originally posted: November 8, 2023

An original web design is vital for creatives and businesses.

What’s the big deal? Why should I get a custom website design? I just want something simple. Your business model should be simple. Your web design should be visually powerful and outstanding.

If you don’t have background or professional experience in design, I promise you that your taste for “simple” dramatically underestimates the precision and skill needed to achieve it.

Custom web design blends a unique reflection of your personal tastes with aesthetics that your target audience will connect to, while using modern styling.

But if you “just want something simple” by all means, go be simple. Find something cheap, generic, and unforgettable. Use a pre-made web design theme or template. Play small, and in one year go offline when you either lose interest in your project, or you realize your website isn’t making money.

Or, spend so much time doing it yourself, that you burnout and can barely focus on marketing and other tasks because you fried your braincells trying to learn to code.

I’ve been making websites 15+ years. I’ve seen them come and go. And I’ve been online the whole time. I know that most people don’t want to spend $700 on custom web design, but that’s not really my problem.

When you’re ready to invest in your business website here are three strong reasons to get custom web design.

1. Custom web design makes an immediate impression

There are generally accepted parts of web design; people expect to see navigation on top and three bars for the menu on mobile. But aside from the simple basics, the truth is some people will like your design and some won’t. Oh well.

Art and design are subjective, and there’s no accounting for taste.

The point is to make an impression right away so the right people know exactly how they feel about scrolling more. And ultimately to convince them to choose you, share your links, and come back again.

If you make a simple website that looks just like every other website, visitors will assume your project is just like every other writer, illustrator, or clothing store online.

Hiring an actual web designer to work with your tastes, and deliver a custom layout, makes your website stand apart. They can use the browser window to showcase your brand (or talents) in unique ways that truly impress your visitors.

custom web design makes your site impress visitors right away, and ultimately convince them to buy from you and share your links.

2. Your website is a branding & marketing tool.

If you want business your to grow online, your website better be modern and sharp. A custom design should embody your brand’s ethos. What’s your brand ethos? Book 1 hour with me to uncover it before you start planning a website.

Your design will speak for you. What do you want it to say? Do you want to be taken seriously or is this just a quick scheme? A hobby? A money grab?

Everything on your website – from your font and colors, to the way your images are framed and positioned, to the transition effects on your buttons and links – is part of your brand image. And it either works to promote your business, or it doesn’t work at all.

Whether your brand is wholesome, or sexy, futuristic, or vintage, your website design has to appeal to your target visitor & buyer. They’re expecting a certain experience. When you hire a professional web designer for custom work, they can match your tastes to your market’s taste for a look and feel that drives engagement.

Remember, your website isn’t only about what you like. It’s actually for your audience.

3. You have to feel connected to your website.

The third  reason to get custom website design is to keep yourself engaged with it. I always tell new clients that the project isn’t over until you love your website. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what you want, and to make your change requests as detailed as possible.

Whether you’re a blogger or a retailer, you’re the person who spends the most time on your website. You need to love the way your website looks to keep engaging with it. If you don’t feel emotionally connected to your design, you’ll be less inclined to use the site. And the less attention you give your website, the less likely you are to stay online when your hosting expires after the first year.

If you’re going to put energy into a website you have to stay committed for it to become a success. Having a custom design you feel good about makes it easier to keep going.

Nineke Creative combines copyright, photo-editing, marketing, sales and visual arts experience to every client website.

You can have a simple website. Or you can have a professional writer-turned-web designer give you 15+ years of knowledge to produce something beautiful, eye-catching and functional. Your time and energy belongs to your creative passions, and to your business. Custom web design is my creative passion, and also my business. Tell me your goals for your website, and I’ll make it happen.

If you don’t know your goals, download The Guide To Starting Your Online Business here. Let me know your thoughts on custom web design in the comments below.

Do you know what you want? Book your website planning call today.

Comments go here 👇🏽