DIY vs. Professional Web Design: What’s Actually Cheaper in the Long Run?
When you're just starting out in business, every dollar matters.
You’re scrappy. You’re resourceful. You’ve Googled “how to build a website for free” more times than you care to admit. And DIY-ing your site feels like the smart financial choice. After all, why pay a professional when platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Showit make it look so easy?
But here’s the real question: Is DIY actually cheaper—or just cheaper upfront?
If you’re weighing the cost of doing it yourself vs. hiring a pro, this blog will walk you through everything you need to know, from the price tag to the hidden costs, and the long-term value of a professionally built site that works as hard as you do.
The True Cost of a DIY Website (Spoiler: It's Not $0)
On paper, building your own website might seem like the most budget-friendly route. But let’s break it down.
DIY Website Startup Costs:
Platform subscription (Wix, Squarespace, etc.): $12–$40/month
Domain name: $10–$20/year
Premium templates: $100–$250 (if you want it to look semi-decent)
Stock images or graphics: $30–$100+
Your time: anywhere from 20–100+ hours 😅
And that last one is the kicker.
Even if you technically can DIY your website, consider the hours you’re spending on YouTube tutorials, learning what “mobile responsiveness” means, and screaming at the screen because your text won’t center properly.
Let’s say your time is worth even $30/hour (and it probably should be more!). If you spend 40 hours building your site, that’s $1,200 of your time—minimum.
And then, there’s the cost of missed opportunities…
What Most DIY Sites Miss (and Why That Matters)
Here’s the thing: your website isn’t just an online business card—it’s a 24/7 marketing tool.
A solid, strategy-backed site should:
Convert visitors into leads or paying clients
Show off your brand in a clear, consistent way
Be easy to navigate and optimized for mobile
Rank on Google (hello, SEO!)
Build trust fast
Most DIY sites fall short in at least a few of these areas, not because you're not smart, but because you're not a web designer or brand strategist (and you're not supposed to be!).
A poorly structured or visually off-brand site could be costing you leads, scaring off dream clients, or making you look less legit (even if your actual work is amazing).
→ Want to see what a strategic site setup looks like? Check out my custom web design services.
Hiring a Professional: What You’re Actually Paying For
Okay, so what does working with a pro get you, besides peace of mind and fewer emotional breakdowns?
What’s Included in a Pro Web Design Package:
Custom site strategy aligned with your goals
On-brand visual design and layout
Copy guidance or done-for-you messaging
SEO setup (so people can actually find you)
Mobile optimization
Integration with your email list, scheduler, or CRM
Tech setup and launch support
But beyond all the tangible pieces, here’s the biggest value:
You get to stay in your zone of genius.
Instead of spending hours Googling “how to connect a custom domain,” you’re focusing on booking clients, refining your offers, and doing the work you actually love.
And here's the thing: a pro site is not just about how it looks. It’s about how it performs.
A strategic site can easily pay for itself within the first few months if it brings in even one high-value client.
→ Ready to see what kind of ROI a custom site can bring? Take a peek at my client portfolio or send me a message via my contact form, I'd love to hear what you're dreaming up!
What About Templates? Aren’t They a Good Middle Ground?
Templates can be a great stepping stone if you’re not quite ready for a fully custom site—but only if they’re used with strategy in mind.
If you’re going this route, invest in a high-quality template from a reputable designer, and take the time to really make it your own. (Hint: swapping in your logo isn’t enough.)
Many designers (including myself!) offer template customization services where we take a beautiful template and tailor it to your brand and business goals. It’s a lower investment than full custom, but still gives you a strategic edge over pure DIY.
Long-Term Value: DIY vs. Pro
Let’s look at the bigger picture.
DIY vs. Professional Website Long-Term Value
When you zoom out, a professional website isn’t just a line item—it’s an investment in your visibility, your credibility, and your ability to grow without spinning your wheels.
So… Is DIY Ever the Right Choice?
Sometimes!
If you’re in year 0 of business, testing your niche, or launching a side hustle with zero budget, DIY can be a helpful (and empowering!) start. But be honest about what it’s costing you in time, energy, and growth potential.
The goal is not perfection, it’s momentum. And when you’re ready to level up? A professional site can give your brand the foundation it needs to scale with confidence.
Final Thoughts: Where to Go From Here
If you're still on the fence, ask yourself this:
💭 Is my current website working for me—or against me?
If it’s not bringing in leads, making sales, or representing your brand the way it deserves, then maybe it’s time to stop duct-taping your site together and start building something that actually supports your business.
Whether you’re ready for a full design partnership or curious about a semi-custom option, I’d love to chat. Explore my [services], browse recent [client transformations], or reach out via my [contact page] to start the conversation.
You don’t have to DIY forever.
A Strategic Step Up from DIY Without the Full Custom Price Tag
If you’re nodding along thinking, “Okay, I know I can’t keep cobbling this site together on my own... but custom design feels like a leap right now,” I have something built exactly for you.
Introducing my Squarespace Website Redesign Experience. It’s the perfect in-between for solopreneurs who want a professionally designed site that feels uniquely you... without the timeline or price tag of a fully custom build.
Here's how it works:
We do a deep dive into your intended brand strategy and the dream clients you’re trying to work with.
Then, I enhance your existing Squarespace website to match these goals. Think: custom colors, fonts, imagery, layout tweaks, premium SEO and strategic guidance to make sure your messaging shines.
The result? A site that looks custom, feels like you, and functions like a pro built it—because it was. 😉
💡 It’s ideal for service-based business owners in years 0–3 who are ready to look legit online, attract aligned clients, and finally have a website they’re proud to share.
→ Bonus: You’ll also get access to my Website Prep Guide, copy prompts, and launch support. Cecause I know this process can feel overwhelming, and I’m here to make it smooth from start to finish.
Why clients love it:
✅ Fast, streamlined timeline
✅ Lower investment than full custom
✅ Strategic support + design expertise baked in
✅ Looks polished and professional without the pixel-pushing stress
✅ Sets you up for growth, not just “done”
→ Want to see what’s possible with a site redesign? Take a peek at my Squarespace Redesign or reach out via my Contact Page. I’ll walk you through the whole process, zero pressure.
Resources Hub: Blogging and SEO Guides
Want to keep learning? Start here:
Each guide is written with the same balance of SEO tips + UX awareness you see here so you can start applying it right away.
