Website builders and technology have improved dramatically in the past few years. This is good news, especially if you lack experience, time, or money. Domains.co.za noticed a trend, that an increasing number of web page owners built their own websites. So, we looked at supplying a suitable professional solution for our clients; a Site Builder that holds multiple functions and options for SMMEs (Small, Medium & Micro Entrerpises).

We wanted to offer our clients a professional, easy to use, drag & drop Site Builder solution, to help them free up time and their cash flow for other crucial expenses whilst still providing a professional value-added web presence.

But what is the best alternative for an SMME, a professional website builder solution or a creatively designed site by a web designer?

As an SMME owner, you already know how vital it is to have a website site and to be visible online. It is like having a shopfront in the biggest mall inside the world – the worldwide Internet. Unfortunately, like all things in business, getting from “I need a web site” to “Ta-da!” requires making essential selections. Once you’ve settled on and purchased your domain name, you still need to get your site built.

There are two main options:

1. A website site designer/developer; or

2. An easy to use a Website builder

Website Designer/Developer

Web designers and developers are professional specialists in designing and building websites. They can advise you on the best colours, fonts, how the flow of your site affects online users, and the importance of user interface, as well as assist with SEO, and much more.

A professionally designed website is expensive, and rightly so, as you are deciding to buy the knowledge, skill, and time of an expert in their field.

However, in case you are a start-up, a small or medium business, or busy organising your own private brand; a professionally designed website may not fit into your budgetary resources. Especially, as every time you want to make changes, edits or updates, or simple add content to your website; it will result in an additional cost at professional prices. There are many exceptional businesses and freelancers supplying a website designing service, however these too come at a price.

A Website Builder Solution

Website builders and technology have improved dramatically over the past few years, which is good news; especially if you lack experience, time, or money.

Building your website yourself using a website builder gives you control of everything! Look for one that has an effortless drag and drop functionality, look for professional templates to display your business or products, where you can select your own colour choices to enhance your image, plenty of stock good quality stock images, and most importantly from a reputable company with good support staff.

A good website builder solution will also come with a variety of plugins for e-Commerce, SEO, social media etc. which allow you to upload more functionality and social power to your website. In addition to this, please ensure that the templates are all ‘responsive’, i.e. your website will be displayed perfectly across multiple devices and look good on a cellphone as well as a laptop, or i-Pad.

Your website solution should need to be SSL-ready, which is an encryption giving it (and your clients) additional security. Scout around and look for the best deals that offer you freedom of design, professionality, support and added extras.

The choice is still up to you

At the end of the day both options will give you, or your business, a professional online presence and your choice should be based on affordability.

We hope that we have given you some assistance in discerning which option would suit you, your budget and your business.

The Domains.co.za Team