There are great resources out there for small businesses and start-ups to build their own websites. There are templates and content management systems that are easy to use and look great. Sound like if companies can build their own sites, graphic designers won’t really be needed? Yes and no.
Yes. For some companies, they just need a basic site. If they can communicate their business and don’t really have the budget for a designer, maybe that’s fine for them. Some companies just need something up and it doesn’t have to be great. There are cheap and easy solutions out there and I think that is great for business.
On the other hand, NO, most people shouldn’t or can’t just put up a site that will do anything for their business.
The truth is that I use templates and WordPress when it makes sense for my clients already. I can save them time and money and get them all the bell and whistles that a content management system can offer. I’m not afraid of being replaced by software and templates, but I can exploit those resources for my clients. I can design fasters and more efficiently if I embrace the technology that is out there.
Also, there is a lot more to designing a site than the production aspect of it. I look at the real goals for my clients. I design the architecture and content to accomplish those goals. I design a feel that strengthens the client’s brand and communicates their message. I don’t just make it look nice, but yes I also make my sites look nice.
I would say that even if you can build your own site, have a designer look it over and let you know how it can be better. I’m excited about new technologies and embrace a new era of web design.
