Do It Yourself
Platforms Do It Yourself
When you sign up with DIY website platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly, you’re also signing up to build your own site. If you’re a techie, this is a good option for you, and if you’re not, it could mean countless hours and wanting to punch your computer in the face. Here’s how the pros and cons play out.
Pros
Pros
the price is hard to beat.
A DIY website builder can be affordable (think $5–20 a month). But when you dig deeper, you realize this won’t get you everything. The add-ons in this model add up. If you want a site with the bells and whistles (a form, live chat, booking, analytics, etc.) you’ll have to pay up (think $200 a month).
no coding required.
Because you’re using a website building platform, you don’t necessarily need to know how to code. You can benefit from editing tools that have more of a drag and drop approach to building.
here, take a template.
These platforms rely on pre-designed templates that you can work from to build your site. It makes your job easier, as long as you don’t mind that your website looks similar to thousands of others out there.
the control is yours.
Because you’re building your site, you have the ultimate control. That means a site designed exactly how you want it (colors, images, fonts, layout, etc). Great when you know exactly what you’re doing, and a nightmare when you don’t.
VIEW CONS
Cons
Cons
time, time, time.
These platforms might save you dollars and cents, but they’re also huge time sucks. They require an extensive amount of time to learn the platform, edit, and update your site. If you choose this option, you’ll have to ask, “What’s my time worth?”
launch Delays.
Because this option takes a load of time, that means your site won’t be online in just a few days or weeks. And when you’re not online, you’re losing money.
limited support.
It’s tough to get in touch with these companies, so don’t expect a lot of help. And definitely don’t expect to get someone on the phone. Most require you to submit questions via email and there’s a long turnaround time for responses.
it's up to you to troubleshoot.
If you go this route, expect a lot of troubleshooting, trial, and error. After all, you’re going it alone.
WHAT IT MEANS
Here’s the nutshell: If you have a lot of time on your hands and are great with technology, this could be the option for you. Just beware of added fees and stale-looking templates. If this doesn’t sound like you, check out a freelance or do-it-for-me solution.