Building a website is like choosing between renting an apartment or designing your dream home. Both serve a purpose, but the experience, investment, and long-term impact couldn’t be more different.

As a web designer, I’ve seen business owners wrestle with this decision—should they DIY their site with a template or invest in a custom website? The answer depends on your business goals, timeline, and what you want your website to do for you. Let’s break it down.

When a DIY Website Might Work for You

There’s no shame in going the DIY route—many successful brands start here. But DIY sites work best for businesses that:

• Are just getting started and need something simple to establish an online presence.
• Have a tight budget and can’t yet invest in a fully custom site.
• Don’t rely heavily on their website for sales, bookings, or lead generation.
• Feel confident in tech and design and have time to tweak layouts, colors, and fonts.

Platforms like Showit, Squarespace, and Shopify offer stunning templates that get you up and running quickly. But the catch? They’re not one-size-fits-all. A template may look amazing in the demo, but it takes a designer’s eye to make it fit your brand seamlessly.

Signs a DIY Website Might Be Holding You Back

• You spend hours tweaking your site but still aren’t happy with the results.
• Your site looks just like everyone else’s using the same template.
• You’re struggling with slow load times, SEO, or mobile issues.
• Your website isn’t converting visitors into clients or sales.

If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to consider a custom website.

Why a Custom Website is a Game-Changer

A custom website is like a designer outfit—it’s tailored to fit your business perfectly and make you stand out. Here’s why it might be the better choice:

• Your brand has outgrown DIY. If you’re making consistent revenue and want to elevate your brand, a custom site gives you the polish and professionalism that templates lack.
• You want a website that works for you. A designer will create a site built for conversions, SEO, and automation so you’re not constantly battling tech headaches.
• You don’t have time for trial and error. Instead of wrestling with layouts and mobile glitches, you can hire a professional to build a site that is both beautiful and functional.
• You need something truly unique. A custom website ensures no one else has your exact look, layout, or experience—helping your brand stand out in a crowded market.

So, Which One is Right for You?

If you’re still on the fence, here’s a simple way to decide:

• If you need a fast, budget-friendly solution and are willing to put in the work, DIY might be enough for now.
• If you want a high-converting, effortless website that grows with your business, custom is the way to go.

Need help deciding? Whether you need a professionally customized template or a fully custom website, I can help you find the right fit.

Book a free consultation here: www.sablesociety.com/booking

Your website should work for you—not against you. Let’s make that happen.