Should I Hire a Web Designer or Build My Website Myself?
Honest advice on when to DIY your website vs hire a professional — and how to avoid wasting money on either.
2 min read · Updated 2026-04-15
Short answer
DIY first. Build it yourself on Squarespace or Wix. If your business grows to the point where the limitations genuinely hold you back, then hire a designer. Most small businesses never reach that point.
When to DIY
- You're just starting out and revenue isn't proven yet
- You need a simple site (home, about, services, contact)
- You're comfortable spending a few hours learning
- Budget is under $500/year
Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress with a good theme can produce professional results without coding.
When to hire a designer
- You need custom functionality (booking systems, complex eCommerce, member portals)
- Your brand identity is critical (luxury, high-end services)
- You've already validated your business and revenue justifies the investment
- You've tried DIY and genuinely can't make it look right
What to expect if you hire someone
- Freelancer on Upwork/Fiverr: $300–$2,000 — wide quality range, vet carefully
- Local freelance designer: $1,000–$5,000 — usually more reliable, easier to communicate
- Agency: $3,000–$15,000+ — for complex projects only
Always ask to see their portfolio and check references before paying.
The biggest mistake
Spending $3,000 on a custom website before you have paying customers. A $20/month Squarespace site is perfectly capable of landing your first 100 clients.