DIY vs Hiring someone to build your website. Which is right for you?
When it comes to building a new website, you could pretty simply do it yourself. Website building no longer requires the knowledge of code, most platforms are drag and drop to create.
And with YouTube, there are countless hours of tutorials walking you through the build on the platform of your choice.
Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of both DIY and hiring someone else to build your website.
DIY
Pros:
You save out-of-pocket money for your company
One of the biggest advantages to building your website yourself is the potential of saving money. Many DIY website builders offer affordable or even free plans, making it an great option for small businesses and startups with limited budgets. By choosing this route, you can put your financial resources to other critical aspects of your business, like marketing or product development.
You don’t have the hassle of interviewing and finding the right person
Hiring the right person or agency to build your website can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process. When you opt for a DIY approach, you skip the need to interview, hire, and manage someone else. This can save you time, effort, and potential headaches associated with finding the right person or team to handle your web development needs.
More control of the process
DIY website builders provide you with full control over your website's design and content. This means you can make changes and updates on the fly without having to rely on the availability of someone else. It's a valuable advantage if you want to experiment with different design elements or make updates to your website's content to keep it fresh and engaging.
Cons:
If you aren’t comfortable with the platform, design, and copywriting it may take longer to complete
Building a website, even with user-friendly DIY tools, can be challenging if you're not familiar with the platform, web design principles, or effective copywriting. The learning curve can slow down the website development process and potentially result in a less polished final product if you lack design or writing skills.
It’s one more very important part of your business added to your plate
Building a website takes a lot of time and effort. If you take it on yourself, it becomes one more critical task added to your already very full plate as a business owner or manager. It’s definitely worth considering whether you have the capacity to take on building a website alongside your other responsibilities.
If website conversion doesn’t increase people are looking at you
When you build your website, you assume full responsibility for its performance. If your DIY website doesn't meet your expectations in terms of conversion rates, user experience, or other key metrics, the responsibility falls squarely on your shoulders. Addressing issues without specialized knowledge can be challenging and time-consuming.
Hiring
Pros:
You can stay focused on tasks that make money for your company
One of the primary advantages of hiring a professional web designer or developer is that it allows you to focus on the core tasks that generate revenue for your company. By delegating the technical aspects of website development to someone else, you can invest your time and energy in growing your business and serving your customers.
They (should) have knowledge of website trends, SEO, and website optimization
Whoever you hire should possess in-depth knowledge of current website design trends, SEO best practices, and optimization techniques. This expertise can translate into a website that is not only visually appealing but also built to make you more money.
You have a resource for future changes and updates
When you hire a professional, you gain access to ongoing support for your website. This means you have a resource to turn to if you need help with changes or maintenance. Keeping your website fresh and up-to-date is crucial for maintaining its effectiveness and relevance over time and not having to do that yourself is a great way to save time.
Cons:
Choosing the right person out of the thousands of Google results is daunting
Picking right web designer or developer from the myriad of options available can be a challenge. You’ll have to take time to do research, interviews, and develop a 100% clear understanding of your website’s specific needs and goals. Making the wrong choice can lead to delays and frustration.
Communication with contractors can be difficult
Effective communication with contractors is essential for a successful collaboration. Miscommunication or disagreements related to project scope, timelines, or expectations can be challenging to navigate. Clear contracts and ongoing communication are critical to ensuring that both parties are on the same page throughout the project.
Fear of hidden, additional cost
Some professionals may charge additional fees that aren't initially apparent in their quotes. These hidden costs can lead to blowing past your budget if you don’t find out about them upfront. It's crucial to have a transparent discussion about pricing and any potential extra charges before entering into an agreement.
Both lists could be quite a bit longer, but those are the major pros and cons I see with both.
If you want to build your own website, I’m happy to walk you through what you should do next. Schedule a call with me and mention in the comments you want the next steps to build your own website. And know that I won’t try to change your mind! If that’s the direction you want to go, I want to help you get there!
