As a business owner, you have a zillion things pulling at your time, resources, finances, and attention all day every day. What do you outsource– and when? Here are my thoughts on indicators you might need to outsource your website developing.
Did you DIY your website? Maybe you had the time – or lack of funds – when you first began, but your core business now demands most of your time and resources. In addition, perhaps your DIY website doesn’t reflect you or your brand’s professionalism adequately. This might encourage potential clients to contact your competitors, instead of you.
Did you know websites have a shelf life, similar to perishable foods? Three to five years, at most, and it likely needs regular adjusting, to accurately reflect where your business is. When I see websites using tabs, dark backgrounds, and intro sliders, I know they can benefit from a redesign. But businesses also pivot, adding and eliminating new services or products. Your website needs to reflect what you currently offer clients.
Other indicators it’s time to hire a website developer include these:
- You don’t get leads from your website. Isn’t this the most integral point of your website: connecting you to clients you wouldn’t have otherwise reached? If it’s not doing its job, we need to chat.
- You need a place to show off your portfolio. This is especially important for those with creative or visual services – graphic designers, interior designers, photographers. Show your potential clients what you can do! But it’s more than simply uploading photos – I’ll work behind-the-scenes, so your portfolio brings in new clients…through your website.
- Your website isn’t user-friendly. DIY websites have their time and place, but manipulating them to give you the strong online presence you need can be a beast. Plus, that DIY site might not give your viewers a user-friendly experience. This means they’ll leave your website without hiring you.
- Your website isn’t mobile-friendly. All websites need optimization for mobile use (on a smartphone). At least 82% of consumers start their buying process on a search engine and half of those with a mobile search, even in the store. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, nearly two-thirds of consumers won’t purchase from that website ever. That’s a lot of missed income.
If you know you need a website designer and don’t know how to interview one, check out my blog post “How to Hire a Website Designer.”
As a website developer, I partner with you to solve these issues, so your clients choose your business, because of your website. Which of these is your biggest struggle? Let me know in the comments, or email me to chat!