With the many online platforms and tools that allow you to start from scratch and design an e-commerce website on your own, going the DIY route seemed to be an obvious option for me.
I thought it was great, with a little know-how and great concept, I thought it was great because that meant I didn’t have to work with a web developer and be disappointed in case they don’t get what I want. Trying to communicate what’s in my head to another person, has not always been easy, because more often than not, I can’t quite put into words the thoughts in my head.
Don’t get me wrong. I did reach out to a web development company in Singapore. But, because I was just starting, I decided against hiring them and promised myself to invest in one, should my venture become successful. While others lacked confidence in their ability to bring their vision to life, I was quite the opposite: Yes, I can DIY and that’s what I did.
With the resources available online, I did pretty much anything. It involved some learning, but at least I got help from Google, even from the gurus at Shopify itself.
Sure, things were okay but as my business grew, so did the demands. It was not performing as I wanted it to and I fear it has reached a point that it’s already affecting my bottom line. It’s when I reached out again to the e-commerce web developer in Singapore I contacted prior and that’s when the real work has started: communicating my thoughts to them, fully entrusting that they can realise my concept to improve my website.
But, what made me decide to do so? Allow me to share with you the signs that indicated it’s time for a better, more-advanced e-commerce website. The same applies pretty much on any website.
1. Website Already Looks Dated
I didn’t have to know what my competitor websites are doing to know that my website already looks dated. For the overall industry standard, my website looks old. The same way people will not stop by at an old and dilapidated building (unless of course, it’s a historical museum), they would hardly ever stop at an old website—and my lack of professional expertise just isn’t a good excuse for that.
2. Accessing the Website is No Longer Convenient
The very first indication that my website is no longer functioning as I wanted it to is the long waiting time for the site to load. No customers would want to wait three minutes to fully load a website but that is just what happens when they try to access my site. These days, they seem to be happier to leave my website and do business elsewhere. Even the customers I thought were loyal seem nowhere to be found these days.
3. Even the Ordering Process is Not Worthy of Late-Night Shopping
In the past, it took quite a few steps to place an order on my website and it was okay—or so I thought. As part of the website revamp, our top priorities included making the ordering process easy for those who have already registered an account with us. It meant skipping the need to fill up a form every time they will place an order on our website.
4. Outdated Product Catalogue
Another element that seems to be outdated in the website is the product catalogue. I am betting it’s one of the primary reasons behind my missed opportunities. While social media posts are great for product display, it’s often in your website where the purchase happens and I guess they were just disappointed when they have already visited the website for validation and supposed purchase.
5. I Don’t Know How to Further Update My Website
Didn’t I tell you how confident I was in building a website on my own? Unfortunately, that just isn’t the case anymore. With a wider audience comes the greater need for a more advanced website; between managing the community and overseeing the sales, I no longer have the time to spend days revamping my website.
Plus, I don’t think I have the expertise on how to make it better than it is now. It’s enough knowing that I built the business that I have from scratch and it’s time to get help from the professionals.
Firstcom Solutions is a godsent that brought solutions to my problems from heaven. The web developers from this company were not only accommodating but actually know what they are doing.
I can’t be happier enough knowing that I will have someone to maintain the website. Everything has become easier, and I’m glad I made the right choice with Firstcom.
Would you DIY your website or hire a professional web development company in Singapore? Share with me your thoughts by leaving a comment.
