How to Know When to Hire a Website Designer vs. Do It Yourself
Let’s face it: for small business owners, building a website is often a balancing act of time, budget, and skill. With so many DIY platforms like Squarespace and Wix offering accessible tools, you might wonder: why should I hire a website designer when I can do it myself? The answer depends on your goals, skills, and the stage of your business journey.
As someone who specializes in creating customized yet approachable websites for small businesses, I’m here to break down when it makes sense to go DIY and when you might need professional help.
The Case for DIY: When It Makes Sense to Roll Up Your Sleeves
DIY website builders have democratized web design, making it easy for anyone to get started. Here’s when DIY might be the right call:
1. You’re Just Starting Out
If your business is brand new and your budget is tight, DIY is a great way to get online quickly. Platforms like Squarespace and Wix offer pre-made templates and drag-and-drop functionality, so you don’t need coding skills to create something visually appealing.
What to Watch For: Even if you’re DIYing, it’s important to invest time in understanding basic design principles and user experience. A cluttered or confusing site can hurt your brand more than help it.
Pro Tip: I offer downloadable templates for Squarespace that are built with growth driven design in mind!
2. Your Needs Are Minimal
Do you just need a digital business card—a single-page site with your contact information and a brief overview of your services? If so, a DIY setup can be sufficient.
Pro Tip: Start small, but choose a platform that allows you to grow. That way, if you decide to expand your site later, you won’t have to start from scratch.
3. You Have the Time and Interest
Building a website takes time and patience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with design tools. If you’re a tech-savvy entrepreneur who enjoys learning new skills, DIY might feel rewarding rather than overwhelming.
When to Hire a Website Designer: It’s About Strategy, Not Size
Hiring a website designer doesn’t mean committing to a massive, multi-page site or breaking the bank. It means partnering with someone who can help you create a site that aligns with your brand, supports your goals, and saves you time. Here’s when to consider hiring a pro:
1. You’re Ready to Invest in Professionalism
Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. If you’re transitioning from hobbyist to professional or want to elevate your brand, a designer can help you stand out with a polished and cohesive look.
Why It Matters: A professional designer brings expertise in branding, user experience, and functionality—ensuring your website doesn’t just look good but also works effectively to convert visitors into customers.
2. You’re Outgrowing DIY
Maybe you started with a DIY site, but now it feels limiting. As your business grows, you might need:
Additional pages to showcase your services.
Better functionality, like booking forms or e-commerce tools.
A site that’s optimized for SEO and mobile users.
This is where a designer comes in to help you scale without the stress.
3. You Need Strategic Guidance
Designing a website isn’t just about choosing colors and fonts—it’s about crafting an experience that guides users to take action. If you’re unsure how to structure your site or what content to include, a designer can help you make informed decisions.
What I Offer: My approach focuses on small businesses in their first 3–5 years. I specialize in creating user-friendly, Squarespace-based websites that combine professional design with practical functionality—perfect for entrepreneurs who need more than a DIY site but don’t require a full-blown custom build.
4. You Value Your Time
Building a website can take hours, even days, of trial and error. If you’d rather focus on running your business, hiring a designer lets you delegate this task to an expert.
DIY vs. Designer: Making the Choice
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
What’s Your Budget?
DIY is cost-effective upfront, but consider the time you’ll spend learning and troubleshooting.
Hiring a designer is an investment, but it can save you time and ensure a professional outcome.
What’s Your Timeline?
Need a site up quickly? DIY might be faster if you have the skills.
Want it done right the first time? A designer can deliver a polished product without the trial and error.
What Are Your Long-Term Goals?
If your website is a key part of your growth strategy, a professionally designed site will better support your goals.
Final Thoughts: The Middle Ground
At the end of the day, your website should reflect the heart of your business. Whether you DIY or hire a designer, the key is to prioritize functionality, clarity, and alignment with your brand.
If you’re feeling stuck, consider a consultation. Sometimes, all you need is a bit of expert guidance to decide what’s right for you. And remember: hiring a designer doesn’t have to mean going all-in on a complex, costly project. Sometimes, it’s just about having a partner to help you take your online presence to the next level.
