Custom Website Design vs DIY: Which is Right for Your Business?

Last Updated: 

October 24, 2024

If you’re on the fence as to whether you should pay for a custom designed website, or try and create something yourself then you’re not alone. A lot of business owners think that by designing their websites themselves, they can gain more control over the creative process. They also feel as though they can get the job done for half the price. On the flip side, hiring a specialist web design agency gives you access to more features with a faster launch and enhanced user experience.
Want to find out more? Keep reading.

Key Takeaways on Custom vs. DIY Web Design

  1. Custom design aligns with your brand: Professional designers create unique websites that reflect your brand identity, making them resonate better with your target audience.
  2. Advanced functionality adds value: Custom designs can seamlessly integrate complex features like databases, eCommerce, and interactive forms that are harder to achieve with DIY options.
  3. Scalability ensures future growth: Professionally built websites are designed with scalability in mind, allowing your site to evolve as your business expands.
  4. Accessibility matters: Professionals ensure your website is accessible to users with disabilities, a factor often overlooked in DIY projects.
  5. Cost is a trade-off: Custom designs are more expensive but should be seen as an investment in long-term business growth rather than an immediate expense.
  6. DIY offers cost savings but limitations: While DIY platforms save money and provide flexibility, they often lack the advanced functionality and brand customisation needed for long-term success.
  7. DIY designs may lack uniqueness: Templates can result in cookie-cutter websites, making it harder for your brand to stand out and potentially reducing user trust.
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Pros of Custom Website Design

Customisation

A web design agency can easily create a unique website that reflects the heart and soul of your brand. They can reflect your brand identity while taking the time to understand your unique selling propositions. By taking information like this, they can make sure that your site aligns with your identity, using the right imagery, typography, layout and colour scheme to resonate with your target audience.

Advanced Functionality

Depending on what sector you work in, you may find that you need advanced features such as databases, custom integrations, interactive forms and eCommerce support. A professional website designer can integrate things like this seamlessly, using third-party tools and their technical expertise to ensure that your site is functional and usable from the get-go.

Scalability

As your company grows, your site should grow with it. Specialist agencies make sites with this in mind. They can create a foundation that allows for future expansion, with the option of adding or integrating new features as and when you need them.

Accessibility

Something you probably wouldn’t think about if you were designing your own site is how accessible your site is for people with disabilities. Hiring someone to think about these details is another great reason to use a professional agency. This insightful article on the importance of web accessibility explains why it’s so important. (courtesy of Creative Brand Design: https://www.cbwebsitedesign.co.uk/)

Cons of Custom Website Design

Higher Cost

Hiring a professional is more expensive than going at it alone. If you have a tight budget, this can be problematic, but you should see it as an investment in your future rather than a big expense.

Ongoing Maintenance

When you hire a professional website designer, you may be charged for things like maintenance, security and updates, so you’ll need to account for costs such as these.

Collaboration and Dependence

You need to be able to communicate your vision, expecting back-and-forth communication. This can slow down the speed at which you're able to make decisions.

Pros of DIY Website Design

Cost Savings

One of the biggest advantages to designing your site yourself is that you can take advantage of various cost savings. CMS systems, including WordPress and Wix both have free templates for you to choose from.

Flexibility

When designing your site yourself, you have full control over it. You can make changes or updates whenever you want, without having to rely on someone else to do it for you.

Learning Opportunities

As a business owner, creating your site can provide you with a valuable learning experience. It allows you to see how websites work, and it can also teach you how to manage your online presence more effectively.

Cons of DIY Website Design

Brand Alignment

Your brand is very unique, so your website should reflect this. DIY templates are often restrictive, offering limited colour schemes, set typography choices and poor design. As a result of this, you may have to compromise when creating a design that matches the identity of your website.

Limited Functionality

DIY platforms don’t tend to support advanced functionalities and this can make it difficult for you to create a site that serves a purpose, such as booking online, running an eCommerce site or even completing forms.

Cookie-Cutter Appearance

So many people use DIY templates so your audience may recognise your site from elsewhere. This can result in it being harder for your brand to stand out and you may even find that it compromises the trust that your users have in your business.

Conclusion

There are both pros and cons to either option, and ultimately which option you go for is up to you, but if you want to get the best result, and have the budget to do so, then hiring a custom designer is always the best choice, as the long-term benefits outweigh any cost concerns that you may have.

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