Are you debating about whether to hire a pro to build your website or do it yourself? If you're like most online entrepreneurs you're probably starting out on a tight budget, have a lot of other startup expenses and figure you could save hundreds or thousands of dollars by building your own website instead of paying a Web designer. Web authoring and image editing programs are relatively inexpensive, and you can find plenty of books on Web design and HTML at your local bookstore. There are even hosting services that let you build your entire site online, including shopping cart and product database, from templates they provide.

So why should you pay a professional?

Before you run out and buy an armload of books on HTML, consider the benefits of hiring a pro:

Professionalism:  The number one reason to hire a pro is that websites built by amateurs just ten to look like they were built by an amateur. An experienced Web designer can create a website that conveys the right professional image and lets visitors know you mean business.

Usability:  Making your site user-friendly and easy to navigate is key to getting your sales message across. Your site must be laid out in a logical and intuitive way so that visitors don't lose their way or leave in frustration. A good Web designer understands the subtle changes that make a big difference in a site's usability.

Speed:  A professional will know how to make your Web pages load relatively quickly by streamlining code and optimizing graphics. Let's face it, it doesn't matter how beautiful a Web page is if no-one will wait around to see it. A good Web designer can speed up your Web page's download time without giving up the professional look and feel.

Compatibility:  You need a website that displays properly and works correctly on multiple browsers. A professional understands the nuances of cross-browser compatibility and will make your site look good to the widest possible audience.

Advanced Features:  If your website requires database connectivity, animations, Java applets, streaming media, custom scripting, etc., will probably require the services of a pro. Advanced features like these are the province of skilled Web designers and developers.

Search engine placement:  Professionally designed websites are more likely to achieve favorable placement in search engine listings for several reasons. First of all, a well-designed site with useful content will be ranked higher. Also, a professional will know how to select the best title, keywords, and description for your site, and these are used by search engines to rank websites in search results.

Efficiency:  Because writing HTML and JavaScript code and creating original graphics can involve long learning curves, doing it yourself can be a false economy. By handing off the design work you will free yourself up to focus on other tasks critical to launching your startup business. If you need to launch your business quickly, the time savings become especially important.

Paying a skilled Web Designer to create your site can take a big chunk out of your startup budget, but think of it as an investment in your future success. From the perspective of potential customers, your website is your business. A professional Web designer can build the kind of site that conveys professionalism and inspires trust. Hiring a professional to create your website can be the most efficient and cost-effective solution.