Does a web developer provide ROI during a pandemic?
These are trying times, with a lot of businesses struggling to remain afloat.
In the face of decreased consumer demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, trading uncertainty caused by government lock downs, it has become a case of adapt if possible, or go under.
Of course, this hasn't affected every industry equally. The tech companies , pharma, P.P.E suppliers, Grocery chains, etc. have all thrived. But if your business is based around say.....children's birthday parties (Bouncy Castle supplier, entertainer, DJ), this period will have been quite challenging.
So, all things considered, why should you invest in a web developer in these cash strapped, flat growth times?
I think we should start by addressing the elephant in the room. With all the media adverts about self build web sites (you've probably seen the "A website makes it real" one), why don't you just build one yourself? Based on these adverts, it is dead easy and requires minimum effort.
While this is partly true, to use an analogy, it's like trying to fix a plumbing problem by watching a YouTube video. While you might be successful, a plumber who has real experience, will do it very well & probably point out other upcoming issues that you hadn't even noticed, because they weren't in the video you watched.
The 1st thing a developer will like to ascertain, if they're any good, (we certainly do it) is to find out what your business need for a website is. If it's not clear, then during the course of a consultation, it should manifest.
We use the word business loosely. Not just in the sense that you are a client, but also because as long as you have something to offer the world, you can consider yourself a brand & if you are any kind of brand, you need a website.
But the website for a company that does property maintenance, won't be the same for a company offering Swedish massages. The tone, color scheme, layout ETC, should all aim at a different UX for the customers and the technology stack to build the site will vary, depending on the need. This is the kind of information a web developer can help you with.
So, this ties in nicely with the original question. While it is certainly possible to build a website yourself, using the many available options, it is almost always more effective & ultimately cheaper, to use a developer. Lets illustrate this with 3 case studies:-
A local fish and chips shop that has relied solely on drive past traffic, local punters and word of mouth, suddenly finds themselves in a situation where their demand has dropped by 40%, due to the Government COVID-19 lock down.
They can still trade, but their casual demand streams are now limited. They need a presence on the web, so they can tap into the delivery app business of JustEat, UberEats, Deliveroo. etc.
So they will need an eCommerce site, with menu items, the ability to take payments and delivery options, with API Integration to the above mentioned vendors. And since it will be taking payments, it will need to be very secure. It will also need Search Engine Optimization, to ensure it comes up high in the search engines to replicate the drive past traffic.
Already, this is quite a complicated website & will most likely need a web developer or Agency.
This one is based on personal experience. I needed to hire a skip and while cycling on my road, i noticed extension work happening on 3 houses. I called the phone number on each skip & nobody picked up. I can only assume because they were busy.
But one of the skips had the URL of their website, so I took a picture and looked it up later. All the information regarding sizes, prices, delivery, pick up were all listed. They also had online booking, so I was able to pay. They turned up the next day with the skip. Seamless
To put a site with all these elements together and provide the user with a flawless experience will most likely be the work of a web designer or Agency.
After the completion of a job, most customers will allow you to post a sign for a set period of time, on their fence, advertising your work. It is imperative that this sign has your website URL, as the sign will be seen by everyone who passes the property by road or on foot, 24 hours in a day.
A web designer can help you come up with the right elements for your site to maximize conversions. Ensure the UX design is best suited, to enable a customer navigate the site and get access to the essential information required to decide to engage.
If you already have a site, they can also help with a revamp, in case you are not getting the expected traction.
Building a website is not as easy as it might first seem. Choosing colors, designing a logo (if you don't already have one), configuring the site layout, they can be very time consuming, even if you're using a site builder
Outsourcing all this to a web developer saves you time and the comparative cost, allowing you to focus on your business.
Looking at the examples above and the generated requirements, a web designer can flesh these out and work fast to deliver, while you get other aspects of your brand ready.
Here at Avant Garde Originals, we can deliver all this to you and more, for a low low price. Contact us now to discuss...
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