For small and medium-sized businesses, a website is more than just a digital profile or online store – it’s a powerful platform where business owners can showcase services, products, and company values to consumers.
Whether you’re looking to expand the brand’s reach, build credibility, or promote new offerings, a website can help small businesses grow at every stage of development. Ensuring the website is well-designed is essential.
Although some have been designed to assist business owners, it’s important to understand that free website builders for small businesses can be more of a hassle than it’s worth.
It can even undermine a brand’s reputation by giving consumers a poor user experience.
Considering how important a website can be to a business’ growth, it may be necessary to invest a little more and hire a professional web developer. And after all, there is quite a bit of truth to the saying it takes money to make money.
The market is saturated with options for business owners and brand managers — each boasting the best solution with just a few clicks of a button.
But the process and platforms offered by a free website builder is often clunky and typically a one-size-fits-most solution, as opposed to a tailored website that your brand deserves.
So, it begs the question, are free website builders worth it for small business owners? Or would the brand be better served by utilizing the services of a professional website developer?
Easy to use and launched in a snap of a finger are top priority, right? There’s more to consider than that. Before starting your project, take the time to learn the pros and cons of free website builders.
1. Speed & Security
Two of the most essential aspects of any website includes speed and security.
But free website builders are not designed with speed or security in mind — which can lead to serious issues with site performance and functionality.
Both issues are caused by the number of websites sharing space on the company’s server. Sharing this space will slow the speed and performance of your website — leaving your consumers feeling frustrated.
And because the server hosts multiple websites at a time, it leaves each one more vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks.
Working with a team of professionals can eliminate these problems while simultaneously creating a website that is tailored to fit the needs of the brand.
2. Cookie-Cutter Templates
A quick, cookie-cutter template could be the solution for an individual looking to make some quick cash selling seasonal-inspired crafts.
But your brand is more — and deserves more, than that.
In a pinch, creating a website for the business using a template can be a solution, though it should not be the long-term answer.
Using a template from a free web builder means that your brand can become lost in a sea of competitors who have used the same template.
To make matters worse, free website builders typically only offer a few templates designed for each industry. A retail shop or construction company may only have three or four choices to choose between.
This increases the chances of consumers forgetting about your business and choosing to work with the competition simply because they couldn’t differentiate between the websites.
A true nightmare for any small business owner.
3. Mobile Design
As the technological landscape increases and adapts, consumers are spending more time on their cellphones and tablets.
With more consumers spending time on mobile devices as opposed to a computer, a mobile-friendly website is essential — especially for an ecommerce website.
Google implemented a mobile-first algorithm in 2018, which feels like a lifetime ago, but free website builders are still quite limited in mobile capabilities.
Lacking in this area can mean the website becomes distorted or difficult to use on a mobile device. If that’s the case for your business, it’s safe to assume the consumer will leave the website.
And if the competition has a mobile-friendly website, it’s entirely likely that consumers will opt for their products or services.
Another nightmare for any business owner.
4. Lack of Customization
A free website builder can be a good start for a brand, but it will lack in the ability to customize a multitude of areas of the website.
Free website builders will not allow for a live-chat feature, customized lead generation forms, or an area designed for members only — like a payment portal.
Whereas a team of website developers have the ability to create landing pages, design customized forms, build password-protected portals, and so much more.
So even though a free website builder can be enticing while the business is getting off the ground, it could cause more harm than good in the long run.
5. Storage & Bandwidth
Businesses require ample storage and bandwidth in order to grow an online presence. Working with a website builder will hinder both of these areas.
Without enough storage space, you won’t be able to add new files to the website. This can become quite problematic especially during peak shopping seasons or while promoting sales.
Low bandwidth can lead to slow site speeds and increased aggravation for those who are trying to use the website.
Build a High-Performing Website for Your Small Business
When it comes to small business website design, building a website requires more than just an eye for design — or a template.
No matter the budget or type of industry, small business owners should ensure their website is fast, secure, and responsive — creating a positive digital experience for the consumer.
If you are looking to further improve your small business’ website with professional help, contact us.
Our skilled web developers can create a tailored website that gives users and potential clients the experience they deserve.
