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I remember building my very first website (on Squarespace, of course!) My sister needed an online platform for her unique and vintage shop, and I felt the itch to get my hands on my very first web design gig.

It took me months, lots of googling, blood, sweat, and virtual tears. But man, oh man, was it satisfying. I loved it so much. I decided to make it my career!

DIYing your website is an amazing experience. I wish every business owner could have the chance to do it. But not every entrepreneur or business is in a place for the job. That's why I've compiled some tips for you on why you might want to DIY your site vs. hiring a website designer.

Neither is good or bad. It just depends. Whether you're a first-time online business owner or you've had skin in the game for a while, there are some pros and cons to weigh.

Read on to find out which camp you're in! And then get that website ball rolling, my friend, because it's time to be online, like yesterday.

When to DIY your website

The first year of business

When you're just starting in an online business, it can be tempting to google website designers and jump on the custom website train before you've even landed on an official business name or registered for an EIN. I get it. It's fun! 

But in the beginning stages, there are many uncertainties and changes that will happen. You may not be in the same business come your first anniversary. And dropping thousands of dollars on a website that you need to have updated in the first year is an expense that many first time business owners can't afford.

DIYing your website in the first year will ensure that you have an online presence while giving you the room to change your mind until you've landed on the direction your business is going.

When it won't budge the needle

A custom website these days can cost you anywhere from $1,500-$7,000 or more, depending on the nature of your business. And while an investment like this can help your business leaps and bounds, you first need to ask yourself if this investment will move the needle forward.

Even if you have the financial means to hire a website designer, it won't do you any good unless your business is at the stage where it will benefit from it, which means that you have a strategy to grow your business (and income) by means of your swanky new website.

If your business isn't quite ready to benefit from a custom website, then a DIY site will serve you just fine.

You have the time and energy

If you're not overwhelmed with customers or your business allows for free time to pour into a website, then this is an excellent opportunity to do so. While it does mean a steep learning curve, you can enjoy the benefits of creating something specifically for you, the ins and outs of maintenance and updates, and understand what you're looking for if and when you invest in something custom.

If you'd like to give Squarespace a try, you can sign up for a free trial here. Save 10% off your first subscription to a website or domain using code PARTNER10. (That's an affiliate link!)

When to hire a website designer

2-3 years into your business

After you've been in business for a few years, you have a much better picture of who it is that you're serving and direction moving forward. This is the perfect time to hire a website designer that can help you create a dream client magnet (aka custom website) to take your business to the next level.

When it will budge the needle

You have the money to invest, AND you know that this investment will only lead to more business. This means that you have a strategy for how your website will serve your growth. Whether that's blogging, starting an e-commerce shop, or providing a streamlined way for clients to reach out to you-when the potential is on the horizon, it's time to hire a website designer!

You don't have the time and energy

When you're so booked up with clients or to-dos for your business, building a website would be a massive waste of time. Hiring a website designer will mean quick solutions, customization, and a professional look fast. This partnership is what you'll need to keep the ball rolling uphill so that you don't have to slow down one bit in your ventures.

Need help bringing your creative vision to life?!

I know how overwhelming it can be to build your own website. That's why I decided to create a simple and easy process. Together we’ll build a stunning website that you can launch in just two weeks!

Book your free consultation call today! Chat with me about your website goals and together we’ll navigate the best solutions for your business.