Should You Code a Website on Your Own?

Having a website is absolutely critical in this digital age of information with more people online than ever before. According to recent estimates, internet usage was up 7.3 percent in January compared to the same time last year. 

This means if you own a business, freelance, or even want to stay connected with others, being online and having a website is your best chance of doing so. However, if you’re not a web developer, building a website may seem daunting. That’s why they have website builders to help. 

If you are considering learning to code a website yourself, keep reading this guide to understand the pros and cons of coding a website, and you can decide for yourself.

Pro #1: It’s a Valuable Skill

There’s no way around it – learning how to code and build websites is an incredibly valuable skill to have. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the job growth over the next ten years for web developers and website designers will grow by 8 percent, which is considered much faster than average.

Not only is the job market expected to grow rapidly, but the number of businesses and other individuals looking for a website to be built will also increase.

Pro #2: Gives You Full Control

When you use a website builder, you are often limited in the functionality and customization it offers. Learning to code a website for yourself will give you complete control over extras such as:

• Adding an online store
• Custom color schemes
• Unique layout
• SEO compatibility
• Mobile responsiveness

Another important thing to keep in mind is the hosting service. When using a website builder, it often comes with basic hosting, limiting the bandwidth allowed to your website. Learning to code and building your own website gives you the ability to use an unmetered dedicated server, giving you the ability to use as much bandwidth as needed.

Con #1: Takes More Time to Learn

Although you can allow your creativity to unleash when building your own website, it will take more time to learn. Website builders offer a quick and convenient option for those who need a website up immediately rather than taking the time to learn a new skill. 

Coding a website yourself can take months. Using a website builder, you can create a website in a few hours and, in some instances, minutes. 

Con #2: Can Look Unprofessional

One of the great features of website builders is that they can generate a professional-looking website in just a few hours, if not minutes. When you code your own website unless you have professional experience, it can often be hard to achieve the “professional look” that consumers look for in a website to verify safety.

Deciding Whether to Code a Website for Yourself?

Building a website is one of the best ways to get your name out there and interact with potential customers. However, deciding whether to code a website yourself or use one of the many website builders that are offered can be a tough decision. Ultimately, it comes down to how much control you want to have over the various features offered. 

Whichever route you decide to go, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for additional tips on building websites from scratch.