Should I DIY a website for my business?

Starting a business is exciting, and designing your own website can be a fun and rewarding way to bring your vision to life. But should you DIY your website or hire a professional? This guide explores both options, helping you decide what works best for your budget, goals, and long-term needs.

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The appeal of DIY website builders

DIY website builders like Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, and GoDaddy offer intuitive tools for creating a website without technical expertise. These platforms are especially appealing for startups and small-scale projects:

• Ease of use: Drag-and-drop editors and pre-designed templates simplify website creation.
• Affordable for beginners: Many platforms offer free trials, free plans, or low-cost subscriptions, perfect for experimenting as you shape your business idea.
• AI-powered tools: Some platforms include AI-based tools to generate designs, logos, and content, making it easier to brainstorm ideas.
• Creative freedom: Great for testing designs and layouts while figuring out your business vision.

Pro Tip: If you prefer to focus on your business, there are professional designers who specialise in building websites using these tools.

Limitations of proprietary platforms

While DIY platforms are excellent for starting out, they come with limitations:

• Closed ecosystem: Web is still a dynamic place with new developments appearing every month. You’re tied to their hosting, tools, and templates. Changes in pricing or features could disrupt your setup.
• Limited customisation: Advanced features often require expensive upgrades, and customisation is restricted.
• Migration challenges: Moving to a new platform later can mean starting from scratch, as DIY designs and assets are rarely transferable.
• Hidden costs: Some platforms suggest ‘necessary’ add-ons like ‘website security’ or other services, even when they’re irrelevant or unnecessary—leading to inflated subscription costs.
• Restrictive terms and conditions: Proprietary platforms often include clauses that heavily favour them (who reads T&Cs anyways, right?). For example, some providers evaluate site performance using their own internal tools and refuse to accept independent performance tests. This makes it difficult to hold them accountable for slow performance or poor service.

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Open-Source platforms: a long-term solution

If you’re looking for scalability and flexibility, open-source platforms like WordPress, WooCommerce, and Magento Community Edition provide powerful alternatives.

• Full ownership: You own the website’s code and content, giving you freedom over hosting and customisation.
• Scalability: These platforms can grow with your business, whether you need a blog, an e-commerce store, or advanced functionality.
• Cost-effectiveness: No recurring subscription fees for the platform itself, though you may need to invest in hosting and premium plugins.
• Community support: Thousands of free and paid plugins, regular updates, and a wealth of resources are available.

WordPress, in particular, has made significant strides in usability, with intuitive tools like the Gutenberg editor and advanced site builder plugins such as Elementor. It combines flexibility with increasing ease of use, rivaling DIY builders while providing greater scalability and control.

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Budget considerations: DIY vs professional help

The choice between DIY and hiring a professional often comes down to your budget and the complexity of your website.

DIY Site Builders

• Upfront cost: Low (often free or affordable subscription plans).
• Long-term cost: Premium features and storage upgrades can increase costs.
• Best for: Startups and small-scale projects; temporary solution – brainstorming ideas.

Hiring a Designer

• Upfront cost: Higher initial investment, especially for custom designs.
• Long-term value: Tailored solutions free from platform constraints, offering scalability and unique branding.
• Best for: Businesses planning to scale, requiring complex functionality, or websites that won’t change over long time.

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Learning WordPress with courses

For those willing to invest time, learning WordPress can be both cost-effective and rewarding. Options like the default Gutenberg editor or popular plugins like Elementor make website creation accessible.

• Upfront cost: A moderate investment in a course or your time.
• Long-term value: Gain the skills to manage and scale your site independently, saving on ongoing costs.
• Best for: Business owners who enjoy learning new tools and want full control over their website.

Helpful resource: Explore WordPress.org’s Free Lessons to get started.

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Conclusion: making the right choice

DIY builders are an excellent way to start your journey. They offer tools to experiment, brainstorm, and create a starter website with minimal investment. However, as your business grows, you may need a more robust solution. Open-source platforms like WordPress provide the flexibility to scale and adapt, making them ideal for long-term success. That said, for businesses with a website that won’t change much over time, a well-optimised WordPress site with a reliable hosting provider offering regular updates and security checks can be also a more cost-effective, low-maintenance option for the long haul.

Whether you choose to DIY or work with a professional, the best approach is one that aligns with your goals, budget, and vision for the future.

Related links

• Wix Website Builder – an example of a DIY platform.
• Squarespace – another popular DIY platform.
• WordPress.org’s Free Lessons – the official WordPress courses.
• Magento Community Edition – for those exploring e-commerce solutions.
• Shopify Pricing – context on recurring costs for proprietary platforms.