How to build a website: DIY vs. Professional web design

Should you build a website yourself or hire experts? We break down the options.

So, you’re ready to build a website for your business – congrats!

Whether starting a side hustle, launching a dream project, or giving your existing site a glow-up, having a website that looks sharp and works like a charm is non-negotiable. It’s your virtual shopfront, your 24/7 salesperson, and (if done right) your secret weapon for success.

Now, here’s the big question: Should you roll up your sleeves and go for DIY web design, or is it time to call in the pros for professional web design services?

On one hand, creating a site yourself can save you money, give you control, and unleash your inner creative genius. On the other hand, hiring professionals means polished, expert results – without breaking a sweat. But don’t stress; we’ll break it all down for you.

In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both options, with some handy tips to help you decide what works best for your business. Plus, we’ll let you in on a little secret about how True Green Hosting’s AI Website Builder can make DIY web design a breeze (spoiler: you don’t need to be a tech wizard to create a ripper website).

Let’s get started!

How to build a website: DIY Web Design pros and cons

Pros and cons of DIY website design have something in common with building flat pack furniture

What Is DIY Web Design?

DIY web design is exactly what it sounds like – rolling up your sleeves and building your website yourself! Whether you’re a tech-savvy entrepreneur or someone who’s never touched a design tool before, modern platforms make it easier than ever to create your dream site. 

From drag-and-drop editors to AI-powered builders, anyone can figure out how to build a free website (yes, free!) and get their business online.

Thanks to tools like True Green Hosting’s AI Website Builder, crafting a website is no longer a mystery. With templates and user-friendly features, you can whip up a professional-looking site faster than your morning coffee. But before you begin exploring this further, let’s weigh the pros and cons of going DIY.

The Pros of DIY Web Design

  • Cost-effective
    When it comes to the cost of building a website, DIY wins hands down. Platforms offering free or affordable plans let you avoid pricey professional fees. All you need is a hosting plan like True Green Hosting’s Kickstart or Bloom plans and you’ll access an AI website builder – for free!
  • Creative freedom
    With DIY web page design, you’re the boss. Choose colours, layouts, fonts, and images that scream “this is my brand!” There’s something satisfying about seeing your vision come to life exactly how you imagined it.
  • Immediate control over changes
    Spotted a typo on your homepage? Want to add a new product page? When you go the DIY route, you can regularly audit your website and make updates – no need to wait for a designer to pencil you into their schedule.

The cons of DIY Web Design

  • Time-consuming
    Let’s be real: learning how to build a free website takes time. You might spend more hours than expected between picking the right tools, customising templates, and troubleshooting glitches.
  • Risk of limited functionality and design quality
    Sure, your DIY site might look good on the surface, but will it have all the bells and whistles of a professionally built site? Certain features (like complex e-commerce setups or advanced SEO tools) can be tricky to pull off solo.

Professional web design services: Pros and cons

Web designers are good at what they do but they might cost you a pretty penny

What are professional web design services?

Professional web design services are like hiring an interior designer for your website. Instead of navigating the maze of templates and tools yourself, you let the experts handle it. A web design agency in Australia (or freelancers with serious skills) takes care of everything – from layout and branding to functionality and optimisation.

These pros aren’t just design wizards but also tech geniuses who ensure your site runs smoothly, ranks well on Google, and delivers a seamless user experience. The result? A polished, custom-made website that reflects your business perfectly.

But is it worth the investment? Let’s dive into the pros and cons.

The pros of professional web design services

  • High-quality, customised designs
    When hiring a pro, you get a website tailored to your brand, audience, and goals. Forget cookie-cutter templates – professional web design brings your vision to life in a way that’s as unique as your business.
  • Expertise in functionality and user experience
    Designers know the tricks of the trade. They’ll ensure your site looks stunning and loads quickly, works perfectly on all devices, and ranks higher in search engines. It’s the full package!
  • Saves time and effort
    Instead of spending hours figuring out where that pesky button went, you can focus on running your business while the pros handle the heavy lifting.

The cons of professional web design services

  • Higher web design cost
    It’s no secret – working with professionals can be pricey. The web design cost depends on your needs and the agency’s rates, but it’s often significantly more than DIY options.
  • Less control over the process
    Handing the reins to someone else means you might not have the same creative freedom or immediate control. Communication is key to ensuring your ideas are reflected in the final product.
  • Longer timelines for delivery
    A professionally designed website doesn’t happen overnight. Agencies often have multiple clients, so your project might take weeks or months to complete.
  • Potential for miscommunication
    Even the best designers can misinterpret your vision. Without clear communication and feedback, the final design might not fully align with your expectations.

How much would it cost to build a website in Australia?

There is a lot that goes into the cost of website design. in Australia

Comparing DIY and professional web design costs

So, how much would it cost to build a website? It depends on whether you’re taking the DIY route or hiring the pros.

  • DIY web design: The cost of building a website yourself can range from free to a few hundred dollars. Website builders or platforms like Elementor, Wix, or SquareSpace often come with free plans, though you’ll likely still need to pay for a domain name or hosting.
  • Professional web design services: This is where the web design cost starts climbing. In Australia, you could be looking at $2,000 to $10,000 (or more), depending on your website’s complexity and the designer’s experience.

