Thinking about building your first website from scratch? Maybe you’ve got a tight budget, an unstoppable creative spark, or the desire for total control — whatever your reason, you’re diving into unknown territory.
The DIY route can stir up more than a few headaches: clashing templates, missing features, and the dreaded “I don’t know what I don’t know” moments.
Sound familiar? Then you’re in the right spot. Below, I’m unpacking 10 web design secrets first-time DIYers rarely consider — and trust me, these are things you’re gonna want to know!
Whether you want an online store on a small budget, or you’re a hobbyist chasing a passion project, I’m here to help you DIY the right way.
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Spilling Secrets That Web Designers Don’t Want You to Know
Why don’t web designers want you to have all these golden nuggets? Well, they want you to hire them instead of using a DIY website builder, of course!
But me? I know not everyone has the budget to hire a professional web designer. Hey, we’ve all gotta start somewhere! So, I want you to help you anyway, with no skin in the game.
Secret #1: Start with a Plan, Even If You’re Excited to Jump In
The biggest mistake I see?
People get designing without mapping out what they truly want to build.
A little structure up front saves you from random layouts and a scattershot feel. Decide if this is a business website or just a landing page for your online course. Think about your top priorities, the pages you’ll need, and how you’ll guide users through your content. Also, figure out how you’ll create content that will connect with your audience.
With a proper roadmap, you won’t waste time backtracking.
Secret #2: Prioritize Backups Before You Need Them
If you’ve ever had a device crash in the middle of something important, you know the pain of lost work.
The same thing can happen with an online project, even if it’s just a one-page website. Backing up your files (automatically, if possible), means you can restore everything after a glitch, hack, or plugin meltdown.
DIY builders sometimes assume nothing can go wrong, especially when the likes of Wix make everything seem foolproof. But trust me: saving those backups to a cloud folder or external storage is peace of mind you can’t replace — especially for an eCommerce store.
Secret #3: Understand Basic SEO from Day One
Some folks hear about optimization and zone out, thinking it’s too technical. But ignoring search engines means nobody will be able to find your website.
Even if you lack coding experience, you can use meta descriptions, alt tags, and thoughtful design choices to help your platform get found in search engine results. Then keep track of your site’s analytics using SEO tools, like Google Analytics.
Secret #4: You Need Legal Policies (Unless You Wanna Get Sued)
Look, nobody’s rushing to write disclaimers and privacy policies for fun.
But if you’re collecting emails, using cookies, or selling anything online, having these documents keeps you safe. Skipping them could leave you exposed if a visitor calls you out on data usage or if someone’s unhappy with how you handle their info.
Even a small “just-for-fun” page can run into privacy issues, and once you’ve got an eCommerce store, the stakes go way up. Think of legal policies as your official way of saying, “Hey, I’m legit and I respect your data,” because you don’t want trouble later.
Secret #5: Install an SSL Certificate for Trust and Security
You’ve probably seen that padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. It’s proof your connection is secure.
While many folks assume it’s only for giant online vendors, it’s actually best practice for everyone — especially if visitors provide personal info or sign up for a mailing list.
Without an SSL cert, browsers might flag your page as unsafe, which deters potential readers or customers. Plus it can mess with your visibility online, especially if you plan to run Google ads later.
Secret #6: Add a Favicon & Check the Little Touches
That tiny icon in your browser tab might sound insignificant, but it’s a small detail that adds professionalism. People often forget to include it or skip subtle tweaks — like customizing error pages or using consistent fonts. These micro details impress visitors and give your build a unified feel.
If you’re using premade templates, be sure to personalize them. The moment someone opens a new tab, they’ll see that familiar marker and remember exactly who you are. Also, don’t forget to claim a custom domain so everything looks official.
Secret #7: Create a 404 Page That’s Actually Helpful
When someone clicks a broken link and lands on that “404 Page Not Found” message, it doesn’t have to be a dead end.
Customize your 404 page with a little personality, plus links that nudge people toward your homepage, contact page, or other popular pages. You can even toss in a quick apology or a funny message to lighten the mood.
A friendly, functional 404 page might turn a frustrated user into a curious visitor who keeps exploring.
Wondering if the grass is greener on the non-DIY side? Read “Why Hire a Website Designer When You Can DIY?” to find out!
Secret #8: Add Microcopy for Clarity & Personality
“Microcopy” is the tiny text on buttons, forms, and tooltips that guide users through tasks.
You’d be surprised how much confusion you can avoid with a little nudge that says, “We’ll never share your email” or “Tap here to send us a quick note”.
Instead of basic placeholders like “Click Here”, show a dash of personality that keeps people engaged. Think of it as putting a helpful voice in the visitor’s ear every step of the way.
Bonus: Adding microcopy also helps with accessibility, since you’re being more descriptive.
Secret #9: Leverage Your Footer
Your footer isn’t just a place to slap your copyright notice. It’s prime real estate for essential links, quick calls to action, social icons, or even a mini newsletter signup.
Sure, not everyone will scroll that far, but the ones who do are likely looking for more info. Use that space wisely: add a contact link, disclaimers, or a short “about” blurb. Make it easy for visitors to find what they need without digging.
Secret #10: Keep Offline & Online Branding Cohesive
When you create business cards, brochures, or any physical collateral, align them with your web presence. Use your site’s colors, font families, and overall style so people immediately know it’s you.
If you hand someone a printed piece that looks drastically different from what they see on your digital platform, you’ll come off inconsistent. A seamless, unified brand identity builds confidence, whether someone finds you online or meets you at a local event.
Bonus Secret #11: Even Website Designers Need to Call in Help Sometimes
If you realize you’ve hit your limit and can’t tackle everything solo (like setting up shop features for an eCommerce business), it’s okay to hand off a few tasks or consult a pro. Web designers do this all the time!
Sometimes you don’t even know what you don’t know — and that’s where an experienced eye can be your best friend. Want to see how I can fit into your DIY website plans (or hand it off completely)? Reach out now, and let me see what I can do for you.
