DIY v. Bespoke Websites: the insider pros and cons
I want to share my insights into the pros and cons of DIY v. Bespoke websites.
When I first needed a website for my architectural practice, I went the DIY route. Why? It was the cheapest option. I started with Yahoo’s now-defunct builder, and later moved to Squarespace.
My tech know-how was close to zero, and the frustration was immense.
However, my design-trained eye and natural curiosity led me to explore the world of web development. I enrolled in coding courses, gained valuable skills, and eventually started designing and building bespoke websites as Green Ginger Design.
That’s why I know about both sides.
Here are my pros and cons, learnt whilst actually working on both DIY and bespoke websites.
DIY Website
Pros:
- Budget-friendly: DIY websites won’t break the bank, making them ideal when you’re just starting out with a tight budget.
- Quick setup: with a simple template and a user-friendly website platform, you can get a basic site up and running quickly. Choosing a template, rather than building from scratch, will definitely make it quicker for you to get set up if you haven’t built a website before.
- Quick and easy updates: need to make changes to your website? You don’t have to wait for a web guru – you can tweak things whenever you want. This is the most useful pro about a DIY website because all websites need regular attention.
Cons:
- Limited features: if you require advanced features, DIY might not be enough. And even adding simple features can be taxing – I couldn’t believe how hard it was to add a vertical line! (I now know – it’s very hard…).
- Platform lock-In: you’re tied to the DIY platform, making it challenging to switch to another platform if you discover the one you’re on isn’t for you. (Check out our blog to compare Squarespace and WordPress, 2 of the biggest DIY platforms.)
- Intimidating for newbies: if you’ve never built a website before, DIY platforms can be daunting. I found it pretty intimidating, not knowing what headers were or how to lay out a page of content.
Bespoke Website
Pros:
- Total Control: a custom site can be tailored to your exact specifications, with every feature you desire. If you like the look of a website, you’ll more likely to be able to achieve similar results than trying to find a template that works in the same way.
- One-of-a-Kind: your bespoke site is unique – it’s like having a tailored suit that fits you perfectly. If your business has specific needs, a bespoke website might be just what you need.
- Future-Proof: a custom website can grow with your business, so you won’t outgrow it. Even if you don’t need all the extra features at the start, your designer can anticipate when your website can grow.
Cons:
- Pricier: bespoke development can be expensive because you’ll need a web expert to work their magic. Not surprisingly, employing a skilled website designer costs (rightly).
- Time-Consuming: building a custom site takes time, from providing content to approving designs and making changes. And it’s not just your time – the availability of your website designer can affect the timescale of your project significantly too.
- Over-Complicating Risk: it’s easy to go overboard with features and end up with a site that’s too complex for your business needs. You don’t want to add unnecessary gimmicks to your website just because you can – chances are you’ll slow your website down, and that’s never a good look.
In a Nutshell:
- If you want a quick, budget-friendly solution without fancy features, go DIY.
- If you have big dreams, a decent budget, and want a uniquely tailored site, opt for custom-built.
But wait, there’s another option: DIY+
At Flat White Websites, we’ve created a middle ground between DIY and bespoke. You get all the personal help you need, so you’re not struggling alone, combined with my bespoke expertise to design templates tailored to your small business’s needs, all without blowing your budget.
If a DIY+ website sounds like the right path for you, but you aren’t confident about how to do it, consider booking a Quick Chat with Fred. We’d love to assist you on your website-building journey.