What It Means To Choose The Right Website Design For Small Business
Your website is often the first impression your business makes. It can help you build trust, drive sales, and grow your brand. But should you build your own website or hire a professional? Let’s explore the options and help you find the best path based on your goals.
Start with Your Website Goals
Before choosing a design route, get clear on what your site needs to do:
- Sell products or services?
- Capture leads or emails?
- Educate visitors or build authority?
Typical goals include:
- E-commerce and online sales
- Lead generation through forms or booking
- Branding and online visibility
- Sharing information via blogs or FAQs
Knowing your goals helps you choose tools, features, and a design that actually supports your business.
3 Main Website Design Routes
- Build Your Own Website • Use platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify
• Great for small budgets, fast launches, and hands-on learners
• Best if you want full control using an easy website builder - Hire a Web Designer • Custom design tailored to your business
• Strategic layout and features
• Best for long-term growth and advanced needs - Hybrid Approach • Start with a template, then bring in expert help for specific tasks
• Combine the cost-saving of DIY with the quality of a website building service
Pros and Cons of Building Your Own Website
Pros:
- Lower monthly cost ($10–$50)
- Quick to get started
- Full control of updates and changes
Cons:
- Limited customization
- DIY support can be slow
- Advanced features may require workarounds
Top DIY Tools:
- Wix – Drag-and-drop flexibility
- Squarespace – Sleek, modern templates
- Shopify – Focused on online selling
- Webflow – More design control
- WordPress.com – Great for blogs and content-rich sites
Why Hire a Web Designer
Benefits:
- Custom branding and UX design
- Integration with tools like CRMs or booking systems
- Expert input on structure and SEO
Things to Ask:
- What’s their process?
- What’s included in the cost?
- Do they offer post-launch support?
Cost:
- $500–$10,000+ depending on project size
- Higher investment, but often better long-term ROI
Design Tips That Drive Results
Whether you go DIY or professional, focus on:
- Clear calls to action (CTAs)
- Clean layout and easy navigation
- Mobile optimization
- Fast loading times
- SEO basics (headers, image alt tags, readable content)
Pro Tip: Even if you build your own website, consider investing in strong branding, content, and user experience.
Want to know what’s hot and whats not? Read our recent article covering the Top 5 Website Design Trends NO Small Business Owner wants To Miss in 2025!
Website Growth and Maintenance
If You DIY:
- You handle all updates, backups, and security
If You Hire a Pro:
- Ask about maintenance plans or ongoing support
Think Long-Term:
- Can the site grow with your business?
- Will you be able to add features later?
Which Route is Best for Your Business?
Here are a few examples:
- Local service provider: Use an easy website builder tool + SEO help
- Personal brand or portfolio: DIY with a strong template
- Small business or startup: Hybrid or custom design
- E-commerce: Professional design for performance and security
Choose what fits your goals, budget, and comfort level with technology.
Find Your Best-Fit Design Path
There’s no single answer. The right route depends on your goals, budget, and how hands-on you want to be. Whether you use a beginner website guide, a DIY website design, or hire a web designer, make sure the end result works for your business.
Build smart. Grow fast. And choose the website design route that sets you up for success.
Want to learn design trends will work best for your small business? Check out this article laying out the Top Five Website Design Trends you’re not Going to Want to Miss in 2025
