[hoodoof]

Look, here is my question: how is it that startups make such great websites? I try to make a website for my products, and they always look crap, even if I start with a template from themeforest, or use a single page site builder.

Is it necessary to pay to get someone to design it to make something look good, or do I just have naturally really bad skills at making things look attractive and convey a clear message?

What's the secret?

[spiralganglion]

It takes a lot of practice. The beautifully-designed work that surrounds us was largely created by people who have spent years and years honing their craft. When you start off, there will be a gap between what you want to do and what you're able to do. It's important to just keep pushing through that, and especially to keep iterating. Iterate on your websites — take a moment every now and then to clean up some part of it, and after a few months or a year it'll be worlds better. Iterate on your process — find sources of inspiration, learn new techniques, try different ideas. I have seen people who were terribly unskilled, who felt like they were artless or inept or without taste or untalented, grow over the years to the point where they could make great work. It hurts a bit when you see people who are "naturally" good, but at best, that only means they had an easier go of things. It doesn't mean you can't eventually get that good too.

[bookofjoe]

"It doesn't mean you can't eventually get that good too." I respectfully disagree. I'm an anesthesiologist. I can teach anyone commenting here — in 5 minutes — how to give a general anesthetic. To wake a person up without damage? That'll be three years of your life (after you finish medical school).

[koboll]

>Is it necessary to pay to get someone to design it to make something look good, or do I just have naturally really bad skills at making things look attractive and convey a clear message?

Both. The latter is the reason for the former.

[bpicolo]

When you aren't / aren't working with a designer, the secret is to "draw inspiration" (copy) from landing pages that you like, and add/edit in a bit of your own flair (and of course your own copy). No need to entirely reinvent the wheel.

Just make sure you don't steal bits that fall under copyright

[zeroxfe]

Unless you decide to spend a ton of effort learning how to design, you're much better off hiring someone. (There's also the opportunity cost of not spending your time on your core competencies.)

[aloukissas]

You can start with good defaults like on SquareSpace and Instapage.

[rapfaria]

They probably have web designers.