Every now and then I get business owners telling me how they made a “best of intentions” decision and rely on close family member, cousin or a friend as web designer to handle their web design work. While it might seem like a cost-effective and convenient solution, the reality is this choice often leads to delays, incomplete projects and eventually strained relationships. Here are just a few valid arguments why you might want to reconsider this approach.
Understanding the undesired blend of business and personal
Imagine you’re building a house. Would you trust your cousin who does carpentry as a hobby to be the architect for your new house? Probably not. Similarly, entrusting your web design to someone who isn’t fully committed or professionally equipped can lead to undesired consequences. Here are only a few common ones:
Procrastination and priorities
Family members and friends often have their own jobs and personal commitments. Your website project, no matter how important to you, is likely to be found low on their priority list. This could lead to severe procrastination, with your digital project taking a back seat to their other responsibilities. Everybody’s plate is full these days, so priorities must be set to get things done right.
Lack of professional approach
When you work with a professional web designer, there’s multiple meetings, even a contract, defined deadlines and a clear understanding of the scope of work. With a relative or friend, these boundaries can blur. This lack of formality can result in a project that drags on and on.
Strained relationships
Mixing business with personal relationships could go downhill and fast. If the project isn’t progressing as expected, it can lead to frustration and resentment coming from both sides. You might find it difficult to provide constructive feedback or push for deadlines without feeling like you’re jeopardizing your relationship.
Draw the line and seek for a professional
Bring back to memory the famous story of the tortoise and the hare. The hare, confident in his speed, procrastinated, while the tortoise, slow but steady, won the race. In web design, your family member or friend might start with enthusiasm but then slow down, leading to a project that never quite crosses the finish line.
Web design is more than just creating an attractive site with visual identity. It involves user experience (UX) design, search engine optimization (SEO), mobile responsiveness and ensuring the site meets current web standards. Here’s why professional expertise matters:
SEO best practices: A professional web designer understands the importance of SEO. They will ensure your website is optimized for search engines from the ground up, helping you rank higher and getting the so called organic traffic which means attract more website visitors.
User experience: Professionals know how to design for user engagement, making sure your site is easy to navigate and that visitors find what they’re looking for quickly.
Technical skills: A well-designed website needs to be fast, secure, and compatible with various devices and browsers. Professional web designers have the technical know-how to make this happen.
Family members and friends better for recreation and BBQ time
While it might be tempting to rely on family or friend as web designer for your business needs, it’s often not the best approach. The potential for procrastination, lack of professionalism and strained relationships can outweigh the initial cost savings. Investing in a professional web designer can save you time, ensure your website meets industry standards, and help your business thrive digitally. Remember, your website is a powerful tool for your business – best to treat it with the importance that it deserves.
