A 6 Step Guide: Should I Build My Own Website or Hire a Designer?

If you’re starting a new business or updating your online presence, one of the first big questions you’ll face is: should I build my own website or hire a designer? It’s a decision that can affect how your customers perceive you, how much time you spend on marketing, and even how well your site ranks on Google.

For UK business owners, this choice can feel overwhelming — especially when balancing budgets, time, and technical skills. In this guide, we’ll take you step by step through the pros and cons of each approach so you can make the best decision for your business.

Should I Build My Own Website or Hire a Designer?

Step 1: Understand the DIY Website Option

Building your own website has become much easier thanks to tools like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.com. These platforms allow you to use templates and drag-and-drop editors to put together a professional-looking site without needing to code.

Pros of building your own website:

• Lower upfront costs compared to hiring a designer.
• Full control over updates and changes.
• Quick to launch, especially with template-based builders.
• Great for hobby projects, personal blogs, or very small businesses.

Cons of building your own website:

• Limited customisation beyond what the platform allows.
• Can look generic if you rely too heavily on templates.
• SEO, mobile optimisation, and speed performance may suffer if you don’t know the technical details.
• Time-consuming — learning the tools and maintaining the site takes energy you could spend running your business.

If you’re asking should I build my own website or hire a designer, the DIY option may suit you if budget is your main concern and your site needs are simple.

Step 2: Consider the Benefits of Hiring a Web Designer

Hiring a professional designer or developer means your site is built with both function and branding in mind. It goes beyond simply “looking good” — a well-designed website is crafted to attract and convert customers.

Pros of hiring a web designer:

• A unique, tailored design that reflects your brand.
• Technical expertise in SEO, accessibility, speed, and security.
• Guidance on content structure, calls to action, and customer journeys.
• Long-term scalability — your site can grow with your business.
• Professional ongoing support if something breaks or needs updating.

Cons of hiring a web designer:

• Higher upfront cost than a DIY builder.
• You may need to wait longer for the finished product.
• You’ll rely on the designer (unless you request training) for updates and maintenance.

If your business depends on credibility, lead generation, or online sales, then hiring a designer is often the smarter investment.

Step 3: Weigh the Financial Investment

When weighing should I build my own website or hire a designer, money is often the deciding factor.

• DIY platforms often start from £10–£30 per month, plus domain and hosting. However, add-ons and premium features (e.g., e-commerce, plugins, advanced themes) can push costs higher.
• Professional designers may charge anywhere from a few hundred pounds to several thousand, depending on the size and complexity of your site.

While DIY is cheaper upfront, a poorly built site that doesn’t convert could cost you lost sales in the long run. A professionally designed site may pay for itself quickly if it attracts and retains more customers.

Step 4: Think About Your Time and Skills

Ask yourself: do you really want to spend hours learning about web design, SEO, and security? Or would your time be better spent focusing on your business?

Even with drag-and-drop builders, creating a site that looks polished and works smoothly on all devices requires patience and skill. By contrast, a designer brings expertise that shortcuts the trial-and-error process.

If you enjoy tech and design, building your own site can be rewarding. But if you’d rather hand it over and get a polished result, hiring is usually best.

Step 5: Factor in SEO and Online Visibility

One major consideration when deciding should I build my own website or hire a designer is search engine optimisation (SEO).

DIY sites may look fine, but without correct optimisation, they can struggle to rank on Google. Professional designers and agencies often understand SEO best practices, such as:

• Fast loading speeds.
• Clean code and mobile-friendly layouts.
• Proper use of meta tags and headings.
• Internal linking and content structure.

For example, Google’s SEO Starter Guide stresses that technical SEO is just as important as good content. If visibility is crucial, hiring a designer is usually a better long-term investment.

Step 6: Decide Based on Your Business Goals

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your goals:

• If you’re running a small side project, a DIY site may be enough.
• If you want to grow a professional business, compete in UK markets, and attract customers online, investing in a web designer will usually give you better results.

If you’re still asking should I build my own website or hire a designer, think about where you want your business to be in 2–5 years. Your website should be an asset, not a burden.

Deciding should I build my own website or hire a designer isn’t just about cost — it’s about value. A DIY builder can get you online quickly, but a professionally designed site can give you credibility, performance, and long-term growth. For most UK businesses, hiring a designer is an investment that pays off in more leads, sales, and customer trust.