BusinessJanuary 15, 20264 min read
DIY Website vs. Professional: What's the Real Cost?
Wix and Squarespace seem cheap until you factor in your time. Here's the honest math on building your own site versus hiring a professional.
P
Propel Team
Web Developers
The DIY Appeal
DIY website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.com are tempting. They promise an easy, affordable way to get online. But is it really cheaper?
The Hidden Costs
1. Your Time
Building a professional-looking website takes 40+ hours of learning and work. What's your hourly rate?
$50/hr × 40 hrs = $2,000 Cost
Ongoing Maintenance
Who fixes it when something breaks? Who updates plugins? Who handles security? That's all on you.
Opportunity Cost
Every hour you spend wrestling with website builders is an hour not spent on your actual business.
The Math
| Option | Upfront | Monthly | Your Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Website | $0 | $30 | 40+ Hours |
| Professional | $100 setup | $100 | 0 Hours |
For an extra $70/month, you get your time back and a team that handles everything.
The Bottom Line
DIY makes sense if web design is your hobby. For everyone else, the math points to professional help.
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