What is the difference between a Professional Website and an Amateur Website?

The Internet has long been an indispensable aspect of modern life. It's almost impossible to imagine entertainment, communication, work, leisure, international payment systems or banking security without it. Almost everyone who uses the Internet tends to create their own website on the World Wide Web. This is a website, not a social media post. Having your own website is particularly important for many companies, institutions and organisations.

There are three main categories into which all websites can be conventionally divided - these are institutional websites, information portals and online shops.

Regardless of the type of website desired, any Internet user has two main options when it comes to building a website.

The first method is to do it yourself (amateur website), using free resources, of which there are countless in the vastness of the Internet.

It may not be a professional site, but it will be a first step towards creating your own.

Anyone starting to create their own site should realise that it's important not only to upload data to the web, but also to pay attention to such fundamental aspects as developing software to support the site (especially for e-commerce platforms or sites with interactive forms) and increasing its visibility in search engines.

If you use this method of creating websites in Lisbon and Porto, you should be prepared to find exactly the same site with different content and the same design. It is also possible for the site to function unsteadily due to open codes that are not protected against unauthorised access, as well as failures of the servers on which the site is located.

Second way - work with a professional company.

Most commonly, a customer will find a website through advertising (contextual, media) and promotion (SEO, SMM). However, they cannot promise that the user will complete a transaction. The responsibility lies with the website itself - its design, interface and usability. Success is unlikely if the website is poorly presented, with items such as colours that are too contrasting, small fonts, poor quality images or if the order button is difficult to find.

Commissioning a professional business website from a highly experienced web studio guarantees that you will receive a successful sales platform. This involves:

• Unique design - takes into account the attributes of the target audience and colour psychology;
• Efficient layout - allows the user to easily locate the desired information;
• Top quality material - the texts are persuasive and reinforce credibility, while the images are full size and enhance the content of the page;
• Pleasant interface - all aspects are well thought out;
• A perfect CMS - a web content management system that adapts perfectly to your project;
• Code - this is the programming language on which the whole project is based.

As a result, you will have a fully functional online shop, a loan website, a business card website or a corporate website that will attract and convert visitors, thanks to the competent and professional approach to its creation.

As a rule, they work autonomously and cannot fulfil the workload of a whole team of multidisciplinary IT specialists in a short space of time. Attempts to ‘put everything on their shoulders’ have a negative impact on the quality of the website: the engine doesn't take into account the needs and scale of the project, the structure isn't thought through and, instead of a personalised design, you get a template solution. This type of site will certainly not be able to deliver the desired level of sales and will not win the favour of Internet users

Advantages: Cost savings thanks to payment for specific services and direct interaction with the contractor.

Challenges include: The difficulty of locating a reliable specialist, the lack of guarantees regarding the quality of services, a high number of unethical workers on the platform and difficulties in managing the site after launch.

In conclusion, collaborating with a freelancer can be profitable. However, opting for this approach can lead to wasted funds and not achieving the expected result. It's important to note that the website will need the expertise of a specialist after launch. Private developers don't usually accept long-term collaborations. If you choose this option, we recommend that you learn the basics of website creation so that you can understand how the project is marketed.

• What are the main differences between professional and amateur websites?

Professional sites stand out for their elaborate design, optimised functionality and focus on the user experience, while amateur sites tend to be simpler, with less refined design and less attention to technical detail.

• Why should I choose a professional website for my business?

A professional website conveys more credibility, improves your company's image and offers better performance, with features such as SEO optimization, security and responsiveness.

• Are amateur websites enough for small businesses?

Depending on your needs, an amateur website may be sufficient for very small or personal businesses. However, to expand and reach a larger audience, a professional website is highly recommended.

• What are the disadvantages of an amateur website?

Amateur sites can have problems with navigation, outdated design and poor performance, which can negatively impact the user experience and reduce visibility in search engines.

• Can I improve an amateur site to make it professional?

Yes, it is possible to update and improve an amateur site. This can include tweaking the design, implementing more advanced features and optimising for mobile devices and search engines.

• How much does a professional website cost?

The cost of a professional website can vary depending on the complexity, functionalities and customisation desired. In general, prices vary according to the professional or agency hired.

• Is it possible to create a professional website without being a specialist?

Although there are tools that allow you to create websites without technical experience, a truly professional website generally requires the expertise of qualified developers and designers to ensure that it meets the highest standards.

Now you know the unique characteristics of freelancers and specialised agencies. It's time to evaluate and understand which option is superior and more advantageous. Comparing the cost of your next project, hiring a freelancer for your services will be cheaper. However, by saving money, you run the risk of receiving a lower quality product.

Therefore, in the case of a limited amount, we recommend that you acquire knowledge on the subject independently: enrol in specific classes, read articles related to the topic or watch complementary lectures on YouTube. This will enable you to understand the situation, manage it and possibly intervene if necessary. It is advisable to select a professional on the basis of references from friends who can show you their work and give you feedback on your collaboration. Similarly, when engaging with individual experts, remember to consider the need for greater collaboration on the project.

Either on your own or by recruiting new collaborators. If you expect top-level results, don't skimp on costs and opt for a comprehensive website design. This way, you won't have to worry about the creation process and the ongoing operation of the company's online presence. You'll also be able to take care of other crucial business tasks.

Now you know the features and subtleties of commissioning a website from a freelancer or a specialised agency. Try out what works best for you.

With over a decade of experience, Studio.351 specialises in creating websites! Trust our team of experts to help you take your business to the next level!