So you’ve decided to start an online business. Congratulations! It’s a great time to be an entrepreneur. But now comes the hard part: deciding whether to build your own website or buy domain and host.
There are pros and cons to both options. Building your own website gives you complete control over the design, content, and functionality. However, it can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you’re not familiar with web development. Buying an existing website is less work and generally cheaper, but you might have to compromise on some aspects of the business.
So how do you decide which option is right for you? It all depends on your budget, timeline, and skillset. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of each approach so you can make an informed decision for your business.
Building Your Own Website
Building your own website from scratch gives you complete control over every aspect of the business. You get to decide exactly what features and functionality your site has, which can be very beneficial if you have specific ideas for how you want your business to operate.
Designing and building a website also allows you to create a unique brand identity that sets you apart from your competitors. If done well, your website can become a key marketing tool that helps you attract new customers and grow your business.
However, building a website from scratch requires significant time and financial investment. Unless you’re already experienced in web development, you’ll likely need to hire a professional to help with the design and construction—which can add more than $5,000 to your startup costs.
You’ll also need to invest time in creating high-quality content for your site, which can further delay the launch if you’re not able to dedicate adequate resources to the project. Overall, building a website from scratch takes longer than buying an existing one—usually four to six months—but it gives you more flexibility in terms of customization.
Buying an Existing Website
If time is of the essence or you’re working with a limited budget, buying an existing website can be a quick and cost-effective way to get started in ecommerce. Websites are typically available for sale through brokerages or online marketplace places like Flippa.com. When evaluating potential listings, pay close attention to traffic statistics (i.e., number of monthly visitors), revenue figures, growth trends, etc., so you have a good understanding of the site’s current value and future potential earnings power. Also, remember that most sites come with some level of inherent risk—you’ll need to do due diligence on the seller/s as well as the business itself before making any final decisions. While buying an existing website may be more efficient in terms of time and cost, it also means you have to work within the framework that’s already been established. The site’s design, functionality, and content may not align with your vision for the business, and it can be difficult (and expensive) to make changes.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the decision of whether to build or buy a website for your online business comes down to your budget, timeline, and skillset. Consider your unique needs and circumstances before making a decision.
