How to Decide Between DIY Website Builders and Hiring a Web Designer For your Small Business
In the early stages of running a small business, every dollar counts. It’s no surprise that many business owners wonder: “Should I build my website myself or hire a professional web designer?”
Honestly, both options can be smart—depending on your goals, timeline, and technical comfort level. The key is knowing when DIY works and when investing in a pro actually saves you money (and stress) in the long run.
Let’s break it down.
When DIY Makes Sense
Choosing the path of building your own website can be a perfectly reasonable option—especially today, with user-friendly web builders and all of the AI tools at your fingertips. DIY is often the right choice when:
1. You’re just starting out and need an online presence
If your main goal is to have:
a basic homepage
a contact page
a simple description of your services
…then a DIY site can get you online quickly without a big upfront investment.
2. You have the time to learn the tools
Web builders can simplify the process of creating a website but they still have a learning curve.
DIY is a good fit if you enjoy learning new technology, don’t mind a bit of trial and error, and have the time to tweak and refine your website until it looks and functions the way you want. These qualities make it easier to use website builders and troubleshoot issues as they come up. However, if learning new tools feels overwhelming or drains too much of your time and energy, that’s a strong sign that the DIY route may not be the right approach for your business.
3. You only need a simple page
Sometimes you just need something quick—like a simple “coming soon” page, a landing page to test an idea, or a basic portfolio to show what you can do. For these short-term or low-pressure projects, DIY website builders are enough. They’re fast, flexible, and won’t eat up your budget, making them an easy win when you just need to get something online without overthinking it. Grab my free Checklist before you begin.
4. Your budget is very limited
The main reason most businesses choose the DIY route is pretty simple—it’s cheaper.
When you build the site yourself, you’re not paying a designer’s rates, which can be a huge relief if you’re on a tight budget. Just keep in mind that while you’ll save money, you’ll probably be trading it for extra time and effort on your end.
And remember, your DIY site doesn’t have to be your forever website. Once your business grows, you can always upgrade to something more polished or custom. Think of it as a starter home—you can move up when the time’s right.
When You Should Not DIY Your Website
Even the most user-friendly builders can't replace professional strategy and execution. DIY becomes risky when:
You need custom functionality
Your business relies heavily on online sales
Your brand must look polished and trustworthy from day one
When the website is tied directly to revenue or reputation, doing it yourself can cost more than hiring a designer.
When Hiring A Pro Is A Smart Investment
Investing in a professional web designer costs more upfront, but it’s usually worth it—they’re helping you build a real asset for your business. Prices vary a lot depending on the designer and what’s included (like research, copywriting, photos, branding, the actual build, and any integrations). You’ll also have platform fees and possibly ongoing maintenance.
A professionally built site doesn’t just look better—it usually ranks higher in google, converts better, and builds more trust with your audience. Depending on what you need (a simple one-pager, a full site, e-commerce, etc.), you could be looking at anywhere from $2,500 to $25k+.
Most people don’t actually know what their business needs yet, and that’s where a pro comes in—they help you understand the issues, explore options, and make a plan.
When Hiring A Professional Web Designer Is Worth It:
1. Your brand image matters
A polished, strategic website communicates:
Professionalism
Trust
Quality
Stability
If your clients compare you to competitors online (and they do), design matters.
A professional web designer can help your small business stand out by creating a unique visual identity, keeping your branding consistent, and giving your website a polished look that DIY templates often can’t match. For more info on branding read my article on 5 Simple Steps to Build a Strong Brand Identity for Your Small Business
2. You want to rank on Google
Professional web designers do more than make your site look good—they optimize it for search engines. They structure your site with clean code, fast-loading pages, mobile-friendly design, and clear navigation, all of which Google loves. They can also help with on-page SEO, like using the right keywords, meta tags, headings, and alt text for images, making it easier for your business to show up in search results.
Beyond the technical side, designers can create content layouts and user experiences that keep visitors engaged longer, which Google interprets as a sign of quality.
They also ensure your site works well with tools like analytics and local SEO, helping your business appear in local searches and map listings. Essentially, a professional designer helps your small business get noticed online and makes it easier for potential customers to find and trust you.
3. You want to invest in your business
Professional web designers use their experience in graphic design, coding, SEO, and branding to handle the many behind-the-scenes details DIYers often miss. From SEO-friendly headings and optimized images to responsive layouts and analytics setup, they ensure your site performs well and gets noticed.
Here’s what a professional designer brings to the table that DIY often overlooks:
Clean, efficient code: Reduces load times and prevents technical issues.
Mobile optimization: Ensures your site looks and works perfectly on phones and tablets.
SEO foundations: Structures the site so search engines can find and rank it effectively.
Security measures: Protects your site from hacks, malware, and other vulnerabilities.
Custom integrations: Handles plugins, e-commerce setups, or third-party tools without glitches.
User experience (UX) design: Creates intuitive navigation and layouts that keep visitors engaged.
DIY and PRO Comparison
Final thoughts
By hiring a professional, you’re not just paying for a pretty design—you’re investing in a website that works reliably, attracts customers, and grows with your business. The DIY route might save money upfront, but it often costs more in time, frustration, and lost opportunities down the line. A professional ensures your website is built to perform, not just to exist.
Whatever path you choose, remember: your website isn’t just a digital brochure. It’s a powerful business tool—and the right approach can set you up for long-term success.
Mighty Web Studio, LLC
Jennifer is a web designer who shares tips on branding, SEO, and website design to help businesses succeed online.
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