Should You DIY or Hire a Designer? A Guide for New Entrepreneurs
One of the biggest questions new business owners face when launching online is:
“Should I DIY my website or hire a professional designer?”
When you're just starting out your business, every decision feels high-stakes—and your website is no exception. It's your digital storefront, your first impression, and one of your most important marketing tools. But with limited time, budget, and a to-do list that’s a mile long, figuring out how to get that website live can feel overwhelming.
Maybe you're asking:
“Can I actually build a site myself?”
“Will it look professional if I use a template?”
“Is it worth the investment to hire a designer from the beginning?”
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But depending on where you're at in your business journey, there is a right fit for you—and this blog will help you figure it out!
Whether you're still getting your business off the ground or you're already booking clients and ready to elevate your online presence, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of both approaches, how to decide which one makes the most sense for your goals, and what next steps to take no matter which route you choose.
Let’s dive in and help you find your best path forward—because no matter what, you deserve a website that works for your business, not against it.
The Pros and Cons of DIY:
So you’re leaning toward building your own website—great! DIY-ing your site can be a smart and empowering move, especially if you’re just getting your business off the ground and want to stay within budget.
But before diving in, let’s take a look at the real pros and cons of taking the do-it-yourself route as a new entrepreneur.
✅ The Pros of DIY ✅:
1. Budget-Friendly
If you’re working with a limited startup budget, DIY-ing your website is a cost-effective way to get online fast without a large upfront investment.
Pro Tip: My Squarespace Templates are a great in-between solution—they’re professionally designed and strategy-backed, so you don’t have to DIY from scratch.
2. Fast (ONLY IF You Have the Time)
With a plug-and-play template, you can get your site launched in a matter of days or weeks—not months. This is especially helpful if you’re ready to start booking clients or need to build momentum quickly.
Just keep in mind: fast ONLY works if you have time to dedicate upfront. This does not apply to everyone.
3. Empowering and Flexible
Many business owners enjoy being part of the creative process. DIY gives you full control over your visuals, messaging, and timeline. Plus, with Squarespace’s user-friendly interface, you can update and tweak your site any time—even after launch.
❌ The Cons of DIY ❌:
1. Limited Design Knowledge
Designing your own site without a strong foundation in design strategy, user experience, or SEO can leave you with a site that looks decent, but doesn’t convert. From inconsistent fonts to unclear calls to action, these small oversights can impact how professional your site feels (and how well it performs).
2. Time-Consuming (and Sometimes Overwhelming)
DIY might save money, but it can cost you a lot in time—especially if you’re juggling other parts of your business or haven’t gone full-time in your business just yet. If you’re building a larger site or need to get things done within a specific timeline, going the DIY route may end up being more stressful than expected.
diy summary:
DIY is a great option if you’re just starting out, working with a limited budget, or want to get hands-on in building your online presence. But if your time is limited, or you want a site that’s optimized from the start, hiring a designer might be the better long-term move.
👉 Want the best of both worlds? My Squarespace Templates are designed specifically for service-based business owners like you—giving you the foundation of a custom site with the simplicity of a DIY setup.
The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Designer:
If you’re thinking about working with a designer to bring your website to life, you’re not alone. For many service providers and small business owners, partnering with a designer is game-changer—not just for the look of their site, but for the results it brings.
Let’s break down the real benefits and drawbacks so you can decide what’s right for you in this season.
✅ The Pros of Hiring a Designer ✅:
1. Expert Strategy + Experience
A professional designer doesn’t just make things look good—they craft a user journey that’s intentional. With a strong understanding of layout, navigation, user experience (UX), and SEO, a designer can create a website that does more than look nice—it converts.
From strategic page layouts to keyword-friendly SEO settings, working with an expert helps you build a site that functions as a tool, not just a digital brochure.
2. Polished, Custom Look That Sets You Apart
Let’s face it: a well-designed website communicates professionalism and builds instant trust. A custom website reflects your brand identity, your values, and your level of expertise. When your site is polished, consistent, and tailored to your business, it creates a lasting first impression that helps you stand out from the crowd.
3. Saves You Time + Frees Up Your Energy
Running a business means your to-do list is already long. Designing a website from scratch can take dozens of hours—and that’s if you know what you’re doing. When you hire a designer, you’re freeing up time to focus on growing your business, serving your clients, and checking off the other 49 items on your to-do list.
👀 Not sure what to focus on next while your designer works their magic? Download my free Business Starter Checklist for a clear roadmap of your next steps.
❌ The Cons of Hiring a Designer:
1. Higher Upfront Investment
Hiring a web designer is a financial commitment. If you’re in the early stages of business or managing a lean budget, this investment might feel intimidating at first. But remember: a well-built website is one of the most powerful tools in your business—it’s often your first salesperson and your 24/7 storefront.
