One of the most common questions I get from friends, clients, and small business owners is:
“Should I build my website myself, or hire someone to do it?”
And honestly? It depends.
I know, that’s not the most exciting answer—but it’s the truth. I’ve seen DIY websites that look great and do the job. I’ve also seen DIY projects turn into late-night stress sessions, unfinished pages, and frustrated business owners who end up hiring someone anyway.
So here’s how I think about it, based on what I’ve learned from years of freelancing and helping people figure this stuff out.
When DIY Makes Total Sense
If you’re just starting out, testing a business idea, or don’t have the budget yet, a DIY site can be a smart move. Website builders like Squarespace, Wix, and Shopify have made it easier than ever to get something online that looks decent and functions well.
Here are a few signs you’re a good candidate for DIY:
- You have time to learn and enjoy tech tools (even a little).
- Your site is simple—maybe just a homepage, about page, and contact form.
- You’re not too worried about ranking on Google right away or having a super-custom look.
- You’re still figuring out your brand and messaging—it’s okay to start with something basic.
I’ve helped people launch solid DIY sites with nothing more than a free template, a few good photos, and a clear message. If that’s where you’re at, go for it. You’ll learn a ton, and you can always upgrade later.
When It’s Time to Bring in a Pro
There’s a point, though, where DIY starts costing more than it saves—whether it’s in time, missed opportunities, or plain old frustration.
Here are some signs it might be worth hiring help:
- You’ve spent hours (or days) and still aren’t happy with how your site looks or works.
- You need custom functionality, like appointment booking, e-commerce, or advanced SEO.
- You want your website to reflect a polished, professional brand.
- You’re trying to grow or scale, and your current site isn’t keeping up.
- You’re stuck and don’t know what to do next.
One of my clients once told me, “I could have done this myself, but it would’ve taken me five times as long and still wouldn’t look this good.” That stuck with me. Hiring a designer isn’t just about making your site look nice—it’s about solving problems, making smart decisions, and freeing you up to focus on your actual business.
My Rule of Thumb
If building your own site sounds fun and you’ve got the time to do it well—go for it.
If it feels like a giant wall between you and getting your business off the ground—get help.
You don’t have to go all-in, either. I’ve worked with people who did 80% of their site themselves and brought me in to clean it up, optimize for SEO, or redesign the homepage. A little pro help can go a long way without blowing your budget.
Final Thoughts
There’s no shame in starting small with a DIY site. And there’s no shame in saying, “I need help” when it gets too overwhelming. I’ve been on both sides of this.
The important thing is having a website that works for you—whether you build it yourself, hire someone, or do a bit of both.
And if you ever need a second opinion, a strategy call, or just a friendly voice saying, “Yep, you’re on the right track,” I’m here for that too.
That’s what Stillwater is all about.
