What You Don’t Get from Wix and Other DIY Website Services

One of the major changes to come to the business web design industry of the last few years has been the emergence of do-it-yourself (DIY) template services. Companies like Wix offer entrepreneurs a way to get online without spending much time or money.

That can be a great thing, especially for strapped startups and home-based businesses that are operating without any capital. For established companies, though, or those looking to stand out in the crowd, services like Wix don’t necessarily offer as much value as you might think.

Let’s look at a few of the most important reasons why so that you can make informed marketing decisions…

Wix Websites are Drag-and-Drop Templates

It’s important to begin with the right understanding. Do-it-yourself web templates are basically drag-and-drop pieces of software that give you control over graphics and text but very little else.

You could think of this as a feature or drawback depending on your needs and technical expertise. What matters, though, is that you’re going to get a few limited design options without any further customization. So, your business website is going to end up looking like thousands of others. That’s not necessarily a huge issue if you are just starting out, but it does hurt your credibility if you’re going against more established competitors.

DIY Websites Come with Limited Functionality

Because website templates are made to be applicable for dozens of business situations, they come with preset tools, plug-ins, and design options. These might allow you to insert a headline or video clip, for instance, but might not permit you to install shopping carts, take advantage of scheduling tools, or use advanced analytics.

On the other side of things, the standard options that come on the website can take up a lot of bandwidth. So, your website could perform slowly because it’s bogged down with lots of apps that developers included even though you don’t need them for your business.

Again, if you’re simply looking to set up an online brochure with a small amount of time and money, you might not worry about the shortcomings. However, if you’re trying to establish a profitable business that’s more than a side income, these limits might affect you pretty quickly.

It’s All About the Future of Your Business

Many custom web developers refer to sites like Wix and say they offer no value. We understand that point of view, but we think they can be helpful for entrepreneurs who don’t have resources or big plans.

In other words, it’s all about figuring out what you really want to do. If you’re simply looking for a way to get a website online as quickly, cheaply, and as easily as possible, then using a template might make sense. But, if you need leads, sales, and a path to profitability that can grow year after year, then it makes sense to get a web design that has been created specifically for your company.

DIY web templates have their place, but so do custom design and development firms. Which one is right for you?

Want to Learn More About Custom Web Design?

Like most things in business, finding the right web design solution is all about balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s plans. If you want to work with a creative team that will help you to make the most of your budget now while maximizing your potential for growth and online marketing in the future, contact us at Silent Blast in Toronto. We’ll be happy to schedule a time to talk with you and find the best way forward.