Hiring a Web Designer vs. Using a Website Builder in Kenya: Which is Right for You?
Should you hire a web designer in Kenya or use a DIY website builder like Wix or Squarespace? We break down the pros and cons to help you decide.
So, you need a website for your Kenyan business. You're faced with a big decision: do you hire a professional web designer or agency, or do you try a DIY website builder like Wix, Squarespace, or GoDaddy? Both options have their pros and cons. Let's break it down to help you choose the right path.
Using a Website Builder (e.g., Wix, Squarespace)
Website builders offer a user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface to build your own site without writing code. This is a form of SaaS, which we discuss in our SaaS vs. Custom Code ROI guide.
Pros:
- Low Upfront Cost: You pay a relatively small monthly fee instead of a large project cost.
- Fast to Launch: You can get a simple site online in a weekend.
- Easy to Use: Designed for non-technical users.
Cons:
- Generic Designs: Your site will likely look similar to thousands of others. It's hard to create a unique brand identity.
- Limited Customization: You're restricted to the features and design options the builder provides. Complex features or specific integrations are often impossible.
- Performance Issues: Builder sites are often slower and have bloated code, which hurts your Google ranking.
- Poor SEO: While they have improved, builders still offer limited control over technical SEO compared to a custom site.
- You're On Your Own: You are the designer, developer, and troubleshooter.
Hiring a Professional Web Designer/Agency
This involves partnering with an expert or a team like Elite Designs Kenya to create a custom website for your business. Be sure to watch for warning signs of a bad designer.
Pros:
- Custom Professional Design: A unique website tailored to your brand that makes you stand out.
- Unlimited Functionality: You can build any feature you need, from custom calculators to complex M-Pesa integrations.
- Superior Performance and SEO: A professionally built site is optimized for speed and search engines, leading to more traffic and customers.
- Expert Strategy: A good designer is also a strategist who advises on user experience, conversion optimization, and more.
- Saves You Time: You can focus on running your business while the experts handle the website.
Cons:
- Higher Upfront Cost: Professional design is an investment. Check our pricing page for an idea of costs.
"A website builder is like renting a furnished apartment. It's quick and easy, but you can't change much. Hiring a designer is like building your own custom home—it's tailored perfectly to your needs."
Which Path is Right for You?
Choose a website builder if: You are just starting, have a very tight budget, and need a very simple "online brochure" immediately.
Hire a professional web designer if: You are serious about growing your business, want to stand out from competitors, and view your website as a long-term investment in lead generation and brand building.
At Elite Designs Kenya, we specialize in creating custom, high-performance websites that deliver a tangible return on investment. If you're ready to invest in a professional digital presence, let's talk.