If you’re here, you’re probably at that crossroads where you’re wondering whether to roll up your sleeves and tackle building your website yourself or bring in a pro.
And I get it—it’s not an easy call. Web designers can cost a pretty penny, and going down the DIY road can start to look very tempting, very fast.
But I’m not gonna sit here and just tell you to hire a professional website designer, because I know that might not be feasible for some of you.
Instead, I want to break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of each approach—DIY web design vs hiring a professional web designer—so you can make up your own mind.
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So, without further ado, here are the pros and cons of DIY web design vs getting a custom website made by professional web designers.
What to Think About Before DIY-ing Your Web Design
There’s something pretty satisfying about taking the wheel and building your site yourself. With platforms like Wix and Squarespace, or the wide variety of WordPress templates out there, going DIY can feel like an easy option. But before you start flexing your web development muscles, here’s why people love this route—and where it can fall short.
First Up, Here Are the Pros of a DIY Website
Lower Budget
This one’s a no-brainer. DIY websites save you cash. You’ll mostly just pay for hosting, your domain, and maybe a snazzy theme or a few plugins for web pages that need specific features, like a calendar booking system.
Full Control
Want to swap out that banner image at 2 a.m.? Go for it. DIY means you’re in charge, top to bottom.
Faster Start
Need a site up, like, yesterday? DIY web design platforms can get your online store or business up and running in record time. (As long as it’s a very simple website, and you don’t run into any issues while building it).
Creative Outlet
If you’re the kind of tech-y person who loves experimenting, designing your own site can be fun—and a little addicting.
Now for the Cons of DIY Web Design
Time-Draining
Even drag-and-drop website builders eat up a ton of hours, especially if you’re figuring it out as you go. Time is money, and this can end up costing you more than you think.
Template Traps
Template-based websites like those you can create using Wix are pretty good, but they have their limits. Getting a truly unique look and specific features might be harder than you’d expect.
Hidden Technical Stuff
Site speed, search engine optimization (SEO), mobile responsiveness—these aren’t easy things to achieve if you’re not a pro, and if they’re overlooked, it’ll show. Performance on search engines won’t be great, user experience will suffer, and you might drive sales away.
Amateur Finish
Despite your best efforts, some DIY sites can still give off that “I made this” vibe, scaring away potential customers. If your first impression matters (and it does), this can be a big deal.
Limited Features
Adding complex functionality—like advanced e-commerce or custom forms—can be tricky without expensive add-ons or solid web design and development skills.
Big Learning Curve
While drag-and-drop tools are user-friendly, mastering them to create a professional look takes time and patience. Website designers have already put in years of work to get the job done right the first time.
The Short Version? DIY Might Be Right for You If:
- Your budget is tight, and a designer just isn’t in the cards.
- You only need a simple site, like a digital business card or a basic info page.
- You’ve got the time and patience to learn, troubleshoot, and finesse the details.
- You’re okay with a bit of trial and error and don’t need a site with all the bells and whistles right off the bat.
- You don’t mind handling future maintenance, updates, and potential fixes on your own.
Why Hiring a Web Designer Might Be a Better Idea
Now let’s talk about the pro route. It’s more money up front, sure, but here’s why it might pay off big time.
The Pros of Hiring a Web Designer
100% Custom Design
Your business isn’t the same as everyone else’s, so why should your website be? Designers craft sites that make complete sense for your brand’s personality, audience, and business goals. A website based on a proper strategy will always pay off.
Expertise on Tap
Web designers know what works—smoothing user experience, gaining visibility on search engines, improving performance—and they bake all that into your build. With them at the helm, you don’t have to worry about the complex tech details.
Time-Saver
Something that takes you hours might only take a pro minutes to do. While someone else handles the heavy lifting, you’re free to focus on more important things, like taking care of customers and growing your sales.
Access to Advanced Features
Fancy features a little too far outside your technical comfort zone? Web designers can add custom functionalities like advanced e-commerce solutions, interactive elements, and integrations that DIY platforms might not handle well.
Professional Polish
A web designer’s touch can make your site look cohesive and high-end, which can help establish trust with your audience from the get-go.
Strategic Input
Web designers bring more than just aesthetics to the table—they think about user pathways, calls to action, and the entire customer journey to help you get more conversions.
Ongoing Support
Need tweaks post-launch? A good web designer will have your back with support options so you’re not left stranded. They’ll continue developing your site to make sure it evolves along with your business.
Let’s Keep This Fair: Here Are Some Cons of Hiring a Web Designer
Big Investment
Good web design isn’t cheap. You’ll need to budget anywhere from a couple of thousand dollars to significantly more, depending on your needs.
Longer Timeline
Quality takes time. If you’re in a mad rush, the custom web design and development route might not be your best bet.
Less Hands-On Control
You’ll collaborate and provide input during the build, but you won’t be able to make massive changes on the fly without reaching out to your designer.
Choosing the Right Fit
Not all web designers or agencies operate the same way. It’ll take a little research to find someone who nicely matches your working style, vision, and business needs.
Want more info to help you make a decision? Here are “12 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Work with a Website Designer Like Me.”
The Short Version? Hiring a Web Designer Might Be Right for You If:
- You want a site that’s completely your own and designed to showcase your brand.
- Your business depends on a strong, polished online presence for leads, sales, or customer engagement.
- You don’t have the time (or interest) to manage the tech side of things.
- You’re ready to invest in a site that grows with your business and provides real returns.
- You value expert guidance that includes strategic input and ongoing support.
- You need advanced features or integrations that DIY platforms can’t deliver.
So, Do You DIY Your Website Design or Go with a Pro?
There’s no wrong answer here.
Whether you go the DIY route or work with a web designer, the end goal should be the same: a website that looks great and serves your business.
So, weigh your priorities—your budget, timeline, and the level of customization you need—and pick the path that suits you best.
If you’re looking for a site that goes beyond the basics, gives you a polished, custom look, and grows with you, let’s talk. I’m here to bring you a site that’s built right from day one, backed by the same expertise and care that’s kept my clients coming back year after year.
