DIY vs hiring a designer: when it makes sense to outsource your website.
If you’re starting or growing your business, you already know that having a website is non-negotiable. The question is, do you build it yourself or hire a designer to do it for you?
It’s a decision every small business owner faces at some point. On one hand, DIY website builders make it look easy and affordable. On the other, hiring a designer can feel like a big investment when you’re just getting started.
The truth is, both options can work. It just depends on where you are in your business and what you need your website to do for you.
Let’s walk through the pros and cons of each, and how to know when it’s time to hand things off to a professional.
Step 1, be honest about where you are
Before you decide which route to take, pause and take a good look at your current situation.
Ask yourself a few questions:
How much time do I realistically have to build a website?
How comfortable am I with design, writing, and tech?
Is my business in the early stage, or am I ready to look more established?
What’s more valuable to me right now - saving money or saving time?
If your business is still new and you just need a simple online presence, DIY might make sense for now. But if you’re growing, booking clients, and want to look more professional, hiring a designer can save you time and give you better results.
Think of your website like your storefront. How much that storefront matters to your success right now will help guide your choice.
When DIY works well
DIY website builders like Squarespace, Wix, and Showit have made it easier than ever to create a nice-looking website without coding. You can choose a template, upload your content, and go live within days.
If you’re just starting out, this can be a smart move. A simple, clean website is better than no website at all. It gives potential clients somewhere to learn about you, see what you offer, and get in touch.
DIY makes sense when:
You’re still figuring out your brand or ideal client.
You want to get online quickly.
You have more time than money.
You enjoy learning and experimenting with design tools.
You’re not ready for a big investment just yet.
If you decide to build it yourself, focus on the essentials. One page with your photo, a short description of what you offer, and a contact form can go a long way.
Don’t worry about making it perfect. Your first website is meant to help you start building visibility. You can always upgrade later when your business grows.
The hidden costs of DIY
Doing it yourself can save money upfront, but it’s not always free in the long run. The time you spend learning, tweaking, and redoing your website is time you’re not spending on your business.
Many small business owners underestimate how long it takes to create a professional-looking website. They start with excitement, but weeks later, they’re still rearranging pages and struggling to make it look right.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Time: A DIY site can take 30 to 50 hours or more when you include setup, content writing, and testing.
Design quality: Templates are helpful, but it’s easy to make small design mistakes that make a site look unpolished.
Strategy: Most DIY sites focus on looks, not function. Without a clear plan, it might not help you get leads or clients.
Maintenance: Updates, SEO, and performance checks take more effort than people expect.
If your DIY project is causing frustration or holding up your launch, that’s a sign it might be time to bring in help.
When it’s time to hire a designer
Hiring a designer isn’t just about making your site look nice. It’s about creating something that represents your brand and supports your goals.
A professional designer helps you think through your website strategically. They’ll make sure your content, visuals, and navigation work together to attract the right clients and guide them toward contacting you.
It’s time to hire a designer when:
You’ve validated your business and know your audience.
You want to attract higher-end clients.
You don’t have time to learn or manage your own site.
You want your website to feel cohesive with your brand.
You’re ready to treat your website as an investment, not just an expense.
You simply don’t have the required knowledge to make a website that does what you need.
A good designer brings clarity and consistency. They know how to take what’s in your head and turn it into something beautiful, functional, and built to grow with your business.
What working with a designer looks like
Working with a designer is a partnership. You bring the knowledge of your business, and they bring experience in design, strategy, and user experience.
The process usually looks like this:
Discovery: Your designer learns about your business, audience, and goals.
Content planning: You decide what pages you need and what each should include (hopefully together).
Design and development: The designer builds the site, choosing visuals, colors, and layouts that reflect your brand.
Review and feedback: You review drafts, make adjustments, and fine-tune details together.
Launch: Your new site goes live, and your designer helps make sure everything runs smoothly.
When done right, your website feels like an extension of you and your business. It looks professional but also personal - the kind of site that makes people trust you immediately.
How to decide
Here’s a simple way to decide which direction is right for you:
If you’re new and just getting your business off the ground:
DIY your first site using a clean template. Keep it simple, focus on clarity, and get it online.
If your business is established or you aren’t techy:
Outsource it to a designer who can help you create a site that truly represents your brand and attracts your ideal clients.
Think of it as a balance between time and money. If you have more time, do it yourself. If your time is limited and your business depends on making a strong impression, hiring a professional is worth it.
Your website is often the first real interaction people have with your brand. Whether you build it yourself or hire someone to help, the goal is the same - to create a space that feels genuine, trustworthy, and aligned with your business.
You don’t need a huge budget to start, and you don’t need to know everything about design. What matters is that your website works for you, not against you.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and want help creating a site that feels professional, clear, and personal to your brand, I’d love to help.
