Web Designer vs. DIY Website: What’s Best for Your Business?
Starting or growing a business comes with about a thousand decisions, and somewhere on that list is one that feels small but carries a lot of weight: Should I build my website myself, or hire a web designer?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — and honestly, I think that’s something more people in this industry should say out loud. Your business, your budget, your timeline, and your goals all play a role in what makes the most sense for you.
So let’s walk through both options in a real, practical way — without pressure, without jargon, and with the goal of helping you make the choice that actually supports your business.
The DIY Website Route: When It Makes Sense
DIY platforms like Squarespace, Wix, Showit, and WordPress.com have made it easier than ever to get something live. And for some business owners, that’s exactly what they need in the beginning.
DIY Can Be a Good Fit If:
You’re just starting out and need a simple online presence
Your budget is tight and you’re prioritizing other areas
You enjoy learning new tools and don’t mind troubleshooting
You only need a few pages (Home, About, Services, Contact)
What DIY Teaches You
One of the hidden benefits of building your own site is that you learn how your business communicates. You start to notice what feels clear, what feels clunky, and what your audience actually responds to. That awareness alone is valuable.
Where DIY Can Get Frustrating
Most DIY builders promise “drag and drop,” but they don’t always show you how to structure pages so people actually take action, how to set up SEO properly, or how to make mobile layouts feel intentional instead of cramped.
Corri Tip: If you’re going DIY, start with visual hierarchy. Make your main headline big and obvious. Keep your call-to-action button visible without scrolling. Use white space to separate sections instead of stacking everything tightly together.
Hiring a Web Designer: What You’re Really Paying For
A lot of people think hiring a designer is about getting something “prettier.” In reality, it’s more about getting something intentional.
A good designer isn’t just placing elements on a page — they’re thinking about how your customer moves through your site, what questions they have at each step, what builds trust, and what gets them to reach out, book, or buy.
When Hiring a Designer Makes Sense:
You want your website to actively bring in leads or sales
You’re rebranding or repositioning your business
You don’t want to spend hours learning platforms and fixing things
You want your site to grow with your business, not limit it
The Real Value
What most clients tell me after a project isn’t “I love how it looks” — it’s:
“I finally feel confident sending people to my website.”
That confidence matters. Your website becomes a tool you use, not something you avoid.
A designer-built site should include clear sections for Who You Help, What You Offer, and What to Do Next. Testimonials placed near calls-to-action, and strategic buttons that repeat throughout the page — not just at the bottom.
The Cost Conversation (Let’s Be Honest About This)
DIY is cheaper upfront — that’s true. But the hidden cost is often time.
Time spent learning, fixing, redesigning, and second-guessing. For some business owners, that trade-off is worth it. For others, it pulls them away from the work they actually love and make money doing.
Hiring a designer is more of an investment, but it’s one that’s meant to save you time, create clarity for your audience, and support long-term growth.
A Middle Ground Most People Don’t Talk About
You don’t always have to choose one or the other.
Some business owners start with a DIY site, then hire a designer later to refine, optimize, and rebuild once they’ve grown. That can be a really smart, strategic path — especially if you’re still figuring out your brand and services.
How to Decide What’s Best for You
Ask yourself:
Do I want my website to just exist, or actually work for my business?
Do I have more time than money right now, or more money than time?
Am I confident explaining what I do clearly on my site?
Final Thoughts
Your website should feel like support — not another thing on your to-do list that you dread touching.
Whether you build it yourself or work with a designer, the real goal is the same: a website that feels like you, speaks clearly to your audience, and helps your business move forward.
Want a Second Set of Eyes?
If you’ve already built a site and aren’t sure if it’s doing what you need it to, I offer website audits and strategy sessions for small business owners who want clarity without pressure.
Sometimes all it takes is a few thoughtful changes to make a big difference.