Jack of All Trades?
There is a GoDaddy advertisement currently on TV, suggesting that a plasterer uses their service to make himself a website. In addition to being a skilled plasterer, he may possibly offer related services, as is quite normal and he may have other related skills. Like stilt-walking, to reach higher up the wall!
As is expected of large USA corporates, their marketing is excellent. There are financial incentives to encourage new customers to sign up and stay longer term. And who doesn't smile at the image of Harry Redknapp with Sandra's Jam Roly-Polys?
Before you go ahead, just think about your job and where your income comes from. Do you want to be a plasterer or a carpenter or whatever you've spend years learning and building up? Or do you want to be a website designer?
During the past 30 years, we've seen software packages to enable our clients to create their own graphics (after dabbling, most of the professional businesses came back to professional designers) and do-it-yourself websites with their hidden nuances. These include Wix and Weebly.
This trend has also led to students creating cheap websites for small businesses. We've no problems with students trying to gain experience in their chosen field and make some money - as long as clients understand what they are getting. Internet presence is generally better than no presence at all.
Some of the issues we've noticed with home-grown websites include:
- social media links going to (e.g.) Wix Twitter account rather than the website owner's account;
- images uploaded are inconsistant sizes or too large which can slow down website display;
- poor SEO for search engines - written content, insufficient content, alt-tags, etc.;
- website can look old or ignored if not updated regularly, including copyright date and news.
Why SEO is important
If the website designer doesn't understand the importance of SEO, it will be more difficult to get the website noticed by search engines (e.g. Google). We can work with owners of diy sites to improve the SEO but sometimes the learning curve is too long or the chosen website software isn't flexible enough. Wix isn't bad, though, neither is the customised WordPress blog, although somewhat inflexible compared with a professional WordPress website.
Saving Money
If you haven't got the money for a professional job, be careful which diy site you choose - don't get locked in! It will end up costing more in the long run.
If you would like an affordable, professional bespoke website, with friendly support from a team that offers an individual service, try one of the following:
- The BPc (of course) for logo design, website design, SEO and social media management;
- Professional Solutions for website design/build, e-commerce plus website and PC support.
Supporting Small Businesses
Just a thought... if plasterers, plumbers, etc. want to build their own websites, don't be surprised if website professionals have the spare time to attempt plastering, plumbing, carpentry, brick-laying, etc.
;)
