DIY Website Design for Novices in Canberra – Pros and Cons
Need a simple website in Canberra? Have a small budget? Website design in Canberra needn’t cost a fortune if your requirements are simple. Companies like Wix, GoDaddy, and Squarespace (through their website builder solutions) aim to make do-it-yourself (DIY) website design in Canberra easy, fast, and affordable. In addition, many website builders simplify Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) for the novice website designer.
Important Note: there are many skilled and experienced website designers in Canberra. The purpose of this page isn’t to discourage the use of professional website designers and developers but rather to describe a simple DIY option.
What is a simple website?
A simple website usually has 3-6 pages and features only text, images, and a contact page. It doesn’t typically have e-commerce functionality and 3rd party database or application integration (with the possible exception of email). A simple website provides the public with general information about a business or organisation. Many small businesses in Canberra require only a simple website.
What is a website builder?
A website builder is an online service that enables a "novice" or non-technical person to build and launch a website. A website builder takes care of the programming and hosting components of a website. Website builders are popular with people who enjoy DIY projects, being creative, and saving money. A website builder provides a cost-effective way to build a simple website in Canberra.
PS – Many website builders also provide e-commerce functionality and accounting software integration at additional cost.
Which website builders are available in Australia?
Many prominent technology and hosting companies provide website builders in Australia, including:-
GoDaddy (established 1997)
Rocketspark (established 2008)
Squarespace (established 2004)
Weebly (established 2007)
Wix (established 2006)
WordPress.com (established 2005) – features a “controlled” version of WordPress
These website builder providers all offer pricing in Australian dollars (be sure to double-check this and read any "terms and conditions" before making the initial payment).
For the record, this site (Value Spotting) uses the Rocketspark website builder (hosted in Australia).
What are some of the advantages of a website builder?
Designed for non-technical people.
Ability to create a website very quickly (in days).
Low set-up costs (no need to pay a website developer unless you want to).**
Adds, moves, and changes can be done immediately (no need to wait on a developer).
Good for cash flow (most website builders in Australia charge an affordable monthly fee).
Hosting and software upgrades are taken care of (general website security may also be covered).
** Many website builder providers in Australia offer optional web development services (at additional cost).
What are some of the disadvantages of a website builder?
Likely design and programming limitations (compared with an open-source content management system).
Less likelihood of personalised technical support (chat and email are commonly used to resolve issues).
Migrating data (text and images) to another platform or hosting provider in the future could prove problematic.
Some commercial and site monetisation activities may be prohibited or controlled (every website builder is governed by the “terms and conditions” of the platform owner).
Free versions may require your website to be populated with an advertisement or two.
Do website builders generate content as well?
The short answer is “no” – however, most website builders in Australia provide templates with stock photos. Businesses and organisations that require assistance with content creation have several options at their disposal (see below).
Content Writing
Non-writers have two options: use a professional content writer (this site features one) or an artificial intelligence (AI) writing tool like ChatGPT. If ChatGPT is used, the “output” should be checked (by a human) for accuracy and any potential copyright issues.
Photographs and Images
There are three simple ways to obtain quality photographs and images: hire a professional photographer / graphic designer, access a stock photo website (example: Shutterstock), or use an AI-powered image creation service (example: DALL-E in ChatGPT).
Does a website builder require a domain name?
Yes, it does. A domain name (example: www.noisypianos.com) identifies a website on the internet. If you don’t own a domain name, most website builder providers in Australia can sell you one. For the record, domain names attract ongoing registration fees.
Do other “inexpensive” website options exist?
Yes, they do. For businesses and organisations on a tight budget, a Facebook page provides a free online presence. Another short-term option is a landing page, which is usually cost-effective. To see an example of a landing page on this site (Value Spotting), look at Stump’d Tree Services (a Canberra arborist).
Final Thoughts and Checklist for DIY Website Design in Canberra
Saving time and money is possible with do-it-yourself (DIY) website design in Canberra. You don’t need to be a technical expert to use a website builder, create content, and point a domain name. It all comes down to whether you want to invest your time and effort into creating a website.
High-level Checklist
Select a suitable website builder (preferably hosted or cached in Australia).
Create and upload your content (text and images).
Take advantage of any Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) tools on the website builder.
Point your domain name at the new website (or buy a domain name from the website builder provider).
Configure your email account and contact page on the new website.
Hit the “go live” button when you’re happy with your website.
Don’t be overawed by this checklist, as most website builders provide instructions for the novice website designer in Canberra.
"Seeking Value is Smart"
The content on this page was written by Smart Words - www.smartwords.com.au