The Dark Side of DIY Websites: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Hello friends, welcome back to the Brand Studio Creative blog! We all know that DIY websites are all the rage these days, and it’s easy to see why. They are a cost-effective way to get your brand online and give you the freedom to bring your vision to life with just a few clicks without needing the help of a professional developer. But as tempting as it might seem, there’s a darker side to building your own website that many people don’t realize until it’s too late – it’s important to know that DIY websites come with their own set of challenges.
This week, we are shining a light on the dark side of DIY websites – those common pitfalls that can trip you up – and how to avoid them like a pro. Let’s get started!
Overwhelming Design Choices
One of the first hurdles you will find with a DIY website is the sheer number of design options available. With countless templates, fonts, colors, and layout choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
The risk here is ending up with a site that looks cluttered or inconsistent because you’ve tried to incorporate too many design elements.
How to Avoid It:
Start with a clear vision of your brand’s aesthetic and stick to it. Choose a simple, clean template that aligns with your brand identity, and be selective with your design choices. Less is often more – focus on creating a cohesive look that represents your brand rather than trying to use every feature available.
Lack of Customization
While DIY platforms offer a lot of flexibility, they often come with limitations when it comes to customization. You might find yourself restricted by the template you’ve chosen or unable to implement certain features that are crucial for your business.
How to Avoid It:
Before committing to a DIY platform, thoroughly research its capabilities and limitations. Make sure it offers the customization options you need. If you find the platform too restrictive, consider whether it’s worth investing in a more customizable option or hiring a professional for a hybrid approach.
SEO Shortcomings
SEO is crucial for getting your website noticed online, but DIY websites often fall short in this area.
Many DIY builders lack the advanced SEO tools needed to optimize your site effectively, leading to poor search engine rankings and less visibility.
How to Avoid It:
Educate yourself on basic SEO practices and look for a DIY platform that offers robust SEO features. This includes the ability to customize meta titles, descriptions, alt tags for images, and user-friendly URL structure. If SEO feels overwhelming, consider consulting an SEO expert to ensure your site is optimized from the start.
Mobile Responsiveness
In today’s mobile-first world, having a site that looks great on all devices is non-negotiable.
Unfortunately, not all DIY website templates are fully responsive, meaning your site could look fantastic on a desktop, but fall apart on a smartphone or tablet.
How to Avoid It:
Always choose a mobile-responsive template and test your site on multiple devices before publishing. Pay attention to how images, text, and menus display across different screen sizes. Most DIY platforms allow you to preview how your site looks on mobile – take advantage of this feature to ensure a seamless user experience.
Limited Scalability
DIY websites might seem perfect when you’re just starting, but what happens when your business begins to grow? Many DIY platforms have limitations on the number of pages, the amount of storage, or the types of functionalities you can add. This can lead to growing pains s your website struggles to keep up with your expanding business needs.
How to Avoid It:
Think long-term from the start. Choose a platform that offers room to grow, with options to upgrade or add new features as your business evolves. It might cost a bit more upfront, but it will save you headaches down the road.
Security Risks
Security is a crucial aspect of any website, especially if you’re handling customer data or payments. Unfortunately, DIY websites can sometimes be more vulnerable to security breaches due to outdated plugins, weak passwords, or lack of regular updates. A security breach can damage your reputation and result in lost customers.
How to Avoid It:
Make sure you’re using strong, unique passwords for your website, keeping any plugins or themes updated, and considering a security plugin or SSL certificate to protect your site. Regularly backing up your site is also a good practice in case anything goes wrong.
Poor User Experience (UX) Design
Without a background in web design, it’s easy to overlook the user experience. DIY websites can sometimes suffer from poor navigation, slow load times, or confusing layouts, which can frustrate visitors and lead them to leave your site.
How to Avoid It:
Prioritize user experience by keeping your site ample and intuitive. Make sure your navigation is easy to follow, your pages load quickly, and your content is clear and accessible. Regularly test your site from a user’s perspective and gather feedback to identify and fix any UX issues.
There you have it friends! DIY websites can be a great option for getting your brand online quickly and affordably, but they are not without their pitfalls. By being aware of these common challenges you can avoid the dark side of DIY websites and create a site that truly shines!
If you’re finding the DIY route a bit overwhelming or if you want to ensure your website is truly top-notch, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals who can help you navigate these challenges. After all, your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your brand – let’s make sure it’s a great one!
Did any of these points resonate with you? Why not take the next step? Reach out to Brand Studio Creative and see how collaboration can take your brand to new heights! Let us help you every step of the way!
Book a FREE 1:1 Website Audit Call and let us guide you through this incredible journey. Together, we can make magic happen!
XOXO, Katie
Are you struggling with your brand?
Knowing where to start is hard, but we are here to make this process streamlined and effortless. We care about the success of your company and ensure that your brand represents YOU and your vision. Our team is lead by a master’s in brand strategy and communications CEO working hard so you can expect that your business will be visually consistent both digitally and in print.
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Join my mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from me.
You have Successfully Subscribed!