Why your website deserves more than a DIY platform

Are you really getting the best for your business?

Thinking about building your website with a DIY platform like Wix, Squarespace, or IONOS? Or perhaps you’re hiring a web designer who works with these tools? On the surface, they seem like a quick, simple and affordable way to get online. But before you invest, it’s worth considering whether these platforms are truly the right fit for your growing business.

Connor, our Web & Technical Manager at Frankman Design, has worked with businesses at every stage of growth over the years and seen the challenges DIY platforms bring.

While these tools can work well when you’re just starting out, they often become more of a hindrance than a help as your business scales. Here’s why he believes your business deserves more than a DIY website.

The appeal of DIY websites

There’s no denying that DIY website builders have changed the game. With drag-and-drop features, pre-built templates, and AI-assisted design, they’re great for sole traders, start-ups, and side hustlers who need to get online quickly and affordably.

Got a handmade jewellery business? Selling artisan candles or offering local services? These platforms make it easy to launch and manage your own website without technical skills. Need to tweak some text? No problem. No need to wait weeks for a developer to make simple changes.

For businesses in their early stages, a DIY platform can seem like the perfect starting point. But what happens when your ambitions grow?

The limitations of DIY websites

DIY website builders are fantastic for getting started, but they’re not really designed for long-term growth. If your business is scaling, you might quickly find these platforms become more of a barrier than a benefit.

Lack of flexibility

You’re restricted by the templates and built-in tools. Want a custom feature? You might be out of luck.

SEO struggles

DIY platforms often fall short when it comes to advanced SEO, meaning your website might struggle to rank well on Google.

Limited ownership

Unlike self-hosted platforms like WordPress, you don’t truly own your website. Moving your site elsewhere? That’s not always easy (or even possible).

One-size-fits-all design

A DIY website might look sleek, but is it really tailored to your business goals? If your web designer only works with limiting DIY drag-and-drop builders, you might not be getting the best solution for your needs.

The hidden costs of DIY websites

At first glance, DIY website platforms might seem like a cost-effective solution, but the hidden expenses can add up quickly:

Your time

Building a website yourself takes time away from actually running your business. Time spent figuring out templates, fixing layout issues, or troubleshooting errors is time you could have spent serving customers and generating revenue.

Limited functionality

Need an advanced feature? Many DIY platforms require premium subscriptions for even basic customisation, meaning you could end up paying more in the long run.

Getting stuck with the wrong designer

If you hire a web designer who only works with limiting DIY platforms, you’re not just paying for their time, you’re paying for the subscription and you’re paying for a solution that may not serve you well in the long term. If you later decide to upgrade, you might have to start from scratch. Moreover, you could be paying for a designer to use a tool that’s intended to be simple and accessible for anyone. After all, DIY platforms are designed to be user-friendly, and in theory, you should be able to manage the platform yourself without needing a designer to do it for you. We believe this approach can be less than transparent and may not be the most ethical use of your investment.

The cost of switching

Migrating from a DIY platform to WordPress can be costly and complex. Investing in the right platform from the start saves you the headache (and expense) of moving later.

Why WordPress is built for business

If you’re serious about your business, investing in the right website platform is crucial. Around 507 million websites are built on WordPress worldwide for a reason. (source) It’s designed to grow with you, giving you complete control and flexibility to tailor your site exactly how you need it.

Customisation without limits

Unlike DIY platforms, WordPress lets you create a site that’s truly unique to your brand.

Superior SEO tools

With plugins like RankMath and Yoast, you can optimise every part of your site to improve rankings and visibility.

Full ownership

Your website, your rules. You can host it anywhere, customise it however you like, and never worry about being locked in.

Scalability

As your business grows, WordPress can handle it. Whether it’s new functionality, integrations, or expanding your online presence, you won’t hit a wall.

Is your web designer offering real expertise?

This is where it gets interesting. If you’re paying a web designer to build your site, ask yourself – are they choosing the best platform for your business, or just using a tool that’s easy for them?

Designers who rely solely on limiting DIY platforms are often limited in what they can offer. While they might be able to produce a visually appealing site, the question is whether it’s genuinely built to perform and scale with your business. A truly skilled web designer will offer solutions that adapt to your needs, rather than fitting you into a template.

Investing wisely in your website

A website is an investment, and like any investment, you want the best return. If a DIY platform works for you, great! But if you’re paying someone to build your site, you should expect more than just a pre-set template with minor tweaks.

Think long-term. If you are serious about growing your business, a WordPress website could save you time, money, and frustration down the line. More flexibility, more customisation, better SEO, and full ownership – all designed to help your business thrive.

Let’s chat about your website

Not sure if your website is built for the long haul? If you’re on a DIY platform, you might not even realise the limitations holding you back. Let’s talk. We can review your current site and help you explore whether a more tailored, scalable solution is the right move for your business.

Book a chat today and let’s see how we can help you build a website that grows with you.

Get a clear idea of costs upfront

Want to understand what a professional WordPress website might cost? Download our Website Price Guide to see transparent pricing and options tailored to different business needs. No hidden fees, just clear, honest advice to help you make the best decision.

Imagine a website that evolves with you, adapts to new products or services, and supports your biggest goals. With the right platform and guidance, you can create an online presence that truly reflects your brand and drives your success.

Let’s make it happen together.