What affects web design cost in Australia?

Several factors can impact the cost of building a website:

  1. Complexity of the site: A simple one-page website will cost far less than a fully-fledged e-commerce site with dozens of pages, interactive features, and fancy animations.
  2. Features and integrations: Want to add online shopping? Booking systems? Custom forms? Each additional feature can increase the cost.
  3. Hosting and maintenance: Don’t forget the ongoing costs! You’ll need a reliable hosting provider and a website designer or developer for updates or maintenance.

How True Green Hosting makes website building affordable

Here’s the good news: You can save big without sacrificing quality.

  • DIY-friendly tools: With True Green Hosting’s Kickstart and Bloom plans, you get access to Elementor’s AI Website Builder. It’s a game-changer, letting you create stunning, responsive sites without hiring a professional.
  • Affordable hosting: Our web hosting plans include secure, sustainable hosting at competitive rates, so you get the best bang for your buck.

How to build a website for free

Flex your creative skills when building a website for free

Is building a website for free possible?

Absolutely! Thanks to technological advancements, building a website for free is no longer a pipe dream. With the right tools and creativity, you can launch a professional-looking site without spending a cent.

Free website builders like Elementor’s AI Website Builder, included with True Green Hosting’s plans, have made the process more accessible than ever. They offer pre-designed templates and user-friendly interfaces to get you started in no time.

The essentials for building a website for free

While “free” is possible, you’ll still need to understand what goes into a website. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Domain name
    This is your website’s address (e.g., www.mybusiness.com). A truly free option might give you a subdomain (like www.mybusiness.freehost.com), but investing in a custom domain is recommended if you want a professional look. It’s essential to pick the right domain name for your website.
  • Hosting
    Your website needs a home on the internet. Some platforms offer free hosting, but these often come with limitations like slower speeds or ads. True Green Hosting’s plans give you eco-friendly hosting with premium performance at affordable prices.
  • Design
    tools Here’s where the magic happens! Tools like Elementor’s AI Website Builder let you drag, drop, and customise every detail. With free options available, you can create a stunning site with minimal effort.

Pro tip: Remember, even if you’re building a website for free, it’s worth considering small investments in things like a domain or hosting to make your site truly shine. A little spending goes a long way!

How can I build a free website?

DIY website design is easy with these tips

Step-by-step: From idea to online in no time

Creating a website doesn’t have to feel like rocket science. With the right tools, “How can I build a free website?” becomes less of a question and more of a “let’s do this!” Here’s a simple process to follow:

  1. Choose a hosting provider that offers free tools
    Start with a hosting provider like True Green Hosting, which includes Elementor’s AI Website Builder in their plans. This ensures you’ll have access to a powerful yet user-friendly tool to kick things off.
  2. Select a website template that suits your goals
    Not sure where to begin? Browse through pre-designed templates! Whether you’re launching a boutique shop, a blog, or a service-based business, there’s a design out there that screams “perfect fit” for both you and your customers.
  3. Customise the template
    Now, the fun begins. Add your logo, tweak the colours to match your brand, and replace placeholder text with your content. No design degree? No worries! Drag-and-drop tools make this as easy as arranging furniture in your living room. If you’re not sure you have enough creative flair, don’t worry – we’ve got many website design tips and tricks for you. You can check them out here.
  4. Publish your website with just a few clicks
    Once you’re happy with the look, it’s time to hit that Publish button. In just seconds, your website is live for the world to see!

The best part?

With tools like Elementor’s AI Website Builder, you don’t need to know how to code or have technical expertise. Your website will look like it was crafted by a pro – without the price tag!

True Green Hosting’s AI Website Builder: your free website solution

Build a website for free with True Green Hosting

If you’ve been searching for the best DIY web design solution, look no further! True Green Hosting’s AI Website Builder makes it easy to build a website Australia that’s fast, professional, and stunning – without breaking a sweat (or your budget).

Why choose True Green Hosting’s AI Website Builder?

Here’s what makes this tool a game-changer for DIY web page design:

  • Intuitive AI tools for DIY web page design
    No coding? No problem. The AI Copilot takes the hard work out of web design by guiding you through each step. It even makes recommendations tailored to your business needs.
  • Fast, responsive, and professional-quality results
    With built-in templates and AI-driven customisation, you can create a website that looks sleek and works seamlessly across all devices.
  • Seamless integration with Elementor Pro hosting
    Your website isn’t just hosted – it’s hosted with power. The AI Website Builder integrates with Elementor Pro, giving you advanced design tools and ensuring your site loads quickly for Australian audiences.

How does it work?

True Green Hosting includes the AI Website Builder in their “Kickstart” and “Bloom” plans, making it accessible to Australian businesses looking to build a website for free. Whether creating your first website or upgrading an old one, this tool helps you go live quickly.

DIY or professional web design services? Find your best fit

Deciding whether to build a website yourself or hire professional web design services depends on your needs. DIY web design is cost-effective and gives you creative control, while professional services deliver polished, customised results – but often at a higher price.

With True Green Hosting, you don’t have to choose. Our AI Website Builder makes DIY effortless, combining affordability with professional-quality tools. Check out the “Kickstart” and “Bloom” web hosting plans today and start building your dream website for free.