Why You Shouldn’t Let Your Brother-in-Law Handle Your Web Design

(hire a pro instead)

Building a website is an important task that can make or break your online presence. While it might be tempting to rely on a relative like your brother-in-law for this job, it’s essential to pause and think through the potential consequences. Saving money seems appealing at first, but what if you end up with more problems than savings?

In this post, we’ll explore why you need a professional web designer and why asking your brother-in-law to design your website could lead to a digital disaster.

The Expertise Gap

The first consideration is expertise. Websites require a solid understanding of design, marketing, browsing behavior, user psychology, usability, and search engine optimization. Your brother-in-law might enjoy making a basic page as a hobby, but that doesn’t automatically qualify him as a web designer.

For example, professional web designers posses education and extensive knowledge in their field, often holding degrees in areas such as graphic design, marketing, communications and web development. They spend years perfecting their craft and work on numerous projects that sharpen their skills. A person new to web design is likely to make rookie mistakes, resulting in a site that’s visually unappealing or hard to navigate.

Research from Harvest Media reveals that “94% of people cited unappealing web design as the reason they mistrusted or rejected a website.”

Time is Money

Time plays a crucial role when considering who will build your site. Hiring a professional might seem expensive initially, but imagine this: your brother-in-law takes weeks to get back to you, caught up in personal projects or binge-watching shows. Ensuring your site is up and running quickly can position you to capture leads and get bookings without delay. Are you willing to miss out on sales and paying customers?

"Can I call you?"

A website is never truly finished; it is an ongoing and growing collaboration with your professional web designer. Adding new pages, conduction SEO research, updating your services..

Consider your brother-in-law, who made a basic web page for you 6 months ago during his summer holiday break. Can you call him now, at any moment of the day, for crucial updates and back-end SEO? He may be at his day job, managing deadlines and responsibilities, or perhaps he’s busy dropping his kids off at school!

Again, you could be missing out on customers and leads if your new product line isn’t added, broken links aren’t fixed, or your booking system isn’t updated promptly.

The Emotional Factor

While family connections are important, emotions can complicate business relationships. If your brother-in-law’s website isn’t great, how can you address issues without creating awkwardness at Christmas dinner?

Professional relationships are typically clearer. If you need revisions or changes, there’s no emotional baggage attached.

Lack of Fresh Perspectives

Working closely with family might lead to familiar ideas that aren’t necessarily the best. Your brother-in-law might have limited exposure to current trends in web design.

Professional designers continually study the market, user behavior, and industry standards. They can bring fresh ideas to the table that can elevate your brand. For example, a professional could implement modern elements like responsive design, which allows a site to function well on both desktop and mobile platforms. Mobile browsing has overtaken desktop browsing, making this a crucial factor for success.

Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely

While asking your brother-in-law to design your website might seem like an easy solution, the potential drawbacks could far outweigh any benefits. From lacking expertise and wasting time to emotional complications and limited insights, this choice could lead to significant challenges.

Why Choose Irene from Irene's Web Design

"I build clean, fast, and Google-Optimized websites that bring in real customers."

Choosing me, Irene, for your web design needs means opting for personalized service and expertise. I’m a professional web designer based with a Bachelor’s in Marketing, specializing in professional, high-quality websites that help your business grow. I bring a unique blend of design and strategic understanding to your project. Unlike large agencies, I only take on one project at a time, ensuring that your website receives my undivided attention and dedication. You can always reach me directly, for clear communication and a collaborative approach.

Your website is the first impression potential customers have of your business. Investing in a professional like me can save you from future headaches and ensure your online presence is both polished and effective. Let’s make your website shine for all the right reasons without it becoming a reminder of "that time your brother-in-law designed it."

Book a 20 minute free consult with me today! We'll talk about your goals, your audience, and what you want your website to help you achieve:

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