What is the best way for you to get a website? [Update 2021]

Are you torn between owning a WordPress website and one built using a website builder like Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace?

Do you feel tempted by the website builder platform's attractive prices, or you think you'll miss out if you don't choose the customization options that a WordPress website offers?

Do you feel confused about all the website options on the market today?

Shouldn't it be an easy and obvious way to present your business in the digital world?

Many businesses ask the same questions about getting a new website to expand and grow online.

Let's explore the differences between renting and owning a website. This article will help you make an informed decision about which option will be better for your business.

How do website builders work?

Renting a website is like renting an apartment equipped with appliances, furniture, and everything else you need to move in. It has an affordable monthly fee (rent), and if something like the dishwasher breaks, the apartment owner (i.e., the landlord) is responsible for fixing it, so you don't have to bother.

In the digital world, website platforms are called managed services or website-builders. Components within the website, the design elements, and its code are considered proprietary by the provider and are non-transferable to third-party providers. The content you post is intellectual property, of course. 

Non-transferable means you can rent an apartment, but if you decide to move out, you can't take the fridge with you since it's the apartment owner's property. You can take the food inside it, though.

Renting a business website has a low cost and affordable monthly fees (between 10-50 euro per month), similar to renting an apartment. You have someone to handle repairs, so the platform takes care of security and hosting maintenance. You just use your website for marketing your business, sell products, services, and post content.

The most popular website builder platforms are Shopify (mainly for selling products), Squarespace, Wix, and Webflow. We will call them website builders below for short.

What does "own" a WordPress website mean?

Think of owning a website like owning a house. It has a high initial cost to buy (from hundreds to thousands depending on the web design agency). It might take a bit more time until you make it cozy and perfect for your lifestyle, but you make all the decisions about the interior decor, the garden, and everything else. You might have to find someone to handle repairs unless you're technical enough to take care of them yourself.

When comparing a website with your own house, one difference is that you still have to pay a low monthly tax for hosting your website. (I suppose I could associate this with property tax for the home.)

Such websites are also called content management systems (CMS). The most popular by far is WordPress.

Which is easier to use?

A website builder usually comes with an easy-to-use web page editor. It doesn't require a lot of learning. It has enough visual indicators to allow you easily create web pages yourself.

Owning a website like WordPress might require slightly more learning. Usually, there are more menus and functionality to figure out, and at first, you might get lost. 

Does having a website require technical skills? 

You don't require technical or coding skills for either option unless you'd like something customized and specific. Still, the many menus and options in a WordPress site might be overwhelming and confusing for the average user.

Which website option is best for e-commerce?

I always have one concern: how secure is your site? Can I safely enter my payment card on your web page? WordPress has the most popular plugin for e-commerce, Woocommerce. It doesn't mean your WordPress is super secure, but consider using it if you choose a WordPress website. You might have to hire a developer to handle WordPress security updates regularly (monthly).

On the other hand, the popular website builder platforms give you reliable e-commerce functionality. The platform takes care of security. One downside is that many platforms charge transaction fees. You might pay a small fee for every sale you make on top of the monthly fee. Most of these platforms do not charge a fee per sale if you upgrade your plan to premium. If you do, you'll have a higher monthly payment but won't get charged per transaction.

We've tried to address that gap with our platform. At DIY Websites, we offer secure website rental without charging you hidden fees or fees per transaction. You just pay a flat monthly fee. 

Which has better customization options to make your website appealing to users?

A website builder usually has standard customization options to present your business online or start selling online. Standard features are generally more than enough for most companies that want a website.

If you own a WordPress website, on the other hand, the customization possibilities are endless. You can install additional features (plugins) to enrich the user experience and create an appealing design that catches peoples' attention. You just have to ask yourself. Do I need all this power?

Is customer support better if I rent a website builder?

Customer support is one of my most important criteria. 

When you rent a website, the platform handles the security and plugin updates, technical fixes, and website downtime. But, I would also want excellent customer support.

It would be best if you had a trusted guide to guide you through your overall digital experience. I am talking about actual humans who can guide your digital journey and help you with any obstacles you encounter along the way. The most common barrier is content creation. A trusted guide can help you formulate your content strategy to deliver an excellent user experience through content. 

In my experience, small local companies are better at the social aspect. You can learn and excel by talking to real people. Most small local companies still offer WordPress websites. So, dealing with local companies means you'll probably have to own your website but mind the prices. The providers shouldn't rip you off for their services. A good guide should not charge more than 50 euro per hour.

What about Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?

The website builders' SEO depends on the platform. Most of them have SEO that is acceptable but not excellent. At DIY Websites Ireland, our goal is to deliver websites optimized for smartphones. Every page of a DIY Website is an Accelerated Mobile Page. AMP is a modern technology designed by Google and gives the website an advantage on smartphones over businesses using other website builders.

When you own a website, WordPress, for example, you get only mediocre SEO. You might have to hire a WordPress web developer to maximize your search engine optimization. The Yoast plugin is the most popular SEO tool for WordPress, but it might require learning on your side. Note that too many plugins and customizations on your website might negatively affect your SEO. Many users fall into that trap in an attempt to make their websites look amazing.

Can you quickly switch between renting to owning a website or vice versa?

How often do you plan to move your website? If you're thinking about it, you've probably been frustrated by a service provider. My advice is to look for someone that offers excellent customer support. We can help with that.

Switching between renting and owning a website is often not as smooth as you might expect. In the real world, you get your personal belongings, load the car and move to another place. In the digital world, different systems are not always compatible.

If you rent a website builder, the platform might provide a feature that allows you to export your web pages, but you might need to hire a specialist to export them to a new website. If you own WordPress, you might find a specialist more easily since this is a popular service.

Should you get a website builder or own your WordPress website?

A website builder has a low initial cost, fewer options to confuse you. It is secure, and an experienced person can create a website within days (you might need a bit more if you are not). If you’re just starting your digital journey or want to validate idea, perhaps starting with small steps is a good option.

Owning a website like WordPress has powerful customization features, your stylish brand will shine, but it will require more attention and probably higher time and cost investment.

Regardless of which one you chose, you don't have to invest a fortune and time into your website. A business website monthly cost should not be much more expensive than a regular Android or iOS app subscription (50-180 euro per year). Unfortunately, many web design agencies are still charging more.

Start with clear messaging to the customers, then think of feature-rich functionality. Most often, sending the correct messages can be achieved through text, pictures, and videos. No matter if you rent or own a website, both should offer you the option to express yourself with words or media.

Find a provider that offers top-quality customer support. An affordable yet good consultant is vital for your and your customer's digital experience.

Hint, hint, if you think you should spend your time focusing on your business instead of building a website, we're here to help. At DIY Websites, we offer a platform where you don't have to worry about security, SEO, or hosting. We can guide and work with you to clarify your website content – and we're fast!

We can help you improve your digital presence. It's easy!