For small or medium business owners, tight budgets often lead to tough choices. It can be tempting to choose a DIY website platform like Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy Builder, or even have a go at WordPress yourself to save money. These DIY platforms promise user-friendly interfaces and affordable plans that make building your own website seem easy. But have you ever stopped to calculate the real cost of a DIY website?
Sure, the initial price tag may seem low, but there’s a hidden expense that can cripple your productivity: your time. Let’s break it down.
The True Investment: Time vs Money
- Copywriting and Strategy. A good website doesn’t just look nice; it has to deliver results. Writing persuasive, SEO-friendly copy and devising a clear strategy takes time. On average, you’re looking at 15 hours to develop engaging content that speaks to your audience and drives conversions.
- Learning the Platform. Whether you choose Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress, there’s a learning curve. Even the simplest platforms require time to master their tools, templates, and settings. On average, expect to spend 10 hours getting the hang of things.
- Understanding SEO and Image Optimisation. SEO is vital to getting your website found online. Websites with proper SEO are 75% more likely to rank on the first page of search results. To achieve this, you’ll need to learn about keyword research and optimisation, image compression, and metadata—skills that don’t come naturally to most business owners. Add another 15 hours to learn the basics and implement them effectively.
- Wrestling with the Site Builder. Templates don’t always behave the way you want. Adjusting layouts, troubleshooting technical glitches, and getting your website to look “just right” can take 20 to 40 hours (if you’re lucky). DIY platforms might promise ease of use, but they rarely deliver a stress-free experience.
The Bottom Line
Let’s do the math:
Task |
Hours |
Copywriting & Strategy |
15 hours |
Learning the Platform |
10 hours |
SEO, Image, and Keyword Optimisation |
15 hours |
Wrestling with the Site Builder |
20–40 hours |
Total Time: 60–80 hours
If your time is worth $100/hour (and let’s face it, your time is valuable), you’ve just spent $6,000 to $8,000 of your own time on a website. And the final product? It’s usually a subpar website that lacks professional polish, proper SEO, and the strategic edge to grow your business.
Why a Professional Website is Worth It
When you work with an experienced team like JS Website Design, you’re not just paying for a website—you’re investing in expertise. Here’s what you get:
- A professionally designed, SEO-friendly website tailored to your business.
- Content and strategy that drives traffic and conversions.
- Peace of mind knowing your website is built right the first time.
- More time to focus on growing your business instead of struggling with tech.
As a trusted website design agency in Penrith, we’ve helped countless businesses achieve online success without the headaches of DIY.
Stop Losing Time, Start Growing Your Business
If you’re ready to save time, reduce stress, and get a professional website that works hard for your business, get in touch with JS Website Design today. Whether you need help with website design, SEO, or maintenance, we’re here to help.
Contact us now to discover how we can transform your online presence. Your time is valuable—let’s make it count!
Boost Your Online Success with Penrith’s Leading Website Design and SEO Agency
JS Website Design specialises in delivering high-quality websites that perform. Don’t let a DIY website hold your business back. Let us handle the hard work so you can focus on what you do best.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today to get started!