What a DIY website builder actually involves
Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify let you build a website yourself using templates and drag and drop tools, without needing to write code. The appeal is obvious: lower upfront cost and full control over the process.
What you're trading for that lower cost:
- Your own time, often significantly more than expected, particularly if design and copywriting aren't familiar territory
- A result that frequently looks like a template, because it is one, which can undercut the professional impression a small business needs to build trust
- Ongoing subscription fees, which often add up to a similar or higher cost than a one off fixed price website over a few years
- No one to turn to if something breaks or you get stuck, beyond general customer support
What hiring a web designer actually involves
A professional builds the site for you, based on your business and what you need it to achieve, usually for a fixed price with your input limited to providing content and feedback rather than doing the building yourself.
What you're trading for that convenience:
- A higher upfront cost than a DIY platform's starting price, though fixed price agencies keep this predictable
- Less hands on control during the build, though a good designer will involve you at key decision points
- Reliance on the designer for future changes, unless the site is built in a way that's easy for you to update yourself
A simple way to decide
Ask yourself three questions:
- Do I have several hours a week to spend learning and building this myself? If not, DIY becomes a much bigger time cost than it first appears.
- Does my business depend on the website looking genuinely professional to win trust? Trade and service businesses in particular often need this more than they expect.
- Would I rather spend money or spend time? Neither answer is wrong, but being honest about which one you have more of makes the decision much easier.
FAQs
Is a DIY website builder cheaper in the long run?
Not always. Monthly subscription costs on DIY platforms can add up to more than a one off fixed price website over two or three years, particularly once you factor in premium templates, apps, and add ons.
Can I start with a DIY builder and move to a professional site later?
Yes, this is a common path. It's worth knowing that content and design generally can't be transferred directly between platforms, so moving later usually means a fresh build rather than an upgrade.
What if I want some control but don't want to build the whole site myself?
This is worth discussing directly with a web designer. Many, including Red Cherry IT, build sites in a way that lets you make simple text and image updates yourself after launch, without needing to build the whole thing from scratch.