let’s be honest, websites can feel like a mystery
if you’re running a small business, there’s already enough on your plate. managing customers, keeping up with invoices, fixing stuff that breaks – now someone’s telling you to build a website too?
you’ve probably asked yourself: should i just make one myself? or is it better to pay someone who knows what they’re doing? it’s a fair question, and the answer isn’t always simple. so let’s break it down, in plain english.
what even is a diy website?
a diy website usually means using a tool like wix, squarespace, or shopify. they give you templates, drag and drop builders, and make it pretty easy to launch a site without writing a single line of code.
sounds great, right? and it can be. if you’ve got a bit of time, some patience, and an eye for design, you can put something together that looks decent. but, like assembling ikea furniture, things often take longer than expected and never quite line up the way you pictured.
what does a web developer actually do?
a proper web developer is like hiring a builder for your digital shop. they plan, design, and build your site to fit your business, not just to “look good.” they sort out the mobile version, make sure everything loads fast, and help with the techy stuff you probably don’t want to deal with.
most importantly, they’ll help you make a site that actually works – meaning it brings in leads, bookings, or sales. it’s not just about pretty fonts and colours. it’s about strategy, speed, and usability. you’re paying for more than pixels.
diy might be right for you if…
you’re just starting out, you’ve got a tight budget, and you need something up fast. maybe you’re testing an idea, or maybe you’re not quite ready to invest yet. in that case, diy might be the perfect stepping stone.
it also helps if you’re a bit of a tech tinkerer. if you don’t mind learning how to resize images, fiddle with menus, and google things like “how to add a contact form,” you’ll probably be fine. just don’t expect it to be instant.
absolutely lost and just have no interest in learning how to sort your website out?
no worries. hit that button, and let’s organise a chat. it’s free and i don’t bite.
hiring a developer makes sense when…
you’re ready to take your business seriously online. maybe your diy site looks a bit rough, or maybe it’s not showing up on google. maybe you’re spending hours trying to fix a button that just won’t stay where you put it. that’s usually when people realise they need help.
a developer takes that stress off your shoulders. they can tailor your site to your brand, your goals, and your customers. and they usually think about things you wouldn’t – like how your site performs on slow internet, or how it looks to someone using a screen reader.
a website is no longer a luxury.
it’s part of the toolkit. it helps people find you, understand what you do, and feel confident choosing your business. and with affordable options out there, now’s a great time to get started.
let’s talk time – your most valuable asset
this one’s big. time is money, right? if you spend 40 hours building your site – time you could’ve used serving clients or promoting your business – was it really “free”?
when you hire a developer, you’re paying to get your time back. they can often do in a week what might take you a month of weekends. and the result is usually tighter, more polished, and more effective.
the real cost of “free”
those diy platforms look cheap at first. some are even free to start. but then you want to use your own domain name. and remove their logo. and add an online store. and suddenly you’re paying £15 to £30 a month just to keep your “free” site online.
not to mention your time – which, again, is valuable. plus, if your site isn’t converting visitors into customers, that’s money you’re not making. a cheap website that doesn’t work well is way more expensive in the long run than one that actually brings you business.
middle ground: semi-diy with a pro setup
here’s a little secret: it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. many web developers offer budget-friendly options where they set up the basics for you – then you take over.
they might design your homepage, set up your contact form, and get your site looking good, then hand you the keys. you update content when you want, but you’re not starting from scratch. best of both worlds.
how to decide what’s best for you
still not sure which way to go? here’s a quick gut check:
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do you enjoy learning new tech tools and have time to play with templates? diy might be fine
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are you flat-out busy and want a pro look fast? bring in a developer
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is this website key to growing your business? probably worth the investment
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are you experimenting with an idea or need a quick placeholder? go diy first, upgrade later
just remember, your website is often the first impression people get of your business. it doesn’t have to be flashy, but it should feel trustworthy and easy to use. however you build it, that’s the goal.
final thoughts from someone who’s seen both sides
look, there’s no shame in starting with a diy site. loads of businesses do. and some of them grow just fine on those platforms for years. but if you find yourself constantly tweaking, frustrated by limitations, or losing leads, it might be time to call in a pro.
think of it like fixing your boiler. sure, you could watch a bunch of youtube videos and give it a go. but if you want it done safely, properly, and without surprises – you’d hire someone. websites are kind of like that too.