If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already realized that having a strong online presence is critical for businesses in the 21st century. After all, more and more people are turning to the internet when they need goods or services—and if your business doesn’t have a website, you’re missing out on many potential customers. But maybe you’re still deciding whether investing in professional web design is worth it for your small business.
When you’re running a small business, there are a million and one things to think about—and budget for. From inventory to marketing to employee salaries, it’s easy to let some things fall by the wayside in favor of others that are more pressing. But if there’s one thing you shouldn’t skimp on, it’s web design.
A professional website is essential for any business that wants to succeed in the digital age—and yes, professional web design can be quite expensive. But don’t despair! There are plenty of ways to get the website of your dreams without breaking the bank. Let’s take a look at some of them.
How much should you spend on web design?
The first step is understanding how much you should spend on web design. This will depend on several factors, including the size and scope of your website, the features you want to be included, and the level of customization you need.
Agency prices for a custom website design can stretch from $15,000 up to $30,000. The most complicated websites can cost between $40,000-$75,000 or even more. Of course, these are just ballpark estimates—the actual cost of your website will depend on various factors unique to your business. But understanding the broad range that you can expect to pay will help you start budgeting for your new website.
For example, platforms that offer pre-built templates that can be customized to fit your brand are much more affordable than starting from scratch. If you have a larger budget but still want to keep costs down, consider working with a company designing websites that use an “agile” approach—this means they’ll build out your site in stages based on what’s most important to your business now. That way, you can add features as needed (and as your budget allows) instead of paying for everything upfront.
Why is professional web design worth the investment?
Now that we’ve answered the budget, it’s time to explore why paying for a professional web designer is worth the investment—even for small businesses.
There are many benefits of professional web design, but some of the most important ones include
Aesthetics: First impressions matter and your website is often the first impression a potential customer will have of your business. A professionally designed website will make your business look more credible and trustworthy, encouraging people to buy from you.
Functionality: A well-designed website should be easy to navigate and use. If customers can’t find what they need on your site, this will frustrate them. A professional web designer will ensure that your site is easy to use and logical.
Search engine optimization (SEO): If you want people to find your website when they do a Google search, you must ensure it’s properly optimized. This includes things like using the right keywords and having a mobile-friendly design.
Stand-Out from Competition: In today’s economy, businesses need to do everything they can to get ahead of their competitors—and having a professionally designed website can give you an edge. If your competition’s website looks outdated or isn’t mobile-friendly, potential customers will likely be drawn to your site instead. That does not mean you won’t make an effort. Even if you have a decent website, you still need to be stellar to stand out and leave a lasting impression.
Make More Money: A professionally designed website can help increase your conversion rates by making it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for and giving them confidence that they’re dealing with credible businesses. Ultimately, these factors can lead to more sales and money in your pocket.
What are the benefits of paying for web design?
Now that we’ve covered how much you should expect to spend on web design let’s talk about why it’s worth every penny (or cent). First and foremost, having a professional website makes your business look more credible—which is essential when attracting new customers. People trust businesses with well-designed websites; 81% of consumers say they won’t even consider doing business with a company if their website looks outdated or unprofessional.
But it’s not just about looking good—although that is important! A well-designed website will also help you attract visitors and convert them into customers or leads. How? By making it easy for people to find what they’re looking for (thanks to strategic keyword placement and an intuitive navigation system) and giving them a great user experience (including fast loading times and mobile-friendliness).
Paying a professional is worth it because it allows you to work with an expert who can help you create a website that reflects your unique brand identity—and helps you achieve your business goals. After all, your website is one of the most important marketing tools at your disposal—so why wouldn’t you want it to be perfect?
Are You Willing to Take the Risk?
Paying for professional web design may seem like a luxury, but it’s more of a necessity for businesses that want to succeed in the digital age. Your website is one of your most important marketing tools—so it needs to look good and function flawlessly if you want people to take your business seriously. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get the website of your dreams without going over budget—so don’t be afraid to invest in professional web design! It’ll be worth it in the long run.
