I’ve been advised not to write this article. In fact, I was told to avoid the topic altogether — but I’ll always be the one to awkwardly point out the elephant in the room.

In this case, the elephant is the commodification of websites: the rise of platforms and builders I regularly hear mentioned by potential clients — “Can you do it cheaper? I could just build it myself using Wix, Squarespace, Webflow…” The list goes on.

Tthe question is sometimes asked with hesitation, as if it might offend me. It doesn’t. I often build WordPress websites myself, so I’m certainly not immune to the appeal of a convenient platform. I also offer pay-as-you-go help for people working on their own sites — so if a full website isn’t in your budget, we can still work together when you need support.

These platforms exist for a reason. But there are plenty of misconceptions about how (and when) to use them. While a deeper discussion of each tool deserves its own article, today I want to tackle the broader question:

Is it worth building your own website if you’re not a designer?

The answer: it depends.

I’ve put together some practical pros and cons of DIYing your website, especially if web design isn’t your area of expertise. I hope it helps you make a clearer, more informed decision when the time comes.

Pros of Building Your Own Website

1. It’s cost-effective

You can get a low-cost plan for a platform, which helps you avoid the upfront costs of hiring a designer or developer.

2. You’re in control

You can experiment and implement your ideas directly, without the need for back-and-forth or compromise.

3. Convenience

You can access your platform whenever you like and put in as much or as little time as you have available.

4. Helpful ecosystem

Most platforms offer templates, tutorials, and built-in tools. Many include hosting too, which saves you from having to set that up separately.

5. Learning opportunity

You’ll pick up a new skill and gain confidence working online — which is a win, even if the project doesn’t go perfectly.

Cons of Building Your Own Website

1. Not that easy

Despite the promises of a seamless experience, every platform has a learning curve — especially when you’re still getting to grips with what a website actually is, or how hosting and domains work.

2. Template limitations

You’ll be limited by the platform and the template you choose. How limited depends on the platform, but generally, the easier something is to use, the fewer options you’ll have.

3. Lack of process and structure

Making a website without a clear plan can feel chaotic and frustrating — especially if you don’t yet know what you’re doing or what to prioritise.

4. Performance and technical issues

Building a website is one thing — building a fast website is another. Most platforms trade speed for convenience, and that can lead to painfully slow sites that visitors won’t stick around to view.

5. Limited support

I’m not going to tell you you’ll be entirely on your own — platforms do offer customer support. But in my experience, that support often isn’t worth much. You’ll likely get faster and better help from someone who understands your specific setup.

DIY platforms can be a great option — in the right context. If you’ve got time, curiosity, and a straightforward project, it might suit you perfectly. But it’s also okay to realise you’re out of your depth or simply don’t want to spend your evenings fighting with templates and tutorials. Either way, I hope this helped you weigh things up and feel a bit more confident about what’s right for you.