Why do you need a web designer?

Firstly, why do you need a website?

The experts all agree on this one.

If you have something to sell or promote, be it a product, a service – or simply yourself – you need a website.

Not all websites are created equal, which is why you need a web designer.

Don't get me wrong, for certain 'mom and pop' businesses DIY website builders are great. They allow a small 'hobbyist' business to get a cheap, quick web presence. However, a web site is the new 'shop window' for most businesses. You have around 5 seconds (the golden window) to hook a user once they look at your website.

That is a fraction of time for them to decide if they want to do business with you, or simply hit the back button.

As a business owner, do you know the best way to stand out in those 5 seconds?

Do you know how to craft the perfect landing page to convert visitors into paying customers in 5 seconds?

Do you know how to craft web copy to persuade an audience that you are the right business for them in 5 seconds?

No?

Then visitors to your website might not become customers.

It’s time to hire a web designer.

Businesses that succeed and grow are those in which business owners spend time 'on their business' not 'in their business'. I would argue that the best use of a business owner's time is in getting more business, more sales, and more leads, not trying to crop an image they took from their mobile phone onto their website so it at least looks 'sort of' presentable. What might take a business owner 1 hour to do might take a web designer 5 minutes – and chances are it will also look far more professional. It will also be uploaded using web best practices that both Google and visitors like.

Finally, let's look at your competitors and how you can gain a competitive edge. As a business owner, you compete against every other website in your sector. You need a competitive edge to ensure your website is the one that customers find and go back to time and time again, and this is where the web designer ultimately steps in.

You could take a DIY website offering and 'have a go' yourself (or get an assistant or colleague to give it a go). But, and here's the biggy, do you or your colleague know how to set out your website to ensure Google ranks you well?

Do you know the optimum content that Google loves?

Do you know what Google penalises you for?

And perhaps, more importantly, what Google awards you for?

Do you know what helps a website rise in local search rankings?

My guess is not.

It’s time to hire a web designer.

The real reason you need a web designer, instead of building your business website using a DIY package, is because you need an online business that grows and sets you apart from your competition. A skilled and experienced web designer will bring this to the table

I've always been really interested in technology, before the likes of Google and the World Wide Web I was at university researching my degree using Instant Relay Chat and Altavista (if you remember these we need to go for a drink).

I have personally worked in web design, digital marketing, social media, and SEO for more than 18 years.

Based in Arundel, West Sussex, I am very much a local web expert and specialise in creating websites and online marketing strategies that help grow businesses and get real results. You can find me at Simplified Ideas or just give me a bell, I like to chat - 07909 988997