As a professional website designer, you might expect this post to say, “Absolutely hire a pro, every time, no question,” because that’s how I make a living, but that’s not where this is going. I’ve designed websites from scratch, and I’ve also helped business owners finish and launch websites that they started themselves. Especially now, there are many amazing tools out there to help people DIY website design. However, there are cases where hiring a professional website designer makes the most sense. In this post, I’ll outline some pros and cons to help you decide whether you should DIY website design or hire a pro!

Benefits of DIY Websites Design

Let’s dive right into the advantages of DIY website design. If you’re thinking about DIY-ing your website, you probably look forward to the learning experience, having flexibility and control over the content and the design, and appreciate how cost-effective it can be. Website builders like Shopify, WordPress, or Wix provide business owners with tools, templates/themes, and a low up-front cost to build their own websites, giving you the power to shape your online presence.

If you think DIY-ing a site could be the best option for you, here are a few questions to consider:

Do you know which platform (CMS) is best for you?

Why I ask: Choosing the right platform or content management system for your website can make all the difference in the available tools, features, and customization options. For example, some platforms are better for e-commerce, some are built for blogging, and some are great for super simple sites. Once you’ve chosen your platform, you’re not locked in forever, but switching once your site is established can be more challenging.

If you’re unsure, start by researching or contacting a professional for help making your decision.

Have you selected your template or theme?

Why I ask: One of the simplest ways to DIY website design is by working with a template or theme and customizing it to fit your company brand and style. When selecting a theme or template, make sure to review which customization options are available. You might love the layout, but all the colors are wrong for your brand. Options to customize colors, fonts, and photos are available in many different themes and templates. Still, you should always check them because that’s how you can make your site stand out.

Do you need custom features?

Website builders may offer plugins, extensions, or apps to help you add custom functionality. You can research to find out what options are available. For example, you may need event calendars or an option to purchase event tickets, or you’d like an Instagram feed on your home page. You can get an idea of how much technical knowledge is required to bring your vision to life.

What costs are associated with DIY website design?

Even if you design and build a website yourself, there are still some costs to consider. All websites require a domain name and hosting, and an SSL is recommended for all websites, but it is required if your website is e-commerce. Some platforms, like Shopify or Wix, have a monthly subscription fee. There might also be a cost for your chosen theme, template, plugins, apps, or extensions. On the other hand, hiring a professional website designer typically involves an upfront cost for their services, but may save you time and potential issues in the long run. It’s important to weigh these costs against the benefits of each option.

What are the cons of DIY website design?

As with any decision, it’s important to consider both the positives and disadvantages. A few downsides of designing or building your own website are that it can be time-consuming, there are limited customization options, and there may be quality concerns.

While DIY website-building platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, creating a website from scratch can still be time-consuming, especially for beginners. Fine-tuning design elements and troubleshooting technical issues may require significant time investment.

DIY platforms intend to provide a range of templates and customization options. However, they may not cater to every unique need. Advanced customization and functionality often require technical expertise beyond the scope of DIY tools.

DIY websites may lack the polished look and professional quality associated with professionally designed sites. Design inconsistencies and usability issues may arise, potentially impacting the credibility of your brand.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Designer

Professional website designers take your requirements and style preferences and use their expertise to build a quality website to fit your needs. Hiring a professional website designer for your project has three clear advantages: professional quality, saving time, and customization.

One of the key advantages of hiring a designer is the confidence of a professionally crafted website. Designers bring their expertise to create visually appealing, user-friendly websites that align with your brand identity and business goals, ensuring a high-quality online presence that you can be proud of.

Delegating the website development process to a designer can free up valuable time that can be dedicated to other aspects of your business. Designers have the skills and resources to efficiently bring your vision to life, minimizing the time required for development and troubleshooting, allowing you to focus on what you do best.

Working with a designer allows for tailored solutions that address your needs and preferences. Designers can incorporate custom features, layouts, and branding elements to create a unique online presence that differentiates you from competitors.

What are the downsides of working with a designer?

One disadvantage of working with a designer is that there’s typically a higher up-front cost to building a website compared to DIY website building. Costs can vary depending on the complexity of the project, a designer’s expertise, and any additional services such as maintenance and support.

The following two are subjective because they depend on your working relationship with the designer and your level of involvement in updating your site.

While hiring a designer can streamline the website development process, it also entails some dependency on the designer for updates and maintenance.

