On a tight budget for your website? You’re likely weighing two options: a DIY website builder or hiring a cheap web designer for around $99. Both promise a low-cost way to get online, but which is quicker? Which is safer? And what do you actually get? Let’s break it down.
The DIY Approach: Drag-and-Drop Freedom
Platforms like Wix, Shopify, or WordPress.com make DIY websites seem like a breeze. Choose a template, drag elements, add your content, and you’re live. No coding skills needed. For a basic site, you could be done in a few hours. But things get complicated fast.
Go beyond a simple layout, and you’ll hit roadblocks:
- Why does my site look broken on phones?
- Why is this image blurry?
- How do I make my pages load faster?
- Why is this menu not working?
What started as a quick task can turn into weeks of troubleshooting, searching forums, and watching tutorials. DIY is only fast for simple sites—and if something breaks, you’re the one fixing it.
The $99 Custom Solution
A cheap web design offer for $99 or slightly more sounds tempting. You’ll find these deals from freelancers or new designers on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. They promise a site in days, often using templates and your provided text or images.
But $99 doesn’t stretch far. It might get you a basic site, but don’t expect revisions, ongoing help, or custom features. Some designers deliver decent work; others reuse generic templates or disappear after payment. If you’re clear about your needs and choose wisely, this can be faster than DIY—but it’s a gamble.
Which Is Faster?
It depends on your skills. If you’ve built sites before, DIY might be quicker. You know how to tweak templates, fix layouts, and handle uploads. A simple site could take a day or two.
If you’re new to this, DIY can eat up time. You’ll wrestle with tools, resize images, and search for fixes online. A cheap web designer, if reliable, could deliver in a few days. But low prices often mean no revisions or extra support, so be precise about what you want.
Which Is Safer?
Neither is risk-free. DIY gives you control, but that means you’re responsible for mistakes. Most platforms don’t automatically handle SEO, security settings, or mobile optimization. Errors can hurt your site’s performance or visibility without you noticing.
A cheap web designer isn’t much safer. Some use outdated templates or free tools that break easily. Others might vanish mid-project. Your safety depends on their skill and your ability to pick a good one.
The Real Price Tag
Cheap web design—whether DIY or hired—has hidden costs. You might miss out on:
- Custom features like contact forms or e-commerce
- Proper SEO (titles, descriptions, image optimization)
- Mobile-friendly design
- Ongoing maintenance or updates
- Site testing for speed or bugs
These gaps can lead to bigger expenses later, whether it’s time spent fixing issues or paying for a full rebuild.
Who Should Go DIY?
DIY is ideal if you’re tech-savvy, have time to learn, and need a simple site—like a portfolio or personal page. It’s also a great way to build skills for future projects. Just expect a learning curve and some frustration along the way.
Who Should Choose a $99 Designer?
If you’re in a hurry, avoid tech, or need a site fast, a cheap web designer might be better. To reduce risks, ensure they:
- Provide a clear timeline
- Show examples of past work
- List what’s included (and excluded)
- Give you full control of the site
If they’re vague or unprofessional, keep looking.
Final Take
Neither DIY nor a $99 custom build is perfect. DIY can drain your time if you’re inexperienced. Cheap web design can save effort but risks shoddy work or unreliability. To succeed, keep your project simple, set clear goals, and don’t expect miracles on a tiny budget. Getting online is one thing; staying online without stress is another.
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