If you are like most business owners, getting your website set up can seem like an overwhelming process. There are so many options out there; it is hard to know where to start.
There are two standard methods for building a website; either you can hire a web designer to build a website for you or use a website builder. A website designer is an expert in making websites look good and function well. On the other hand, a website builder makes the process of building a website more accessible by offering templates that create specific web designs automatically.
At first, glance, hiring a web designer or a website builder may seem like an easy choice. After all, they both develop websites, and the skills required to do so are similar. However, there's a big difference between the two approaches. The approach you decide to take will have a profound impact on the success of your website. That being said, let's take a closer look at both methods:
What is a Website Builder?
Website builders are web applications that allow people to create websites without having any prior technical skills. They are designed to be easy to use, so people with little or no knowledge about HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can create their websites without needing any programming knowledge.
A website builder is essentially your own personal web designer. The best website builders allow you to make a professional-looking website without any prior experience or training simply by choosing from thousands of templates and then customizing the template to suit your needs.
A website builder provides customers with a simple and user-friendly interface that allows them to create their own websites. Site builders are often used as an alternative to web designers, as they enable users who lack knowledge of coding languages and web design tools to create professional-looking websites.
Website builders are becoming more and more popular with the increasing number of people who want to create their own simple websites. Today, you can find many popular website builders such as Wix or GoDaddy.
What is a Website Designer?
A website designer is an individual who specializes in designing websites. It is a person who decides what the layout of the website will look like, what features it will have, and how that design will translate into code for web browsers to read.
A website designer is responsible for the aesthetic of their client's website. A website designer usually works with clients to create or redesign websites. Sometimes they can also be responsible for writing the HTML and CSS code that makes up a website's structure.
It’s important to note the difference between a website designer and a website developer. Web designer and web developer are two different professions with different areas of expertise. A Web designer creates the look and feels of a website. In contrast, a web developer is responsible for back-end features such as content management system (CMS), search engine optimization (SEO), traffic analysis, etc.
Should You Hire a Web Designer or a Website Builder
Both website designers and website builders are great options for creating a website. But which option should you choose? To help make this answer clear, we’ve provided a list of requirements and critical factors that should help determine which method you should opt for.
When to Hire a Web Designer
Here are some of the common reasons why you should hire a web designer online:
You have an open-ended budget and can spend a considerable amount of money on website development. When you hire a web designer, be prepared to pay some hefty rates. The Average freelance web designer can charge up to $150 per hour. Web development agencies can charge even higher.
You don’t have the time to create your own website. As a business owner, it can be challenging to focus on growing your brand while also providing attention to other matters. In such cases, it's better to hire a professional to do the job for you.
You’re building a complex website with uncommon functionality. With the help of a web designer, the sky is the limit. You can create a unique website from scratch, provided that you convey your requirements properly to your designer.
When to Opt for a Website Builder
Leveraging services from a website builder might be a better option for you, if:
You have a limited budget and can’t afford to hire a web designer. Most website builders are relatively cheap and affordable. Companies on a tight budget might prefer using a website builder instead of hiring a web designer.
You have the time and are willing to learn website development. Within a few days, you can learn the ins and outs of web design practices. A good website builder will provide references and learning material to help you out during the learning process.
You’re building a simple website. Many businesses, especially startups, don't really care about making a complex website. They just want to have an online presence. It doesn't matter if the website is plain and straightforward. Only hire a web designer for a startup when your brand recognition improves and traffic starts to increase.
The Top 5 Best Website Builders
Wix
Wix is the current highest-rated website builder - and for a good reason too. It's a powerful web application that allows users to create websites seamlessly by dragging and dropping elements. With a free plan alongside 8 different premium packages, Wix offers a trial run to help you determine whether it’s the right tool for you.
Squarespace
Squarespace is slightly cheaper than Wix but still offers powerful web design features that aren't available on other platforms. The best thing about Squarespace is the plethora of templates it provides for users to customize. These templates follow the latest online trends and are a great starting place for creating a professional-looking website. Squarespace premium plans start off at $12 per month.
GoDaddy
GoDaddy is the cheapest fully-fledged website builder on our list. However, this tool only provides basic web design services, which may limit your options. You might not be able to create a customized website. However, its robust design assistance feature allows users to generate pre-made websites by providing details. It's the perfect choice for users who want to rapidly create a website without any concern for aesthetics. GoDaddy paid plans to range from $9 to $19.99 per month.
Weebly
Weebly is a free website builder that allows you to create your own site. With over 40 million people using this tool, Weebly makes it easy for anyone to build their own website, blog, or online store. You can design and publish your very own professional-looking website in minutes with no coding required. Weebly is an ideal choice for users who are new to website builders. If you’re looking to create a website that is likely to expand and grow in upcoming years, Weebly may not be the best option for you.
WordPress
WordPress is a bit more difficult to use as a website builder because users will have to learn coding to take advantage of the platform properly. If you have a coding background, you might want to consider using WordPress instead. It's cheap, reliable, and offers excellent packages, ranging from $4 to $45 per month.
Where to Find a Professional Web Designer
Where to hire a web designer? Worries not; there are many ways to find a web designer. Web design forums are always a good place to start. A large number of online communities exist where you can post your project details and receive bids from several different designers.
Another great option is online freelance marketplaces, providing both freelance services and jobs for freelancers. Designers on these platforms will be able to create the exact website you're looking for at an affordable price without having to deal with intermediaries or agencies that take significant cuts out of the payment.
We recommend using the TaskShift marketplace to find a professional web designer. Our marketplace offers exceptional quality services at rates far below the usual market trend. Our designers are carefully selected based on skills, experience, reviews, and various other metrics. You won't find a better marketplace to hire a web designer. Check out our web design and web development categories today.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a professional website design solution, then a web designer should be the way to go. A web desig