DIY Website vs. Hiring a Pro: What's Best?
When to build yourself vs. hire an expert for your business website.
Introduction
With tools like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress, anyone can build a website. But should you? The answer depends on your goals, budget, and how much your time is worth.
"A DIY website might save money upfront, but it could cost you thousands in lost customers if it doesn't convert."
When DIY Makes Sense
- Just starting out — Need something simple while validating your idea
- Hobby or side project — Low stakes, no revenue dependency
- Limited budget — Truly can't afford professional help (under $500)
- Tech-savvy — You enjoy learning and have time to invest
When to Hire a Professional
- Website generates revenue — Your site needs to convert visitors into customers
- Time is money — Every hour building a site is an hour not running your business
- You need SEO — Ranking on Google requires technical expertise
- Custom functionality — Booking systems, e-commerce, integrations
- First impressions matter — Your website is often your first sales pitch
True Cost Comparison
DIY Website
- Platform fee: $150-$300/year
- Your time: 40-100+ hours (what's your hourly rate?)
- Ongoing maintenance: 5+ hours/month
- Hidden costs: Plugins, templates, troubleshooting
Professional Website
- One-time cost: $3,000-$15,000
- Your time: 5-10 hours for feedback and content
- Ongoing support: Included or affordable retainer
- ROI: Professional sites convert 2-3x better
"If your business makes $100,000/year and a pro website improves conversions by just 10%, that's $10,000 more revenue — paying for itself immediately."
The Bottom Line
DIY is fine for hobby projects and early-stage validation. But if your website is a revenue driver for your business, professional design pays for itself through better conversions, SEO, and time savings.
Ready for a website that works? Learn about our web design services or get a free consultation.
