Building a website is one of the biggest decisions for a small business. Do you pay a professional or try to do it yourself? Websites are essential in today’s world, but getting one up and running isn’t always straightforward.

So, is it worth paying someone to build a website? The short answer: It depends on your time, budget, and goals. Let’s break it down.

DIY vs Hiring a Web Designer – What’s Best for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some business owners thrive with a DIY website, while others save themselves stress by hiring a pro. Here’s what to consider.

Pros & Cons of DIY Websites

✅ Why DIY Might Be a Good Idea

  • It’s cheaper – If money is tight, a DIY website is the most affordable option.
  • You stay in control – You know how it works and can update it whenever needed.
  • You learn new skills – Web design, copywriting, and SEO are useful skills to pick up.
  • It can help refine your business – The process forces you to clarify your messaging and goals.

❌ Why DIY Might Be a Bad Idea

  • It takes a LOT of time – Instead of running your business, you’ll be learning design, SEO, and coding.
  • Risk of a poor-quality site – A website that looks bad or doesn’t function well can harm your business.
  • Steep learning curve – Getting everything right (design, UX, SEO, etc.) isn’t easy.
  • Limited support – If something breaks, you’re on your own.

DIY websites are fine for startups testing the waters or businesses that don’t rely heavily on their online presence. But if your website is a core part of your business strategy, you’ll want to think twice.

Pros & Cons of Hiring a Web Designer

✅ Why Paying a Professional is Worth It

  • You save time – No weeks (or months) of frustration trying to figure things out.
  • You get a strategic, high-performing site – A professional site is built to convert visitors into customers.
  • It looks professional – First impressions matter. A well-designed site builds trust.
  • You benefit from expertise – SEO, UX, branding… a web designer knows how to make it all work together.
  • It’s built to last – A good website will grow with your business, not hold it back.

❌ Why Hiring a Web Designer Might Not Be for You

  • It costs more upfront – Quality web design isn’t cheap, but it’s an investment.
  • You need to choose wisely – Not all web designers are good; hiring the wrong one can be a costly mistake.
  • Some designers don’t offer support – You might end up with a great site but no idea how to use it.

Hiring a web designer makes sense if your website is crucial to your business. You’ll save time, avoid costly mistakes, and get something that actually works.

How Long Does a DIY Website Take?

You might see articles claiming you can build a website in an afternoon. Technically, yes. But will it be any good? Probably not.

A solid DIY website takes weeks or even months to get right. The more complex your site, the longer it will take.

  • Simple site with a template? A few days to a couple of weeks.
  • Custom design and content? Several weeks.
  • E-commerce or advanced features? Months, especially if you’re learning as you go.

If you don’t have time to spare, paying someone to build a website is probably worth it.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Web Designer?

Prices vary massively. You can find cheap freelancers for £100 or agencies charging £10,000+. So what’s reasonable?

  • Basic website: £750 – £2,500
  • Mid-range business site: £2,500 – £7,500
  • High-end custom site: £7,500+

If your budget is tight, look for a designer who focuses on small businesses (like GDC Digital). You’ll get something affordable without sacrificing quality.

How to Choose the Right Web Designer

If you decide it is worth paying someone to build your website, choosing the right designer is key.

✔ Check their portfolio – Do you like their previous work?
✔ Look at reviews – Google reviews are more reliable than testimonials on their site.
✔ Ask about their process – Will they guide you through everything?
✔ Find out what’s included – Do they offer training? Support? SEO?
✔ Jump on a call – A quick chat will tell you a lot about whether they’re a good fit.

Avoid going for the cheapest option. A bad website can do more harm than good, and fixing a bad site later can be more expensive than getting it right the first time.

So, Is It Worth Paying Someone to Build a Website?

If you have the time, patience, and willingness to learn, DIY could work. But if you want to save time, avoid frustration, and get a high-quality website that actually grows your business, hiring a professional is the better option.

At GDC Digital, we help small businesses upgrade from DIY or templated sites to high-quality, strategic websites that actually work. If you’re wondering whether hiring a web designer is the right move for you, let’s have a chat—no pushy sales, just honest advice.

📩 Get in touch here

Your website is an investment, whether you DIY or hire a pro. Weigh up your budget, time, and business goals before making a decision. If your website needs to bring in leads, look professional, and support your business growth, it’s probably worth paying someone to build a website.