Should I use a DIY website builder or hire a professional?

DIY builders like Squarespace work well if you have design skills and time to invest. Professional refresh services make sense when you need a polished result fast, want to avoid the learning curve, or when your current site is hurting your credibility.

How much does a DIY website cost vs professional?

DIY builders cost $12-50/month but require your time (often 20-40 hours to build). Professional website refresh services like Boffo cost $597 one-time plus $25/month hosting, with delivery in 48 hours and no time investment from you.

Is Squarespace good for small business websites?

Squarespace is good for small businesses if you have design sense and time to learn the platform. However, many small business owners find their DIY sites look amateur compared to professionally designed alternatives.

Guide

DIY Website Builders vs Professional Refresh

Squarespace, Wix, or hire someone? Here's how to decide.

By Bill Eisenhauer

Quick Answer

DIY builders work if you have design skills and 20+ hours to invest. Professional refresh makes sense when you need results fast, lack design experience, or when your current site is costing you credibility.

Side-by-Side Comparison

DIY Builders

Squarespace, Wix, etc.

Upfront Cost $0-200

Monthly Cost $12-50/mo

Your Time 20-40+ hours

Time to Launch Weeks to months

Design Quality Varies

Maintenance You handle it

Best for: Side projects, blogs, hobby sites

Recommended

Professional Refresh

Done-for-you service

Upfront Cost $500-1,500

Monthly Cost $25-100/mo

Your Time 1-2 hours

Time to Launch 48 hours - 2 weeks

Design Quality Professional

Maintenance Usually included

Best for: Client-facing businesses

Which Path Fits You?

DIY Works If...

You have design experience or a strong eye for what looks professional
You enjoy the process of building and tweaking your site
Budget is tight and you have more time than money
Your website isn't critical to winning clients

Squarespace, Wix, and similar platforms have improved dramatically. With the right template and attention to detail, you can build something respectable.

Go Professional If...

Your website directly affects revenue — clients visit before deciding to work with you
You've tried DIY and the result doesn't match your business quality
Time is more valuable than money — 20+ hours building a site is expensive
You need it done fast — not "eventually" but this week

If your hourly rate is $100 and a DIY site takes 30 hours, that's $3,000 of your time. A $597 refresh done in 48 hours is a bargain.

The Hidden Cost of DIY

The monthly fee isn't the real cost. These are:

Your Time

Most DIY sites take 20-40 hours to build. At even $50/hour, that's $1,000-2,000 of your time.

Opportunity Cost

Every hour spent on your website is an hour not spent on clients, sales, or running your business.

Lost Credibility

An amateur-looking site can cost you clients who visit, judge, and leave. You'll never know how many.

Ongoing Frustration

DIY means every update, tweak, and fix is on you. Forever.

Not Sure Which is Right for You?

Get a free audit of your current site. We'll tell you honestly whether a refresh makes sense — or if DIY is the right call.

Get Your Free Audit

No obligation. If DIY is right for you, we'll say so.