Most businesses do not think about their website until something stops working. It might be outdated design, slow load times, or a drop in leads. Or, it might just be a friend or relative mentioning how bad their website actually is. Oftentimes, their website just doesn’t reflect the business anymore after a shift. A website should reflect where your business is now, not where it was when it launched.
According to Google’s page experience guidelines, speed and usability directly impact how users interact with your site, so an old site that loads slowly (or not at all!) is going to hurt. Plus, many people miss the evolving trends, designs, and UI changes happening in the market. If your website is more than a few years old, loads slowly, or does not work well on mobile devices, it’s probably already hurting your business.
At that point, the question is not whether you need a new website; It’s how to approach building one. There are three common paths. #1 Do it yourself. #2 hire a freelancer. #3 work with an agency. Each option works in the right situation, but they are not interchangeable. I’ve put together my thoughts on the matter, since I’ve been building websites for over a decade, on how each has it’s place depending on your business needs.
#1 DIY Website Builders: When It Makes Sense
Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify have made it super easy to build a website without any technical knowledge. Just “drag and drop” in the common phrase. sFor small businesses just getting started, this can be the most economical option. DIY works best when:
- The site is simple
- The budget is limited
- The goal is to get something live quickly
Templates, drag-and-drop tools, and built-in hosting all reduce the barrier to entry and get your business online fast. However, the main limitation can be flexibility. As the business grows, these platforms can become restrictive in terms of customization, performance, and advanced functionality. Plus, that cheap plan you signed up may no longer work, so you’re forced to pay a higher subscription fee.
#2 Hiring a Freelancer: Flexibility with Lower Overhead
Working with a freelancer is often the next step up from DIY. Freelancers typically offer more customization and technical skill without the cost of a full agency behind them. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr have made it easier to find independent developers and designers across a wide range of price points. This option is best when:
- You need more than a template
- You have a clear vision for your site
- You want flexibility without a large investment
The main tradeoff is longevity. Most freelancers aren’t going to host your website longterm. So, you’ll need to still get your feet wet in whatever system they’ve built your website on. In 2026, many developers still rely on WordPress, while others are using AI to “vibe code” from scratch. When hiring a freelancer it’s important to do your research, discuss the end-point deliverables, and find someone trustworthy. That last point can be the hardest one to accomplish. I’d recommend asking your personal network of professionals for recommendations. Word of mouth marketing is often strongest for trustworthy freelancers.
#3 Working with a Marketing Agency: Full-Service Approach
Agencies provide a more structured and comprehensive approach to building a website. This typically includes strategy, design, development, SEO, and lasting support. For businesses that rely heavily on their website for leads or revenue, this approach can offer more long-term value, more than a single freelancer can provide. Additionally, marketing agencies come equipped with a full team of specialized members, so you’re not relying on a Swiss-Army knife of a single developer.
According to resources like HubSpot’s website strategy guide, a well-built website should align with broader business goals, and a well-equipped team is the best prepared to partner you with.
All that being said, the main consideration is cost. Oftentimes, their overhead requires higher upfront cost and contracts. If the flexibility and longevity is worth the cost for your business, then it may be time to cough of the cash. Picking the right agency though can be scary; you don’t want to be saddled with a longterm contract with a company that’s underperforming on their end. Likewise to freelancers, I always recommend getting word-of-mouth referrals before deciding which direction to go.
So, which is it? Comparing DIY vs Freelancer vs Agency
Really, each option serves a different stage of business. DIY is best for early-stage businesses that need something simple and affordable (and quick!). Freelancers work well for businesses that need customization but can manage the process themselves longterm (this takes effort!). Agencies are best for businesses that want a long-term asset built with strategy and scalability in mind. There isn’t a single “best” option.
How to Decide What’s Right for Your Business
The decision comes down to three main things. Budget, complexity, and long-term goals. For many businesses, the biggest mistake is waiting too long. An outdated or underperforming website can quietly limit growth without being obvious at first.
Final Thoughts on Building a New Website
A website is not just a landing page of information. It’s oftentimes the authority your business needs when they’ve seen you elsewhere. Whether you build it yourself, hire a freelancer, or work with an agency, the goal is the same. And that’s to create something that reflects your business clearly and works consistently over time. The process should be intentional, and ever evolving.
About the Author
This article was written by Joshua Roper, developer at Voixly. He works with businesses to build and improve their digital presence. Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-roper/.
