Thinking about updating your website - or building one from scratch? One of the biggest questions small business owners face is: “Should I build it myself or pay a professional to do it?”

It’s a fair question. Websites are essential, but time and budget are always tight.

In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of DIY vs professional web design, and help you decide what’s best for your business stage, budget, and goals.

Option 1: DIY Website Design

Thanks to modern tools, creating a website yourself has never been easier.

Pros of DIY:

• Lower cost – Ideal if budget is tight or you're just starting out

• Full control – Make updates whenever you want, no waiting on a developer

• Fast launch – You can get a site live in hours, not weeks

Cons of DIY:

• Time-consuming – Even with templates, you still need to build and write

• Design limitations – It might not look or feel as polished

• Missing best practices – UX, SEO, and mobile readiness can be tricky to get right

DIY can be a great option - especially if you’re using a platform that takes care of speed, mobile responsiveness, and layout for you (more on that below).

Option 2: Hiring a Professional Designer

A web designer can take your vision and turn it into something sleek, on-brand, and fully custom.

Pros of Hiring a Pro:

• High-end design – Custom layouts and graphics that stand out

• Expertise – Better UX, SEO, and performance from day one

• Less stress – You don’t have to do the heavy lifting

Cons of Hiring a Pro:

• Higher upfront cost – Often in the £1,000–£5,000 range

• Longer timelines – Projects can take weeks or even months

• Ongoing dependency – You may need to pay for every little update

Hiring a pro is best if your site needs very custom functionality or if design is central to your brand experience — like agencies, luxury services, or e-commerce brands.

Choosing the Right Approach for Your Business

Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:

If you… are just getting started

Then… try a DIY platform with built-in templates

If you… want full control

Then… use a website builder that’s easy to update

If you… need something fast and affordable

Then… DIY is usually the best path

If you… have specific branding needs or integrations

Then… consider a pro designer

If you… want a balance of both

Then… use a platform with pro-quality templates that you can customise (like Samai!)

Final Takeaway

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to website design.

The best option is the one that fits your budget, skills, and goals - and leaves you with a website that helps your business grow.

Whether you go the DIY route or hire a pro, what matters most is this:

Your site needs to be fast, mobile-friendly, easy to use, and focused on guiding visitors to take action. Check out our other blogs on:

Website Speed: Why It Matters and How To Test Yours

How To Design A Mobile Friendly Website

6 Quick Tips To Make Your Website Really Easy To Use

How Samai Helps

Samai gives you the best of both worlds.

• Designer-quality templates that are ready to go

• Easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor - no code needed

• Mobile-optimised and lightning-fast by default

• Built-in tools for lead capture, SEO, and more

• Launch in a day, not a month - with no tech overwhelm

If you want a site that looks like it was made by a pro, but gives you full control, Samai is built for you.