Find a Web Designer near you
The average rating for Bark Web Designers is 4.91, based on 1,002,896 reviews
5/5
based on 1,002,896 reviews
In the digital age, a website is a cornerstone for businesses of all sizes. But when it comes to building one, a common dilemma arises: should you hire a professional web designer or tackle the project yourself? This guide will explore the pros and cons of both options, helping you decide based on your business needs and budget.
When deciding whether to pay someone to build your website or do it yourself, consider these key questions:
What is my budget for website development?
How complex are my website requirements?
Do I have the time to learn website development?
How important is my website to my business success?
What ongoing maintenance can I realistically manage?
Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress promise easy website creation at a low monthly cost (around £10-30). However, these apparent savings can be deceptive once hidden costs are considered, such as:
Time Investment: Building a website yourself demands a significant time investment. According to Website Builder Expert, beginners often spend over 40 hours on their first site. For business owners, this time could be better spent on core activities. If your hourly rate is £50, those 40 hours equate to £2,000 in lost productivity.
Platform Limitations: DIY platforms may initially seem flexible, but they often come with constraints like limited customization, restricted functionality for specific needs, SEO limitations impacting visibility, potential security vulnerabilities, and performance issues affecting user experience.
"Many business owners who start with DIY websites end up hiring professionals later to fix issues or rebuild entirely, effectively paying twice for their website." - Sarah Johnson, Digital Marketing Consultant
Hiring a web designer means investing in expertise that extends beyond aesthetics. Professionals bring skills in:
User experience (UX) design, which is crucial for creating intuitive and engaging interfaces. For more insights, explore our guide on UI/UX Design Explained.
Search engine optimization (SEO)
Mobile responsiveness
Website security
Performance optimization
Accessibility compliance
Professional websites often yield better business outcomes. A Stanford University study found that 75% of users judge a company's credibility based on its website design. Benefits of professional web design include:
Higher conversion rates
Lower bounce rates
Increased average time on site
Enhanced search engine rankings
According to Bark's Web Design Price Guide, professional web design services in the UK typically range from:
Basic websites: £500-£1,000
Small business websites: £1,000-£3,500
E-commerce websites: £3,000-£10,000
Complex corporate websites: £10,000+
When hiring a web designer, ensure you retain full ownership of your website:
Domain ownership: Your business should be the registered owner.
Content rights: Confirm ownership of all text, images, and videos.
Source code ownership: Verify you'll receive all website files.
CMS access: Ensure you have administrator access to your content management system.
Always read contracts carefully and clarify ownership rights before proceeding to avoid common pitfalls. Some agencies retain control over aspects of your website to secure ongoing revenue.
You don't have to choose between fully DIY or fully outsourced options. Many businesses succeed with hybrid approaches like having a professional design and develop your website initially, then managing content updates yourself via a user-friendly CMS like WordPress. This provides a professional foundation while giving you control over day-to-day content and reducing ongoing costs.
According to HubSpot research, businesses that regularly update their websites see 55% more visitors than those with static sites. For tips on maintaining an engaging online presence, consider our article on Web Design Tips to Grow Your Business Online.
Whether DIY or professional, website maintenance is an ongoing expense. Professional maintenance packages typically cover:
Security updates and monitoring
Performance optimization
Content updates
Technical support
Regular backups
Based on Bark's price guide, UK maintenance packages range from £50-300 per month, depending on website size and complexity.
If you choose to maintain your website yourself, be prepared for regular software updates, security monitoring, performance optimisation, backup management, and troubleshooting technical issues. Research by Sucuri shows that 60% of small business websites lack regular security updates, making them vulnerable to hacking.
While offshore development may seem cost-effective, with hourly rates around £15-30 compared to £35-75 for UK developers, consider potential challenges like:
Time zone differences affecting communication
Language barriers
Cultural differences in design aesthetics
Difficulty with in-person meetings
Possible legal complications
"The cheapest option often becomes the most expensive in the long run. Communication issues and quality concerns with offshore development can lead to project delays and additional costs." - Mark Williams, Web Development Project Manager
Professional web designers stay current with accessibility standards, helping you avoid legal issues. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) set standards for making websites accessible to people with disabilities. In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 mandates website accessibility.
Non-compliance can result in legal action, damage to brand reputation, exclusion of potential customers, and settlements averaging £5,000+ per claim.
If you decide to hire a web designer, follow these steps:
Review portfolios to assess design quality and style.
Check testimonials and reviews from previous clients.
Ask about their process and timeline.
Discuss post-launch support options.
Get a detailed quote outlining all costs.
Clarify ownership and intellectual property rights.
Platforms like Bark.com can connect you with vetted web design professionals in your area, making it easier to find the right match for your project.
When deciding whether to pay someone to build your website, reframe the question: is this an expense or an investment?
A professional website is often a business investment that generates returns through increased credibility leading to higher conversion rates, better user experience resulting in more repeat customers, improved search rankings bringing more organic traffic, and time savings allowing you to focus on your core business.
According to Clutch research, 94% of consumers judge websites on responsive design, and 75% based on credibility. A professional website significantly impacts these crucial first impressions.
Regardless of your choice, your website should be built with the future in mind. Professional web designers typically create scalable websites, allowing your online presence to grow with your business. DIY platforms may require complete rebuilds as your needs evolve, potentially costing more in the long run.
Ultimately, the decision to pay someone to build your website depends on your specific circumstances, budget, and business goals. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you'll be better equipped to make the choice that's right for you.
The average rating for Bark Web Designers is 4.91, based on 1,002,896 reviews
5/5
based on 1,002,896 reviews
Not sure how much it costs to design and build a website? Read our handy guide to find out just how much a website design service will charge based on your location, the complexity of the website, and more!
