Don’t Do It Yourself

Forbes had a great piece today outlining seven common mistakes made by small businesses when it comes to web design. Ranging from over-the-top complexity to out-of-date content to ill-defined target markets and more, the article rings true on a number of levels and covers many of the lapses that we often advise against at 10fold.

One particular no-no on the list that resonated with us was this last item:

7. Taking the DIY route.

Your website is often your customers’ first experience with your brand. If you don’t have design experience, do you really think you can do it justice? Remember first impressions are everything. Don’t allow your customer to make assumptions about your business because of a poorly designed website.

Right on. We preach that your website is the main way you market your brand to the world in this digital age. In light of that fact, allocating the appropriate attention and resources to your online presence is vitally important.

Too often we see small businesses hurting themselves with ugly, non-functional websites that turn away potential customers. It’s simply not a shortcut worth taking, especially when the expense of enlisting the help of specialists is far from prohibitive.