Ey up! Let's have a chat about websites, shall we? If you're sat there wondering whether to tackle your business website yourself or bring in the professionals, pour yourself a brew and let's break it down together. These days having a website isn't just nice to have – it's pretty much a must have for any business looking to make its mark.
Look, I get it. That £9.99 website builder looks right tempting when you're watching the pennies. But here's the thing – building your own website is a bit like trying to fit your own kitchen. Aye, you might save a few quid up front, but there's more to consider than meets the eye.
• Initial learning curve: 20-30 hours • Website building: 40-60 hours minimum • Monthly maintenance: 5-10 hours • Content updates: 2-4 hours per week • Security monitoring: 2-3 hours monthly Total time investment: Roughly 150+ hours in your first year.
(some of these I try to avoid as I’m a tight northerner and if I can get something for free, I’ll use it)
• Website builder premium plan: £180/year • Domain name: £15/year • Professional theme: £60-100 • Essential plugins and add-ons: £150-300 • Stock photos and graphics: £100-200 • Security certificates: £50-100/year • Backup solutions: £50-100/year.
• SEO optimisation • Mobile responsiveness testing • Cross-browser compatibility • Page speed optimisation • Security updates and patches • Database management • Regular backups.
While you're learning website design: • Lost business opportunities • Reduced focus on core business activities • Delayed market entry • Potential security vulnerabilities • Inconsistent brand presentation.
Now, let's talk about what you get when you work with a professional web designer (that's me, by the way). I’m not just selling you a website – I am providing peace of mind and proper business value.
From £199 • Perfect for new businesses • Single-page professional design • Mobile-responsive layout • Basic SEO setup • Contact form integration • Social media links.
From £499 • Professional design across all pages • Custom navigation • Mobile-responsive design • Advanced SEO setup • Contact forms and maps • Basic analytics setup.
From £699 • Full online shop setup • Product management system • Secure payment integration • Inventory management • Order processing system • Customer account features.
Think of this as your own web department without the hefty price tag:
• Professional 5-page WordPress website • Regular content updates • Hosting on UK green servers • SSL certificate • Monthly backups • Security monitoring • Technical support • Monthly performance checks • Basic SEO management • Regular software updates.
Donna tried the DIY route: • Spent years building her site, learning WordPress, making pieces, getting stuck, putting on hold. Revisit after a break and restart the process by re-learning what she had forgotten • Faced technical issues all over the place • Lost potential orders due to a variety of problems • Eventually needed professional help to fix issues
• Time value: £3,600 (120 hours at £30/hour) • Direct costs: £500 • Lost business: Estimated £2,000 • Emergency fixes: £300 Total: £6,400
After switching my professional services: • Site fixed and launched in a couple of weeks • Professional, mobile-friendly design • Secure payment system • Increase in online orders • More time to focus on making bath bombs and home fragrances. Donna now happily pays me weekly to manage and maintain her website, I also add, and update her products and carry out regular basic SEO work for her freeing her up to focus on her business.
Look, at the end of the day, your website's not just a cost – it's an investment in your business's future. While DIY might seem cheaper at first glance, it's a bit like buying cheap boots. You end up buying them twice.
• Professional design builds trust with customers • Proper SEO gets you found online • Regular maintenance keeps things running smooth • Technical support gives peace of mind • Your time stays focused on your business.
If you're thinking it's time to get your website sorted properly, give me a bell. I’m here to help, no fancy sales pitch needed. Just honest, professional web design that works for your business.
Want to chat about your options? Drop me a line – we can have a virtual bru and talk through what's best for your business. After all, good decisions start with a decent wet and an honest conversation.
Your website is often the first impression potential customers get of your business. Make it count.
