You’ve done it. You’ve crafted the perfect website design and it’s sitting safely in your Photoshop files. The next step is to put your design to good use, but unless you’re your own master coder, you’re going to need some help. Preferably help that doesn’t also break your bank account.
Do you have to hire a programmer?
The short answer is no. It’s preferable, but not absolutely necessary. If conscripting a human to hand code your WordPress site is outside your means, there are other options to get your design up and running.
Conversion Software
For folks on a budget, there are tools available online to convert PSD to WordPress for you. A lot of them. So tread carefully.
These plug ins and other conversion software can vary wildly in price. Some come at the low, low price of free (usually with full functionality locked behind a pay wall) and others can run you a larger bill than most hand coding services. So it’s all about where you land. The average plug in will probably run you about 75 dollars or so. But then it’s yours to use as many times as you please. Conversion software is a one time purchase. You won’t be charged per site or per page. (Do keep in mind that your downloaded plug in will eventually become obsolete as WordPress and Photoshop continue to evolve.)
Buyer Beware
Read the fine text carefully if you’re going to convert with software like this. Most of the time your only option is to download a plugin, which can be a bit risky.
- Always double check that you’re on a trusted site.
You don’t want to get a nasty virus for your troubles, or worse, see your credit card information fall into sketchy hands. - Read the product description carefully.
Not all conversion software is created equal. Make sure the plugin you’re going to spend hours of your time with isn’t a “lite” version with missing features. Also check that it runs on your computer. Often times this kind of software isn’t super versatile and you don’t want to part with close to a hundred bucks only to learn later that you needed a Windows computer all along. There may also be requirements about which version of Photoshop you need.
Hand Coding
If you’re able to spend a bit more, you can have your conversion work done by hand. This way someone manually converts your design to a functional WordPress theme. This is the higher end option, but it can be well worth it if you go to the right company.
There’s reliability in numbers
A conversion company is truly your best bet when you go down the hand coding route. Don’t be tempted to go with a freelancer. A team of trusted web developers is going to have a much faster turnaround time. Having more eyes on the project is always good for quality assurance, too.
But how do you make sure you’re getting your money’s worth?
If you’re going to shell out the extra cash for a professional conversion service then you definitely want stellar results. The best companies will have transparent pricing, satisfaction guarantees and real client testimonials to back up their claims.
Reliable PSD is a conversion company that offers all of the above, plus a high level of communication that sets them apart from other services.
Can professional hand coding ever fit a budget?
Hiring a company like Reliable PSD is always going to cost more than a cheap conversion plug in. At least at first. You’ll find that an expertly coded website is going to save you money in the long term.
Less risk.
There’s always the chance that purchasing conversion software will be for nothing if the program doesn’t work right. You’re also left with no one to talk to if you’re having issues with the product. A big plus for hand coding is the communication you have with your programmers. Something not looking quite right? Seeing it fixed is as easy as sending out a quick e-mail.
Better product.
This is arguably the most important benefit of the professionals at Reliable PSD over any automated program. Your website’s just going to work better.
- WC3 Validation
- Code built for SEO
- Cross-browser and mobile compatibility
Unlike any PSD to WordPress conversion software, Reliable PSD can guarantee these benefits for your site, and their multiple quality checks catch and fix any issues before your page goes live. Conversion software has no quality assurance team, so there are almost always issues in the final product. And a single bug or slow-loading page can be enough to turn people off your site for good.
Remember, your website only gets one first impression. Make it count!
