With cloud services like Wix and Squarespace that allow users to build websites on their own, it’s not unreasonable to ask why you should pay a professional to design it for you. In fact, if you’re just starting a site as as a blog to record your thoughts or as a place to showcase your photography, a website builder might not be a bad way to go. But most startups and small businesses are not just interested in selling widgets, but building a brand – which means that you want to differentiate yourself for your competitors however you can. Imagine showing up to a Halloween party wearing the same costume as three other people. Awkward! And it should be no different for your business—you want your website to represent your brand, with all the wonderful uniqueness and personality you strive to bring to it every day. Also, if you’re on online-only business, chances are you’ve got some unique functionality that will need to be built out that simply cannot be purchased off-the-shelf.

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