Hundreds of bloggers and small business owners have asked me from time to time, “Jarod, should I build my website or hire a professional?” Before answering, I like asking them why they want a website, and what they’d like to gain from it.
Websites are extremely important for businesses, bloggers, organizations, and government agencies. They open up new revenue opportunities, attract potential customers, and showcase your products/ services globally. Informed brands prefer to hire professional web developers because they know how competitive the online space is.
DIY web development has its place, and it’s okay if you feel skilled enough to design your website. Here’s my full take, and I hope it settles the DIY vs. hiring a pro debate for you.
Understanding Your Options: DIY vs. Pro Web Dev
DIY Web Development
DIY web development is a cost-effective option for small businesses with limited budgets.
1. Tools
There’s an abundance of online resources and website-building platforms like Wix, WordPress, Squarespace, and AI-powered website builders.
So, creating a basic website has never been easier. You just need to call upon your creativity, design skills, and a bit of time to get started.
Then, it’s basically:
- Dragging and dropping elements into place.
- Customizing colors and fonts.
- Uploading unique content.
These tools rely on pre-written code libraries, templates, and drag-and-drop features to make website building easy.
For more advanced customization, you may need basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, but it’s not mandatory unless your website faces issues.
2. Vibe Coding a Website
There’s a new trend that has exploded recently, it’s called vibe coding. Basically, it’s about using AI to build websites and software.
AI-powered vibe coding tools leverage machine learning models and design-aware algorithms to translate high-level inputs—like mood boards, brand colors, or wireframes—into functional front-end code (HTML/CSS/JavaScript). Instead of writing every line yourself, you describe or select your desired “vibe,” and the AI web developer generates a scaffolded site that reflects that aesthetic and structure. Some will even suggest copy, image layouts, or animations that match your brand voice.
While vibe coding can create immersive, on-brand experiences by leveraging AI-driven design automation, it still carries limitations such as rigid template structures, generic layouts, and a lack of a nuanced human touch that can undermine truly unique brand identities. Many successful sites instead rely on professionally crafted templates reinforced by strategic content and branding, and combining DIY builders with a skilled designer’s expertise often delivers both rapid turnaround and bespoke polish.
Professional Web Development
As a professional web developer, one of the first decisions you have to make is whether to custom code a client’s website or use pre-made templates. The decision depends on the client’s budget and preferences, but you can also advise and sway it.
1. Custom Coding
This option involves writing all the code from scratch, providing you with full control over every aspect of the website. You choose the platform, programming language, and development tools. It can be a time-consuming process, but it results in a unique website tailored to the client’s needs.
Generally speaking, it takes skilled developers to produce high-quality code with this approach. You must master and perfect various coding languages, design principles, and web development standards.
Custom coding also allows you to scale, enhance, and rebrand as necessary without relying on external plugins or templates. I recommend it for complex, large-scale projects requiring advanced functionality and customization.
Find out more about WordPress vs. Custom Websites.
2. Professional Template
Another option for building a website is to use professional templates. You can easily customize these pre-designed website layouts with your content and branding.
Though templates help brands build DIY websites, I recommend that small businesses hire professionals who specialize in custom website design and development. Learn more about web designers vs. web developers.
Remember, templates and drag-and-drop website builders can only take you so far. They’re tools, and you’ll still need skills, creativity, and lots of time.
DIY vs. Pro Web Dev: Pros and Cons
Pros of DIY Web Development
Every freelancer, company, and organization needs a website; otherwise, they’d be missing out on potential clients and sales. When you’re the underdog competing with bigger businesses, always start with what you have.
Here are some advantages of taking the DIY approach to web development:
- Cost-effectiveness is usually the biggest draw of DIY web development. The free tools we discussed earlier should be enough for someone who knows what the end product should look like. No capital is just an excuse!
- Full creative control is another major benefit of DIY web development. You get to be the mastermind behind every website aspect, from aesthetics to functionality. This level of control unlocks the hidden vibe coding in you!
- Learning experience is a natural side-effect of DIY web development. Even if you don’t intend to become a professional web developer, the skills and knowledge gained during the process will unlock your potential in many other areas.
If you go for this option, here are some tips for creating a successful small business website.
