DIY vs Hiring a Designer: How  to Know What You’re Ready For

Website Clarity

By Haus of Mae

There’s a moment almost every business owner reaches where they pause and think:

“Should I do this myself… or is it time to bring someone in?”

If you’re asking that question about your website, you’re not behind.

You’re paying attention.

I want to start by saying this clearly: there is no “right” or “wrong” path here.

There’s only what makes sense for where you are right now.

And I know this because I’ve been on both sides of it.

When I Was Just Starting Out

When I first started my business, outsourcing wasn’t even a consideration.
Not because I didn’t value design or strategy — but because I simply didn’t have the means. 

So I did what many business owners do:

  • I learned as I went
  • I pieced things together myself
  • I made decisions based on what I could afford at the time

And honestly? That season taught me a lot.

DIY-ing your website can be incredibly empowering. It helps you understand your brand, your offers, and how you want to show up online. For many people, it’s the exact right place to begin.

And Then… There’s the Next Chapter

There comes a point where DIY starts to feel heavy.

Not because you’re incapable, but because:

  • your time becomes more valuable
  • your business becomes more complex
  • your standards become higher

This is usually when questions shift from “Can I do this?” to “Should I still be doing this?”

That’s the real distinction.

So How Do You Know Which Path Makes Sense for You?

Here are a few honest indicators to help you understand where you’re at.

DIY Might Be the Right Fit If…

  • You’re early in business or pivoting and want flexibility
  • You enjoy learning new tools and problem-solving
  • You have the time to dedicate to building thoughtfully
  • You’re comfortable making design decisions on your own
  • You want something functional — not necessarily perfect

DIY doesn’t have to mean cheap or rushed.
It means intentionally self-supported.

If this resonates, structure matters more than having everything figured out. In this season, I typically recommend two supportive ways to move forward: gaining clarity around the big picture, and starting with a foundation that removes the guesswork of building from scratch.

If this resonates with you, I encourage you to start with: The Website Prep Hub to help you organize your next steps with your website as well as get started with a Showit Website Template which can give you a strong foundation to build on without starting from scratch.

Now, if you’re still reading, you may be realizing that growth doesn’t always mean doing more or doing it all alone — sometimes it means choosing differently.

Hiring A Designer Might Be the Better Choice For You If…

  • You feel stuck, overwhelmed, or bogged down by the technical side
  • You keep second-guessing your design choices or the platform you’re building on
  • You don’t have the time to invest in the skill of designing your website
  • You want your website to reflect a more elevated version of your business that supports your growth and evolution long-term
  • You’d rather focus on serving your clients than building pages

This isn’t about “not being capable.”


It’s about choosing where your energy goes.

When this season arrives, the right support doesn’t just save time — it brings clarity, confidence, and momentum. I approach website and brand design with care, intention, and long-term growth in mind, so the process feels considered from start to finish.

If working together feels aligned, I’d love to learn more about you and your business.

[Explore Working Together]

And if you’re still feeling unsure, that’s okay too. Sometimes clarity comes from conversation. If you’re weighing your options or simply want to talk through what makes sense for your next chapter, I’m always happy to connect.

There’s no rush — just thoughtful decisions, made at the right time.

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