Do it yourself (DIY) is a great slogan. The DIY network for instance helps people learn how to do any number of home improvement projects. And that’s fantastic. Learning how to take care of things on your own is great, and there’s a lot to be said for self sufficiency for sure. But sometimes DIY can get you into trouble, and might not be worth the learning curve.
Why do people specialize?
Merit Engineering Photo Shoot
In today’s society there are many specialties. Physicians aren’t just physicians anymore. You’ve got your cardiac specialists, your infectious disease specialists, gastro specialists, etc. Specializing allows people to develop a level of expertise that just isn’t there for let’s say a general practitioner. Beyond thinking about the high end specialists, to a degree we all specialize.
In my educational process I dedicated a vast amount of time learning about networks, TCP/IP, database design, SQL, wireless telecomm, PHP, and more. Clearly I’m a tech geek. But I’ve specialized on certain parts of the tech world. If you approached me and asked me to program in .aspx I would stare blankly at you, and finally tell you that I know very little about the subject.
Additionally, if you approached me and asked me to repair your car I would go beyond just staring blankly, and most likely I would run away. Auto mechanics know something that I haven’t a clue about. And they spend a lot of time training and learning about the latest vehicles and engines. Honestly they are constantly learning, and have a huge investment in knowing about their profession.
And there’s the word. Profession. Auto mechanics are professionals. Physicians are professionals. And good web designers are also professionals.
You may be smart enough…but…..
Most anyone can learn something new. I’ve been known to learn about new telecomm platforms quickly, but that’s because I have a starting point that many other folks don’t have. It’s because I’ve been a network professional since 1995.
I’d also say that if I was interested I could in fact learn more about the engine in my Nissan Titan. But is it worth it? Or is my time better spent on something else? Bottom line, how much time would it take me to learn what my professional mechanic already knows? And during the time I take to learn everything about repairing engines, how much potential income will I lose out on in my own profession.
You see, DIY is great if you have some time on your hands. But if you need something done, and done right, you call on a professional. Spending 6 months to learn the basics of engine repair means you’re not working on what you’re good at. There is a learning curve. And if you need your car fixed now, the DIY approach is going to cost you way more than hiring a professional mechanic.
DIY Web Design Isn’t Helping Your Bottom Line
There are many places out there where you can quickly build an online presence for pennies, or better yet, for free. But when it’s all said and done, that DIY website is most likely going to do very little for your business. And if you decide that you really want to reach your market base, a DIY website is going to take you away from the business that your in.
What goes into an effective website design?
- A clean and readable look.
- User Interface Testing (is this easy to use).
- Responsive Design (making sure all devices display your site properly).
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
- Custom programming.
- Professional Images.
- Valuable Content.
- Understanding Web User Engagement Techniques.
There’s even more to it, but that’s part of the list that’s important to me. Just sticking up a website describing your business isn’t enough. You need to know more about getting the search engines to find you, designing a site that’s easy to use for your clients, designing a site that is visually appealing, and creating content that will actually encourage your target audience to work with you.
Can you learn how to do all of this? If you’re an intelligent person, of course you can. But if you’re time is more valuable working on your profession, why would you dedicate your precious time to the process?
Do you need a web presence today? More importantly, do you need a web presence that is going to reach potential customers / guests / clients? If so, find a professional that can help you make an effective site that actually drives business to you. Contact RLC Design today. We’re good at what we do, so you can do what you’re good at.