Cons of DIY Web Development
While DIY web development may seem like the ideal solution for building a website, you need to be aware of the following drawbacks.
1. Steep Learning Curve
The frustration and helplessness involved in DIY web development for beginners can be overwhelming. Even with advanced web-building tools like WordPress, you still have to:
- Figure out how to use it.
- Design the UI and UX.
- Customize the site with plugins and widgets.
- Understand SEO and incorporate it into your website.
- Learn color theory and master accessibility rules.
How many skills do you have to learn? How long do you think it will take?
2. Time-consuming
You’re a brand trying to grow within its niche, with many other duties on your plate. It takes experienced web developers significant time to design and develop a website, whether on WordPress or with original code.
How much longer would it take you who’s learning on the go, and you have to figure out where every function is on the massive dashboard?
3. Limited Customization
Admit it: WordPress designs (out of the box themes and builders) are limited. You’ve come across some of the most stunning blogs, and you want your website to look just like them, but you’re not even sure if that’s possible with WordPress.
After you pick a design for your website, there isn’t much room for customization unless you know how to code or have plugins for every tweak. Remember, too many plugins slow your site and ruin user experience if you don’t know how to fix incompatibilities or optimize your build on the backend.
So, why does user experience matter in web design?
4. Many Mistakes to Make
WordPress is a great CMS, but it’s not perfect. There are many mistakes that beginners make when using it, especially when you’re not familiar with coding and web design principles.
Some of these mistakes include:
- Hosting with insecure or slow servers.
- Forgetting to update plugins and themes.
- Failing to optimize images for faster load times.
- Forgetting to regularly back up your site.
Professional Web Development Pros
There’s no overstating how important websites are for small businesses to succeed. The potential for reaching customers on a global scale has never been greater.
The risk is also significant. Lacking a website empowers competitors to edge you out of the market, appearing more credible to new audiences than you. Running a poorly designed or secured website can also damage your reputation or make you seem mediocre.
You need professional web development for:
1. Tailored Solutions for Your Unique Business Needs
A cookie-cutter website created from a template or a DIY site builder cannot communicate your brand values to prospective customers. But custom website development gives you tailor-made solutions to meet your unique business needs.
Professional web developers probe you and your team for a sense of your company’s culture, mission, and values. They then combine their technical skill with your vision to give you a website that projects the right image to customers.
2. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
The point of a website is to bring in audiences you couldn’t reach physically, so search visibility is crucial. Pro web dev takes care of all the technical SEO aspects of our website from the beginning.
We make your website fast and easy for users to navigate to boost the overall user experience. We use semantic HTML and clear site architecture to help search engines understand your website’s structure and content context effectively.
3. Long-Term Support
Building a website is not the end of professional web dev services. Professionals offer long-term support to ensure your website is always up-to-date and running smoothly.
We provide regular maintenance, security updates, and content management services to keep your website functioning at its best.
Professional Web Development Cons
Higher Upfront Cost
Most businesses consider DIY development only because the upfront cost of hiring professionals seems too high. The issue isn’t ROI or deeming the service valuable but having the cash flow to invest in it.
While DIY development may seem cheaper, there are many hidden costs and time-consuming tasks that can offset the initial savings.
Longer Development Time
Unless you have extensive experience and expertise in web development, DIY projects can take significantly longer to complete than hiring a professional.
Be patient because good things take time. However, slow development time can also lead to missed opportunities and potential revenue loss.
Factors to Consider When Deciding, DIY vs. Pro Developers
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to embark on a DIY web development project or hire a professional developer.
Budget
It’s really only ideal to go for DIY websites when you have more time than money. If you have a tight budget, DIY may be the best choice for you. That said, it may cost you more in the long run.
Complexity & Customization
Consider the complexity and customization needs of your website. A DI approach only suits simple websites like blogs and portfolios.
Complex projects like e-commerce sites and education or remote work portals may require professional help.
Why Jarod Thornton?
The best option for you is hiring Jarod Thornton for professional web development. Why me?
I’ve been doing it and killing it since 2008. I take time to understand your business goals and brand identity before creating a tailor-made website for you. I build with SEO and user experience in mind, so you can bet users will find your site and stay for more.
