Your website is the front door to your business. It’s where people decide, within seconds, if they trust you enough to call, book, or buy. And here’s the truth: a bad website doesn’t just sit there quietly. It actively pushes people away.

So when it comes to building your site, you’ve got two options:

1. 1. Roll up your sleeves and build it yourself on a DIY platform.
   2. Hire a professional designer to do it right from the start.

Both paths can work but only one will set you up for long-term growth. Let’s break it down.

Why Your Small Business Website Matters

Think of your website as your most reliable employee. It’s on call 24/7, introducing you to new people, answering questions, and (ideally) convincing them to work with you.

The problem? If that “employee” shows up late, looks sloppy, and can’t answer basic questions, people won’t stick around. In fact, 75% of people judge a company’s credibility based on its website design (Stanford Web Credibility Project).

For service-based businesses like contractors, health professionals, HVAC, realtors, accountants, massage therapists, consultants—trust is everything. A solid website isn’t optional. It’s the foundation of your credibility.

The DIY Website Route

The Upside of DIY

DIY platforms like Squarespace, Wix, or Show-it builders exist for a reason: they’re quick, cheap, and easy enough to figure out.

• • You can get online in days, not months.

• • The monthly cost is minimal.

• • You don’t have to wait on anyone else and you can update whenever you want.

If you’re just starting out, or you need a temporary online presence while you test the waters, DIY can be the right call.

The Reality Check

Here’s where DIY falls short:

• • It eats your time. Building a website isn’t just dragging blocks into place. It’s strategy, design, SEO, testing, and troubleshooting. You’ll spend hours Googling things you didn’t even know existed.

• • It all looks the same. Templates are… fine. But chances are your competitors are using them too. That doesn’t exactly scream “trust me with your money.”

• • SEO is tricky. Google doesn’t automatically rank your site. DIY sites often skip the technical setup that helps people actually find you.

• • Hidden costs add up. Plugins, design tweaks, “pro” features…. it’s rarely just $25 a month.

DIY is like renting an apartment. It works for a while, but you’ll quickly hit the limits. You can’t knock down walls or customize it to fit your growing business.

Hiring a Professional Web Designer

Why Hiring Makes Sense

When you hire a designer, you’re not just paying for a prettier website. You’re investing in experience, strategy, and results.

• • Custom strategy – A pro builds your site around your business goals, not just aesthetics.

• • Brand alignment – Your site looks like you—not like a cookie-cutter template.

• • SEO & tech setup – Designers know what Google wants, and they build it in from day one.

• • Time back in your pocket – Instead of spending nights Googling how to connect a form, you can focus on clients.

• • Room to grow – Professional sites are scalable. Need booking, e-commerce, or client portals down the line? You won’t have to rebuild from scratch.

As a Michigan-based studio working with businesses across the U.S., I see it all the time: owners start DIY, hit a wall, and come to us saying, “I just need this thing to actually work.” That’s where the investment pays off.

The Investment

Let’s be real: professional design costs more upfront. Most small business websites run between $2,500 and $10,000 depending on size and complexity.

But compare that to the value of just one or two new clients per year, and the ROI starts looking pretty clear.

Cost Comparison: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Thinking

At first glance, DIY feels cheaper. But let’s do the math.

• • DIY costs: About $25/month + plugins + 50 hours of your time. At even $30/hour, your time adds up to $1,500. Over three years, you’re at $2,400+.

• • Professional design costs: Around $3,500+ for a full build with support.

The numbers aren’t as far apart as they seem. And that’s not even counting lost leads from a site that doesn’t convert.

Which Path Is Right for You?

So, which makes sense for your business?

• • DIY is right if:
    
    • • You’re brand-new with almost no budget.
    • • You just need something live quickly.
    • • You actually enjoy tech and design.

• • Hiring a designer is right if:
    
    • • You need your website to bring in leads.
    • • You want a brand presence that builds trust.
    • • You don’t have the time (or patience) to DIY.
    • • You’re serious about growth and scalability.

The honest truth? Many businesses start DIY, then outgrow it. That’s normal. The key is knowing when it’s time to upgrade.

How Metric Brand Studio Helps Small Business Owners

At Metric Brand Studio, we build websites that work just as hard as you do. That means:

• • Lead-driven design – Your site isn’t just pretty, it’s built to convert.

• • Clean, modern branding – Professional, polished, and tailored to your voice.

• • Local + national SEO – Optimized to get found in Michigan and beyond.

• • Future-focused builds – A site that grows with your business, not against it.

We take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on your clients—not your website.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the bottom line:

• • A DIY site can get you online.

• • A professional site can take you further.

Your website is too important to treat like an afterthought. Whether you’re building trust, generating leads, or growing into new markets, your site should help you scale. Not hold you back.

The choice is simple: patch together a DIY site that sorta works, or invest in a professional website that grows with your business.

At Metric Brand Studio, we design websites you’ll actually love and that actually work.