Menu
I’ve been building websites for over six years. I have worked with many different types of clients and different platforms, especially WordPress, WIX, and Squarespace. Here are my thoughts on what case your should, or not, hire a web designer.
Over the years I have worked with many clients that started building their website on one of these platforms and decided to hire me after spending hours and hours and giving up at the end.
Here are a few factors to consider before deciding if you should give the DIY a shot, and cut to the chase by hiring a professional web designer:
Starting and running a business can be exhausting. There are so many different things to do and learn, problems to deal with, it’s a never-ending to-do list! One option is to outsource some of the tasks.
For example, I know there’re tax filing software options out there that I can use for a small fee. As a small business owner, I have the choice to learn how to do it myself and save money. Or hire an expert and pay more, but get it done fast and efficiently, while I focus on important aspects of my business that can generate future income.
The same goes for you, as a small business owner in terms of building a website. It comes down to the cost-benefit.
The cost-benefit to hire a web designer
This factor of about analyzing the cost of the professional web designer and the cost of your (valuable) time.
I have a lot of experience and I know how to use the platforms I work with very well. I can build a simple custom professional website in about 20 – 30 hours. The fact is that it took me many years of doing it for hours to get to the point that I can do it in that amount of time.
Here you have to consider the time that it will take you and if you have that extra time. In case, you do, I suggest you give it a try. But if you are super busy, and you have the resources, you should hire a web designer.
In case you are super busy, make sure you consider the learning curve.
Over the years it took me many sleepless nights to learn my web design and programming skills. If you have never used your chosen platform before, you will probably have to spend some time learning it, googling how to do things, and watching youtube videos, and that learning time adds up to the total time.
However, if it’s something you enjoy, both the learning and the creative process can be very fun.
In case you decide to do it yourself, one important aspect to consider is the never-ending design situation.
The main thing that I noticed that people end up doing (including myself on my projects, however, I have gotten better recently) is the chase for perfection.
In that situation where you think you can still improve it, you can make it a little better. And once is better, then it’s ready. Stop now. Launch it now. Improve along the way. Of course, it has to be professional and presentable, but don’t keep making endless changes.
When you hire a web designer, there will be an end date, there will be a time frame to launch the website. Define a time frame, and go live!
The platform options
When you hire a web developer they will probably have their platform(s) of preference. It’s not always the most adequate according to your needs. Make sure you talk about how tech-savvy you are and the maintenance of the website.
If you decide on the DIY route, make sure to research the platform before signing up for a premium plan. Most of them offer free trials.
For example, this website is built in WordPress with Elementor. In my opinion, WordPress is the best platform for blogs, and it’s also very popular and flexible. However, this flexibility comes with security issues and a steep learning curve that needs to be considered.
If my client is not that tech-savvy, I suggest WIX as the first option and Squarespace as the second, WordPress is usually the last option in that case. This is because I know how complicated each of them can get.
I also offer a video call where I share my screen at the end, where I teach my clients how to update the website, but not every web developer out there offers this option. Make sure to ask before hiring someone.
There are few things to consider before hiring a web designer. I suggest you think about the cost-benefit for your and the business.
Create an account on a website builder platform and play around for a little bit.
If you think it’s something you will enjoy doing, go for it, it can super fun.
If you get frustrated in the first 30 minutes, I suggest you find a web designer before wasting too much of your valuable time.
Feel free to contact me, I love helping fellow small business owners. I’d love to help you! 
