Designing your own website: expectations vs. reality

Embarking on the journey of designing your own website can be an exciting prospect. The promise of creative freedom, personalized expression, and a polished online presence is undoubtedly alluring. However, as many soon discover, the road to an engaging and user-friendly website can be filled with unexpected twists and turns. In this blog post, we'll share with you some conversations we’ve had with clients that have designed their own websites: their common expectations versus the often surprising reality!

Expectation: It will be quick and easy

Many business owners assume that with the plethora of website builders and templates available, creating a website will be a breeze. The reality, however, often involves a steeper learning curve than anticipated. Customizing templates, understanding design principles, and troubleshooting technical issues can be time-consuming.

Expectation: I can do it all myself

While the DIY spirit is commendable, designing a professional website involves various skills—from graphic design and user experience (UX) to coding and SEO. The reality is that unless you're a master of all trades, you might find yourself stretched thin. 

Seeking professional assistance or utilizing specialized tools can enhance your final product. For example, hiring a web designer will ensure a professional and visually appealing online presence that aligns with your brand identity. Web designers possess the expertise to create user-friendly interfaces and optimize the overall user experience, enhancing the likelihood of visitor engagement and retention. Additionally, a skilled web designer can implement the latest design trends and technologies, keeping your website both aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective.

Expectation: It will look exactly how I imagined

Visualizing your dream website is one thing, but translating that vision into reality can be challenging. Design nuances, responsiveness across devices, and user interface considerations can impact the final look and feel. Patience and flexibility are key when your expectations meet the constraints of the digital realm.

Expectation: My website will instantly rank high on Google

A common misconception is that a visually appealing website automatically translates to high search engine rankings. The reality involves diving into the world of SEO—crafting compelling content, optimizing meta tags, and building quality backlinks. Achieving a prominent online presence requires ongoing effort and strategic planning.

Here are several important areas an SEO specialist can help with when designing a website:

• Visibility and ranking
• Keyword research
• User experience 
• Competitive analysis
• Technical SEO
• Content optimization
• Link building
• Analytics and monitoring
• Adaptation to algorithm changes

Expectation: It won't cost much

Free website builders might offer basic functionality, but to achieve a professional and unique look, additional costs may arise. Premium templates, domain registration, and third-party plugins can add up. Balancing your budget while ensuring a high-quality website requires careful consideration.

Expectation: I don't need user feedback

Assuming your website will resonate with users without seeking their input is a common oversight. User testing and feedback are invaluable for identifying usability issues and making informed design decisions. Embrace the reality that your audience's perspective is crucial for a successful website.

Moving forward

Designing your own website can be a rewarding endeavor when approached with realistic expectations. However, by seeking professional help, you may be able to achieve a more professional, enjoyable and successful experience. 

No matter what your specific needs are, the experts at Prism will work with you to build you a custom visual layout that fits your site’s content like a glove. Whether your company’s products or services require a lot of copy with a few images, or is concise copy, bursting with visuals, we will create an experience that communicates your message in the clearest way possible.

Click here to learn more about our web design and development services, or book a call to discuss how we can make your website experience a memorable one.