While the ongoing pandemic has presented immense challenges for small businesses, it has also driven an exciting surge in entrepreneurialism. According to data from the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), more people are registering businesses than before the pandemic. That, inevitably, will lead to an increase in business websites as they seek to capitalise on evolving consumer habits and booming eCommerce sales.
A website was once optional but is now essential; allowing small businesses to cater to the millions of Australians who discover and engage businesses online. When it comes to building a website, there is no one-size-fits-all approach for everyday entrepreneurs. When building a website, there are two basic options: building it yourself (DIY) or enlisting the help of an expert (do it for me). Factors that should influence your decision include:
- How much time you can commit.
- Your level of comfort with technology.
- What content and features you want to include on your website.
- How much you’re willing and/or able to spend.
Do it yourself
It’s never been easier, quicker or more cost-effective for entrepreneurs and small business owners to build a professional, sophisticated and eye-catching website. Building your own website is generally less costly than hiring a professional and can be done in a matter of hours, without needing previous technology expertise. Simple and intuitive templates and drag and drop interfaces let you select and create a design that suits your business, and can be personalised with your unique text, images, details and testimonials to bring your online story to life.
There are many small business website design tools available online today. GoDaddy’s Websites + Marketing, for example, is an intuitive, easy-to-use tool that helps you build a great website that is automatically compatible for mobile and easy to promote to your audience. So, if you feel comfortable, have a small budget, want to be quick to market, and don’t need advanced capabilities or customisations, doing it yourself is an excellent option. However, if you need more from your website, don’t have the time, or would like the peace of mind that an expert provides, there are many ‘do it for me’ options.
Do it for me
Outsourcing to a professional can be a great option if you want to spend more time focusing on other aspects of your business, are willing to spend a little more or simply want the comfort of knowing you’re in expert hands. As well as benefits such as time and quality, hiring an expert is a great way to help if you want more advanced features and capabilities on your website.
You’ll want to ensure and agree upfront that you have full ownership of your final website assets, and the ability to make your own updates when you need to. When engaging an expert, be sure to provide a clear brief that includes your overall website objectives, target audience and content direction, with a budget and delivery timeframe that both parties agree on upfront so there are no hidden surprises. There are plenty of experts out there, but many do-it-yourself website providers, like GoDaddy, also have in-house designers, who can create custom-built expert websites for less than you might think.
For small businesses and entrepreneurs today, a website is often the first impression that potential customers get about your business. As the old saying goes, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. However, whatever your budget, technical ability or requirements, it’s never been easier to create a beautiful website that works hard for your business and creates a great impression every time.
