Should You Build A Website On Your Own Or Hire A Digital Marketing Agency?

If you've ever Googled “how to build your own website," you're not alone. Business owners everywhere face the same question: Should you take the DIY route with a website builder, or should you invest in an agency that handles it all for you?

On the surface, it looks simple. Countless ads promise a free website builder, AI tools that “design for you," and plug-and-play templates. You could have something live in a weekend. But a "quick fix” doesn't always translate into a professional website that attracts customers, ranks on Google, and supports long-term growth.

This blog breaks down both sides of the debate,  the good, the bad, and the hidden truths, so that you can make the right call for your business.

The appeal of trying to build your own website

It’s easy to see why so many business owners start with the DIY option.

• It feels affordable. Many platforms offer a free website or low-cost plans.

• It feels fast. Drag-and-drop tools and AI-powered site builders promise you'll be live in hours.

• It feels flexible. You get to choose a website template, tweak the layout, and even pick your domain name with a couple of clicks.

For a brand-new business, that's appealing. You're not ready to pay thousands to a designer, and you just need “something” up so potential customers know you exist.

Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify make it ridiculously easy to create your website with little to no coding knowledge. And thanks to AI tools, you can even ask a bot to generate an “About Us” page or help customize a design. 

You get the instant gratification of seeing your brand live online without waiting weeks for a designer. It feels empowering, like you’ve just unlocked a secret shortcut to being “official.

What you miss when you only use a free website builder

Here's where reality sneaks in. That shiny free website builder often comes with limits that slow you down as soon as you try to grow.

Hidden costs stack up.

Sure, you can start with a free website. But if you want a custom domain instead of "yourbrand123.sitebuilder.com"? That costs extra. Do you need e-commerce features like an online store or checkout to sell online? Add-on fees. Want a bigger template library? Another upgrade.

Limited SEO control

Most DIY platforms offer only basic SEO tools. That's enough to publish your website, but not enough to help you rank against competitors. Without meta tags, structured data, and technical optimizations, your site struggles to show up where it matters.

Generic website templates

Let's be honest: people can spot a "starter site" from a mile away. Using the same website template as hundreds of other businesses doesn't help you stand out; it makes you blend in. Our blog on template vs bespoke website design compares the advantages and disadvantages of the two and can help you make an informed decision. 

Scalability problems

As your business grows, consider adding advanced features, booking tools, marketing tools, ecommerce systems, or full-scale customer portals. A DIY setup can't always handle those needs.

That's how businesses end up with a website without the functionality they actually require. What started as a quick fix can quietly become a roadblock that limits growth and frustrates customers.

Why hiring an agency can change how you create a website

So what's the alternative? Hand the reins to a digital marketing agency and let experts build your foundation right from the start.

Here's why this option is worth considering:

• Professional web design → Instead of reusing a generic website template, agencies create a customizable site tailored to your brand, customers, and goals.

• SEO strategy baked in → They optimize everything,  structure, content, metadata,  so your site isn't just live, it's findable.

• Scalability → Agencies don't just build websites. They plan for growth, so adding an online store, custom features, or advanced integrations won't break your setup.

• Ongoing support → No more late nights troubleshooting why your form isn't working. Agencies provide maintenance, updates, and marketing alignment.

• Marketing integration → An actual website works alongside your email campaigns, social media, and ads. DIY sites rarely connect all the dots.

In short, a digital marketing agency doesn't just build a site. They make a business asset. 

Learn more about our affordable digital marketing agency services.

Comparing the two: DIY vs. Professional agency

Let's compare the two options more closely.

Building your own website may look cheaper and faster at first, but it often comes with limits—basic templates, hidden costs, and the challenge of doing everything yourself. Scaling, SEO, and maintenance can quickly become overwhelming. 

On the other hand, hiring an agency costs more upfront, but you get a custom design, a real growth strategy, and ongoing support that saves time and drives long-term results.

At the end of the day, both paths can get you online, but only one sets you up for long-term success. The choice really comes down to whether you want a temporary website or a lasting business asset.

How AI and new tools fit into website building

AI is shaking up every industry, and website building is no exception.

• AI site builders: Platforms like Wix ADI use AI to “design” your site based on a few questions.

• AI tools for SEO: They suggest keywords, analyze content, and help you refine copy.

• AI content creation: From product descriptions to blog outlines, AI can save hours.

It’s essential to remember that while AI can assist in creating your site, it can't replace strategy. You'll still need a plan for branding, custom domain setup, and marketing integration. Otherwise, you risk having a site that looks decent but doesn't actually bring in customers.

When it makes sense to build your website yourself

DIY isn't always bad. Sometimes, rolling up your sleeves and giving it a shot can actually teach you a lot about how websites work. Plus, it gives you a sense of control when you’re just starting and figuring things out on your own.

There are situations where it's the more brilliant move:

• You're testing a side hustle and just need something basic.

• You're pre-revenue and simply can’t afford agency support yet.

• You enjoy tinkering with tech, coding, and experimenting with a site builder.

• You only need a temporary landing page, not a complete website.

Suppose you're okay with those limits, by all means, experiment. Just remember, a DIY site is like training wheels; it’ll get you moving, but eventually, you’ll want a bike built for speed. 

And when that day comes, handing things off to professionals can save you time, stress, and plenty of do-overs.

When you should hire an agency to build a website

When your business starts to gain traction, “good enough” won’t suffice anymore. Your website should be an engine that drives sales, customer trust, and long-term growth. At this stage, partnering with a trusted digital marketing agency is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Here are clear telltale signs that you’re ready to partner up:

• You're ready to launch or scale an e-commerce business.

• You want to sell online with a reliable checkout system.

• You need a professional website that integrates marketing tools and campaigns.

• You want to future-proof your business with a site that grows as you do.

Because at the end, your time is better spent running your business,  not wrestling with plugins and broken templates. And nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with knowing your website is built to grow.

Ready to stop struggling with DIY? Work with a trusted digital marketing agency today. 

Invest in building your website where it counts

You can build your website, but should you?

If you're bootstrapping and need a quick placeholder, DIY makes sense. But if you're serious about growth, visibility, and long-term success, the DIY route often costs more in the long run, in lost opportunities, low rankings, and endless frustration.

A professional digital marketing website isn't just a "site." It's a sales tool, a lead magnet, and the engine that drives your business forward.

Building your own website might feel like a shortcut, but it’s often just the start of a long detour. Hiring a marketing agency sets you up for growth, not guesswork.

Don't settle for a "good enough" website. Book a discovery call with our team and let's create a site that actually grows your business.

Want to get inspired? Read real success stories from businesses we’ve helped build websites for:

• A New Era for Shady Cliff Resort: Website and Automation Wins

• StrategicU Website Redesign Elevates Support for ADHD Network

• The Unfiltered Traveler Builds Online Presence & Ups Traffic With Elevate360

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it to build your own website for free as a business owner?

It can be worth it if you’re just starting out, testing a side hustle, or need a simple landing page. But for growth-focused businesses, a DIY site often falls short on SEO, scalability, and professional polish.

How much does it cost to hire an agency for digital marketing for a website?

Costs vary depending on the project, but while upfront investment is higher than a DIY site, you gain a custom, scalable website designed to generate ROI instead of just existing online.

Can I start with a free website builder and upgrade later?

Yes, but be prepared for hidden costs and technical headaches when you outgrow the free plan. Migrating to a professional digital marketing website later often takes more time and money than starting right.

What’s the biggest advantage of hiring a digital marketing agency?

Strategy. An agency doesn’t just design a site; they integrate SEO, marketing tools, and long-term growth planning so your website becomes a real business asset.