Introduction: A Crucial Decision for Small Businesses

Every small business owner knows they need a website. But when it comes to building one, there’s an important decision to make: should you do it yourself using DIY website templates, or hire a professional web designer?

This choice can feel overwhelming. On one side, DIY website templates promise low cost, fast setup, and full control. On the other, professional designers offer custom-built websites tailored to your brand — but often at a much higher price.

In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each option, show you where DIY shines, and explain when hiring a designer makes more sense. By the end, you’ll know which route is right for your business today (and how to upgrade later if needed).

DIY Website Templates: Affordable and Accessible

DIY website templates are pre-built website designs that you can customise with your own content, colours, and branding. Platforms like WordPress combined with the Divi theme make it easy for even beginners to create a professional-looking site.

The Advantages of DIY Templates

• Low Cost: With our DIY Business Website Templates, you can launch a 5-page website for just £49. Compare that to thousands of pounds for many custom designs.

• Speed: Get online in a matter of hours, not weeks or months.

• Control: You can edit text, swap images, and add new pages whenever you like — no need to rely on a developer.

• SEO-Ready: Good DIY templates include optimisation tools so your site can start ranking in Google right away.

• Scalability: With Divi, your website can grow with you. Start with a small site, then expand as your business grows.

The Limitations of DIY Templates

• Learning Curve: While drag-and-drop builders are easier than code, they still require time to learn.

• Design Boundaries: Templates give you a framework. You can customise, but you may not get the completely unique look a designer can create.

• Time Commitment: If you’re busy running your business, finding time to build a site can be tough.

Hiring a Web Designer: Custom and Hands-Free

Professional web designers build a site for you from scratch, based on your goals, brand, and industry. They handle everything from layout to coding to integrations.

The Advantages of Hiring a Designer

• Custom Design: Your site is unique, tailored to your brand.

• Professional Guidance: A good designer understands user experience, SEO, and conversion principles.

• Hands-Free: No need to learn software or build pages — it’s all done for you.

• Advanced Features: If you need booking systems, complex e-commerce, or unique functionality, a designer can implement these.

The Limitations of Hiring a Designer

• Cost: Professional web design can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £5,000+. For many small businesses, that’s simply not realistic.

• Time: Custom sites often take weeks or months to launch.

• Dependence: You may need to pay for every future edit, unless your site is built in a user-friendly platform like WordPress + Divi.

Which Is Best for Small Businesses?

The truth is, there’s no single “best” choice — it depends on your stage, budget, and goals.

• If you’re a new business or sole trader with limited budget → DIY website templates are the smartest starting point. For just £49, you can have a professional site online the same day.

• If you’re a growing business that needs more polish and support → a done-for-you option like our Starter Websites bridges the gap.

• If you’re an established business that wants a fully custom solution → a Full-Service Website Design is the right fit.

Why DIY Templates Make Sense as a First Step

For most small businesses, starting with DIY makes sense because:

• It gets you online fast.

• You can start generating leads and sales without waiting weeks.

• You can upgrade later without wasting money — Divi templates can expand into full sites.

• At just £49, the investment pays for itself with even one new customer.

The Hybrid Approach: Done-for-You DIY

At InboxingProWeb, we’ve found many small business owners like the DIY control but don’t want the technical hassle. That’s why we offer a Support Pack (£35) — we install Divi on your hosting and set up your site ready to edit.

Want more? Our Starter Packages include hosting, domain, SSL, and emails — everything done for you, but still editable via Divi.

This gives you the best of both worlds: professional setup plus full DIY editing power.

Final Thoughts: DIY vs Designer Doesn’t Have to Be Either/Or

Choosing between DIY website templates and hiring a web designer doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision.

• Start with DIY to get online quickly and affordably.

• Upgrade to Starter or Full-Service when you’re ready for more features or a bigger presence.

The key is to avoid standing still. Every day without a website is a day you miss out on customers who are searching online right now.

👉 Ready to take action? Launch your site today with our DIY Business Website Templates — and get your business online for just £49.

Get more information about our company and read our 5 star reviews here