A robust online presence is no longer optional for almost every single small business – it's essential for the survival of your business.
If you're a small business just starting out and you're looking to get a website up and running right away, hiring a design agency probably isn't the fastest or cheapest path.
But when should you hire a web agency to achieve your online goals? Let's go over the top ten misconceptions about partnering with web agencies and pave the way for informed decision-making.
Misconception #1: Cost is Everything
Fixating solely on cost limits your perspective. Choosing a web agency is akin to building your dream home – you wouldn't automatically choose the cheapest contractor without considering their skills and ability to execute your vision.
The reality for small businesses is that it's hard for them to justify the cost of a custom website. The bigger problem is that they don't know how to calculate the ROI of good design. We wrote an article about this exact mindset.
Value expertise and long-term potential, not just the initial price tag.
Misconception #2: Overnight Success is Possible
The instant gratification culture can fuel unrealistic expectations. Building a successful website demands patience. If an agency promises immediate results, be wary – you could burn through your marketing budget on short-lived ad campaigns.
Trust agencies that prioritize a realistic plan tailored to your unique needs and budget.
Consider this: websites in the top 10 Google search results are, on average, at least two years old.
Misconception #3: All Agencies Are the Same
Avoid the "one size fits all" mentality. Web agencies specialize in various skills, approaches, and industry niches. Invest time in finding the right fit for your project, just as you'd carefully select a restaurant based on your culinary preferences.
As an example, our agency focuses on small businesses that are ready to ditch website templates, and are looking for a unique look.
We focus on these smaller companies ready to make the transition because we can add maximum value without breaking their piggy bank.
Misconception #4: Websites Are Self-Sufficient
A website without maintenance is like a neglected garden – it will wither and become outdated. Ongoing updates and attention to security are key to ensuring your site thrives in the ever-changing digital world.
Inquire about an agency's potential maintenance plans. About ~30,000 websites get hacked daily, and growing. Regular maintenance helps safeguard against such attacks.
Misconception #5: DIY is Always the Cheaper Option
While DIY projects can be rewarding, they're not always best for complex tasks. An agency's expertise can save you from costly mistakes and maximize your website's potential.
In general, we are in favor of DIY websites smaller startups that bootstrap their way to profitability. Heck, use a $50 template that fits most of your needs at the start. But when you're ready to optimize traffic, leads, and conversion, consider hiring a design agency.
Misconception #6: Design is Just About Appearances
A visually appealing website is important, but great design goes much deeper. It shapes user experience, functionality, brand identity, and drives conversions.
A well-designed website offers a seamless and impactful experience, influencing how visitors interact with your business.
Misconception #7: Your Website is a One-Time Investment
Your website isn't a static brochure. As your business evolves, so too should your online presence.
Plan for updates, enhancements, and adaptations to remain competitive. Inquire about how potential agencies ensure scalability to support your growth goals.
Treat your website as a sales tool, not a museum. Too many SMB websites are dumping grounds for cliche copy and corporate jargon that ring hallow to real people.
Misconception #8: Content is an Afterthought
Content fuels your website. Quality content elevates user engagement and plays a vital role in search engine optimization (SEO). Partner with an agency that understands the strategic importance of content from the outset.
Traffic to your website is largely useless if they are not the right kind of leads. Talk to an agency about content strategy and how to attract the right kind of buyers. Good content will work for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In fact, businesses that post regularly receive 97% more links to their website, boosting visibility.
Misconception #9: Websites Run on Autopilot
Websites require ongoing attention to keep pace with industry trends and technological advancements. Staying competitive online demands adaptability and an eye towards innovation.
Websites are living documents & can be one of the most effective sales funnel in your arsenal as a small business.
Just remember, trends change over time and so do user's habits in how in they consume information. The internet was a very different place in the year 2000, than it is today.
On average, websites should be revamped every 3-5 years, consider it as an investment.
Misconception #10: Expect Instant Traffic and Conversions
Building a loyal audience takes a measured, persistent effort. Embrace realistic expectations regarding traffic growth and understand the role of sustained marketing and SEO optimization.
Organic traffic generation requires time and strategy that a good agency will be able to help you business with.
Conclusion
Partnering with the right web agency can transform your business. Understanding these common misconceptions empowers you to make the best decision and the right time to leverage a web agency.
