Almost everyone starts with the wrong question when thinking about building a business website.
Instead of asking, “Should I do it myself or hire someone?” the real question is: “What’s the true cost of getting this decision wrong?”
Because whether you choose DIY or hiring a professional, making the wrong choice doesn’t just mean wasted time and money—it means watching potential clients choose your competitors instead of you.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
- The three key factors that will determine whether DIY or hiring a pro is right for you.
- The real costs of both options—not just financial, but the hidden factors most people don’t consider.
- A clear framework for making this decision with confidence, so you don’t waste time second-guessing yourself.
Let’s start with the DIY route—because in some cases, it’s actually the right choice. But only if you know what you’re getting into.
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What DIY website builders don’t tell you
Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly promise that you can build a professional website in minutes with drag-and-drop simplicity.
What they don’t tell you?
- You’ll spend hours trying to make your site look as good as the ones in their commercials.
- You’ll struggle with features that should be simple but somehow take three hours to figure out.
- Your "quick and easy" website project suddenly eats up your entire weekend—or several weekends.
And here’s the worst part: these technical mistakes don’t just waste your time—they send your potential clients straight to your competitors.
If a visitor lands on your site and has to pinch and zoom just to read your phone number, and then clicks over to a competitor’s perfectly mobile-friendly website, who do you think gets that call?
Every hour spent Googling how to fix a website menu is an hour you could have spent closing deals, serving clients, or growing your business.
The hidden costs of DIY websites
Most people assume that building their own website is basically free—or at least cheap enough that cost isn’t a major concern. But here’s what actually happens:
- You need the basics—domain name, web hosting, and a website builder subscription.
- Then the “premium feature” game kicks in:
- Want to remove their ugly ads? That’s an upgrade.
- Need a simple contact form? Another upgrade.
- Booking features, email integration, custom fonts? More upgrades.
Suddenly, that $5 per month plan turns into $65 per month or more—and you still don’t have everything you need.
But the real cost of DIY isn’t money—it’s the endless hours spent trying to figure out the basics:
- Where to put your most important information.
- How to structure your navigation.
- What content goes on each page.
Get any of this wrong? Visitors leave. Fast.
What’s your time actually worth?
Here’s some quick math:
- If your business generates $100 per hour in revenue, and you spend just one weekend (about 20 hours) building your site, that’s $2,000 in lost revenue.
- But nobody builds a decent website in one weekend. Realistically, you’ll spend two to three weekends minimum—plus random late nights.
- Now we’re talking $4,000 to $5,000 (or more) in lost revenue.
And that’s assuming everything goes smoothly—which it won’t.
The benefits of hiring a professional
Working with a professional web developer or agency is a completely different experience.
Yes, there’s a higher upfront cost, but you get:
- A professionally designed website that actually builds trust.
- No technical headaches—you don’t have to troubleshoot issues.
- More time to focus on what you do best instead of fighting with website tools.
The reality of hiring a web professional
Professional website development isn’t for everyone.
- It requires a bigger upfront investment.
- It takes several weeks to complete.
- You’ll need to trust someone else with your vision for your website.
If you’re considering working with a professional, here’s what you need to know:
Website development pricing
Pricing for professional website development varies widely:
- Overseas freelancers – Starting at a few hundred dollars.
- Experienced U.S.-based freelancers – Typically $5,000 to $10,000.
- Big agencies – $15,000 and up (and you might not work directly with their top talent).
But these numbers don’t tell the whole story.
What you’re really paying for is a proven process, which includes:
- Strategic planning aligned with your business goals.
- Professional design that builds credibility.
- Technical optimization to ensure smooth performance.
- Scalability, so your website can grow with your business.
And yes, this takes time. Most quality website projects take six to 12 weeks to complete, including:
- Discovery phase – Understanding your business needs.
- Design phase – Creating a visually appealing, user-friendly site.
- Development phase – Turning the design into a functional website.
- Launch prep – Final testing and adjustments before going live.
It’s not a “set it and forget it” process—your involvement matters throughout the project.
Choosing the right web developer
Each option has trade-offs:
- Overseas providers – Lower cost, but possible language barriers and quality issues.
- Big agencies – High-end work, but you might not get personal attention.
- Freelancers & small firms – A sweet spot between expertise, personal service, and affordability.
Making the right choice for your business
Ultimately, deciding between DIY vs. hiring a pro comes down to time and money.
- If you have more time than money, and you enjoy figuring out tech, DIY might be the right fit.
- If you’re busy running your business, don’t enjoy tech, and want a professional online presence, hiring a pro is the smart move.
Think of it this way:
Every minute you spend struggling with website design is a minute you’re not growing your business.
The real question isn’t “Can I build my own website?”—it’s “Should I?”
Conclusion
Your website is often the first impression potential clients get of your business. Whether you build it yourself or hire a professional, the key is making sure it represents you the right way.
A DIY website might save you money upfront, but the hidden costs—lost time, frustration, and potential clients slipping away—can add up fast. On the other hand, hiring a professional requires an investment, but it gives you a website that works for you, not against you.
And deep down, you probably already know which path is right for you.