That said, if you’re not quite ready for the full investment, one of my Squarespace Templates could be the perfect bridge between DIY and done-for-you.
2. Potential Misalignment if the Designer Doesn’t “Get” Your Vision
Working with a designer requires trust and communication. If you’re a hands-on entrepreneur who knows exactly what you want—or if you’ve had a bad design experience in the past—it might feel hard to let go of control.
That’s why it’s essential to choose a designer who takes the time to understand you, your business, and your goals. (And if that’s something you value, hi 👋 — I’d love to talk! My Custom Website Application for 2026 is now open.)
designer summary:
Hiring a designer can elevate your website from decent to strategic, freeing you up to focus on building the rest of your business. It’s ideal if you want a done-for-you experience, need expert input on strategy, and are ready to make a long-term investment in your brand’s growth.
💡 Still not sure what’s best for your business? Keep reading—we’ll help you weigh your decision and give you some guidance on how to move forward, no matter which route you choose!
Middle Ground: industry-specific, Strategic Templates
If you’re torn between going fully DIY or hiring a custom designer, good news—you don’t have to choose only one path.
Enter: Strategic Website Templates.
This is the best of both worlds—a polished, professional look with the flexibility (and affordability) of DIY.
Here at Story Reimagined, I’ve created a curated collection of Squarespace Templates designed specifically for service-based businesses. Each one is industry-specific and intentionally designed with strategy in mind, so you're not just getting a pretty layout—you’re getting a framework that works.
Why Templates Work So Well:
✅ Professionally Designed for Your Industry
Each template includes the exact pages and structure your business is likely to need. Whether you're a Virtual Assistant, Health Coach, Brand Photographer, or Web Designer, the layout is tailored to your type of work. That means you can skip the guesswork and focus on what matters—plugging in your content and making it your own.
✅ Easy to Customize Without Starting From Scratch
These templates are completely customizable:
Swap in your own brand colors and fonts
Add your own photos and copy
Remove or duplicate sections to match your business needs
Want to add an extra service page? No problem. Want to duplicate a sales page layout for another offer? Done. You can expand your site with ease while maintaining a cohesive, professional style.
✅ Launch Faster (and With Confidence)
You don’t need to know how to code or have a design background. My Squarespace Templates are built to be beginner-friendly but powerful enough to grow with your business. You'll save hours of time and avoid costly design mistakes—without sacrificing quality.
✨ Want to launch your website without the stress or high price tag?
Explore my Squarespace Templates—designed to help you stand out online and connect with your ideal clients from day one.
How to Decide What’s Right for You—Questions to Ask Yourself:
Not sure whether you should DIY, use a template, or hire a designer?
You’re not alone. Every business is different—and what works for someone else might not work for you. To make the best decision for your season, take a moment to reflect on the questions below. These will help you clarify your timeline, budget, skill level, and goals.
👉 Use your answers to guide whether a DIY route, a strategic template, or a full custom design is the best fit for your next step.
15 Questions to Help You Choose the Right Website Path:
What is my timeline to launch?
(Am I looking to go live in a few days, weeks, or months?)Do I have the time to design and build this myself right now?
Do I enjoy tech and learning new platforms—or does it stress me out?
What’s my current comfort level with Squarespace or website builders in general?
What’s my realistic budget for a website right now?
Am I launching a brand-new business or leveling up an existing one?
Do I have a clear brand already (fonts, colors, logos, copy)—or am I still figuring it out?
How important is it that my website looks and feels unique to my brand?
Do I need help with copywriting, strategy, or layout—or do I already have that covered?
Am I offering a simple service or a multi-layered business model?
Will I need to scale or expand my site in the next 6–12 months?
What’s more valuable to me right now: saving money or saving time?
Do I want full creative control, or would I prefer a professional to handle the details?
Have I tried to DIY before and ended up frustrated or burnt out?
What kind of support would give me the most peace of mind during this process?
✨ Still unsure? Check out the following options:
Strategic template: You want a beautiful site quickly with built-in guidance and style
Custom design: You’re ready to invest in strategy, visuals, and long-term growth
💡 Pro tip: If you’re just starting and need a roadmap for your business setup, check out my 50-Step Business Starter Checklist below. It’ll help you get organized before diving into design!
Final Thoughts: There’s No One “Right” Way — Just the Right Fit for You
Choosing between DIY, a website template, or hiring a designer isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on your timeline, budget, tech skills, and business goals. The good news? You have options — and every path can work beautifully when you choose intentionally.
✨ If you're just getting started, a strategic Squarespace Template gives you the perfect blend of ease, flexibility, and professional design.
✨ If you're ready to go all in, a Custom Website might be the best investment you make in your brand this year.
✨ Still laying the foundation? Grab my free 50-Step Business Starter Checklist to help you get organized first.
