inadequate Analytics
Analytics is an essential component of any website. It helps you track user behavior, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions. Building a website without professional help may lead to inadequate analytics, such as not tracking user behavior or not using the data to make informed decisions.
A real-life example of inadequate analytics is the website of the UK supermarket, Tesco. The website lacked essential analytics features, such as tracking user behavior and conversion rates. This led to a loss of potential revenue and a negative impact on the supermarket’s online presence.
9. Inadequate Content Management
Managing content on your website is essential to keep it updated and relevant. Building a website without professional help may lead to inadequate content management, such as not updating content regularly or not using a content management system (CMS).
A real-life example of inadequate content management is the website of the UK government. The website lacked a CMS, making it difficult to update and maintain content. This led to outdated information and a negative impact on the government’s online presence.
10. Legal Compliance Issues
Your website must comply with laws and regulations, such as GDPR or ADA requirements. Building a website without professional help may lead to legal compliance issues, such as not following data protection laws or not providing accessibility features for users with disabilities.
A real-life example of legal compliance issues is the website of the US retailer, Target. The website was found to be violating accessibility laws, leading to a lawsuit and negative publicity.
How to Make Your Website Stand Out
If you’re ready to invest in professional support for your website, there are many things you can do to make it stand out. This includes using high-quality images, creating engaging content, and optimizing your site for search engines. By taking these steps, you can create a website that is both functional and visually appealing.
Building a website on your own may seem like a good idea, but it comes with many risks. From poor design choices to security breaches, there are many things that can go wrong. By investing in professional support, you can avoid these risks and create a website that is both functional and visually appealing. So, take the time to find a reputable web design company or freelancer and start building a website that you can be proud of.