Web Designer or DIY

Are you considering building your website but need help figuring out where to start? Or maybe you’re wondering if it’s worth hiring a professional web designer instead.  Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of both DIY and hiring a professional web & SEO agency. The information on this page will help you decide which direction to go.

Why do you need a website?

You might be thinking about the reasons why you even need a website.  If you have a business, then having a website is an absolute must if you want to attract customers.  But even if you don’t need a business website, you might benefit from having a website for informational purposes.  Maybe you want a website for your small business or to create a blog.

A website can display anything you have in mind, whether items you have for sale or poetic thoughts you want the world to see!

What is a Web Developer?

A web developer is a professional who builds and maintains websites. They use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side programming to create functional and visually appealing websites. A web developer can help you craft a website that meets your needs, looks great, and functions properly. With their knowledge of the latest technologies, they’ll ensure your site works on all devices and runs efficiently.  They can efficiently debug and test the website to ensure it is functioning correctly and doesn’t have errors.

Web developers design the webpage layouts while working with their clients to understand their needs.  They may also develop applications for purchasing, completing forms, and other interactions. 

Hiring a web developer may be worth it if you’re looking for someone to maintain your webpage or want something beyond what a DIY approach can provide.

Hyper Text Markup Language

HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) is the building block of webpages and what is needed to create a site. It is the primary scripting language that allows you to put text, images, links, and other content in an organized way so anyone on the internet can see it.

Cascading Style Sheets

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is the next step in creating a website. CSS takes HTML and adds styling, color, layout, and other visual aspects of the webpage to make your site look professional, visually appealing, and consistent. It allows developers to separate the structure and content of the webpage from the visual presentation, making it easier to update and make changes to the design.

Over the years, CSS has evolved, the latest version being CSS3.  It includes advanced animations and responsive design techniques to create even more sophisticated websites.

CSS uses selectors to target specific HTML elements and apply style rules.  For example, a CSS selector may target all the paragraph elements on the page and specify a particular font.  You can add fonts, backgrounds, and navigation bars with just a few lines of code.

Scripting

JavaScript is the code that helps create even more powerful and interactive websites.  It was built in 1995 by Brendan Eich while working at Netscape Communications Corporation and has since become one of the most popular programming languages in the world!

JavaScript, CSS, and HTML together make it possible to create dynamic websites.  Dynamic effects include dropdown menus, sliders, and pop-ups. JavaScript is also used to develop complex applications such as video games. It includes client-side scripting, server-side scripting, and desktop and mobile application development. 

One of the unique features of JavaScript is that it can run on both the client and server sides, allowing developers to update content in real time.  The client-side is what the user sees in the browser, and the server side is what is on the web server (clients do not see).

Hiring a Web Designer

Hiring a professional web developer has its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, you’ll have access to an experienced coder who can create a website that looks great and works perfectly on all devices. They’ll also save you time and effort by handling everything from start to finish.

From a business standpoint, hiring a web developer makes sense because a professional knows how to boost your business online and takes charge of managing your website.  A professional web developer can create a unique website that attracts customers by optimizing your website for search engines, which is very important.

You can hire a professional web developer by checking job-search websites such as Indeed, social media, and online directories. Make sure to check reviews and portfolios before making your decision. Hiring a web developer can be expensive, depending on their skills and experience. It’s essential to shop around and compare rates before deciding.

Creating a DIY website

Creating a website can be a great way to get the design you want without spending much time and money, depending on which route you want to go.  Many DIY website builders make it easy for a beginner to work with.  On the other hand, you could learn to use HTML and CSS on your own using online tutorials such as Youtube. 

Types of DIY website programs include HTML and CSS editors, content management systems (CMSs), web development frameworks, and visual drag-and-drop builders. Each has its advantages, depending on your skill level and needs. For instance, an HTML editor allows you to write in Hyper Text Markup Language from scratch or do modifications for a more customized experience. Content management systems like WordPress let users create websites without any coding knowledge. Frameworks such as Bootstrap offer developers the tools to quickly build a website using pre-made templates. And finally, visual drag-and-drop builders are user-friendly and don’t require any technical know-how.

Website builders with drag-and-drop technology are an excellent option for beginners. No coding is required!  You can make a beautiful-looking site in no time.  According to an article in PC Magazine called The Best Website Builders for 2023, the most popular website builders include WIX, Squarespace, Weebly, and more. 

If you want a better understanding of website layouts, but want something to help you get started, check out the free CSS layouts available online.  And if you are interested in mobile web design layouts, visit pttrns.com.

Creating a website on your own gives you complete control over your project, and you can work on your schedule.  It can also boost your confidence in developing sites if that is your passion. However, it can be time very time-consuming and frustrating at times.

How to Decide?

When deciding if you want to go the DIY route, you should consider your goal for the website.  Do you need it for your business, or is it a personal website you are interested in for a hobby? Then think about what you can do yourself and how much time you have on your hands. Making your website has its benefits; you’ll be able to create exactly what you want without paying extra for web development services, plus it’s also an opportunity to gain web development skills that will serve you well in the future. However, it’s important to remember that developing your website is not for everyone.  For example, if you need a website optimized for search engines or mobile responsive, doing it yourself may be tricky.

Hiring a professional developer may be your best choice if you need technical know-how or more time and patience.  It’s ultimately up to you to choose which path is best suited for your needs.