Effective communication between the designer and client ensures your vision translates into the final product. During any project, miscommunications or misunderstandings may arise, leading to delays or discrepancies in the website’s design and functionality. The risk of miscommunication highlights the importance of clear and open contact with your designer.

What to Consider When Choosing Between DIY Website Design or Hiring a Professional

What to consider when choosing between DIY website design or hiring a professional
Whether to DIY or hire a designer for your website ultimately depends on your unique circumstances, goals, and resources. By weighing the pros and cons of each approach and considering key factors such as budget, time, technical skills, and long-term goals, you can make an informed decision that sets your online presence up for success. Here are a few more considerations:

Evaluate your budget and determine the most cost-effective approach for your website project. Consider the long-term value and return on investment associated with each option.

Assess the time available for website development and how it aligns with your business timeline and objectives. Remember to factor in the learning curve associated with DIY website building and the potential time savings offered by hiring a designer.

Be honest about your technical skills and comfort level with website development. Consider whether you have the expertise to navigate DIY website-building platforms or would benefit from a professional designer’s assistance.

Consider your long-term goals and how your website fits your business strategy. Evaluate whether a professionally designed website aligns better with your branding, marketing, and growth objectives.

Whether you choose to roll up your sleeves and tackle website building yourself or enlist the expertise of a professional designer, remember that your website reflects your brand and deserves careful attention and consideration.

Do you have to choose one or the other? What if you want to be involved but need some help?

There can be a happy medium where you’re more involved with the project but hire out some of the technical or more custom aspects. Some designers appreciate a more collaborative approach to website design. Let’s say you have an e-commerce store and can help add all the products, you’re happy to write the content for your primary website pages, or you have photos to contribute. All of that adds to time savings for the designer and cost savings for you.

If you’re on the fence and aren’t sure which you should choose, you still have a few options to get the ball rolling on a website design project. The only investment you need to make is a little time. Research a few website design companies or freelancers and start getting quotes. That will give you an idea about what level of outsourcing will fit within your budget.

You can also research the different website builders and give them a try! You might find out that you’re a natural and have everything you need to build a website on your own, or you might realize that you’d rather get a professional involved.

Either way, you’ll have more information to help you decide which option is best for you!

Q&A – Answers to Common Questions

See our answers to common questions related to whether to build your own website or hire a professional below!

Can you hire someone to make a website for you?

Yes, you can hire web developers or designers to create a website. Many agencies and freelancers offer website development services, from simple brochure websites to complex e-commerce sites. Hiring someone lets you leverage their expertise and experience to create a custom website that meets your requirements.

Is it worth paying someone to build a website?

It can be worth paying someone to build a website if you value professional quality, customization, and time-saving. Experienced designers can create a website tailored to your specific needs, enhance your brand’s credibility, and save you time that you can invest in other aspects of your business.

How hard is it to build my own website?

Building your own website can vary in difficulty depending on your technical skills, the complexity of the website you want to create, and the platform you choose. DIY website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.com offer user-friendly tools that make it relatively easy for beginners to create basic websites. However, building a more advanced or customized website may require more technical knowledge and skills.

How much does it cost to have a website built?

The cost of building a website can vary widely depending on factors such as the complexity of the design, features, functionality, and the developer’s or designer’s expertise. Simple brochure websites can cost as little as a few hundred dollars. In contrast, complex e-commerce sites or custom web applications can cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. It’s essential to discuss your requirements and budget with potential developers or designers to get an accurate quote.

How long does it take one person to build a website?

The time it takes for one person to build a website depends on various factors, including the complexity of the website, the developer’s skills and experience, and the availability of resources. Simple websites with pre-designed templates can be built sometimes in a matter of days or weeks. However, more complex websites with custom designs and features may take several weeks or even months to complete.

Can you have a website without a monthly fee?

Yes, it’s possible to have a website without a monthly fee by opting for self-hosted solutions or using free website builders. With self-hosted solutions like WordPress.org, you’ll need to pay for web hosting and a domain name upfront, but there are no ongoing monthly fees out of the box. Similarly, many free website builders offer basic plans with limited features at no cost. However, you may need to upgrade to a paid plan for additional functionality and customization options.

Have more questions?

We hope this helps you decide whether to DIY your website design or hire a professional designer. If you have any questions, please leave us a comment or fill out the form below so we can help!

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