Should You Hire Someone to Build Your Website?

Understanding Website Development Value

Hiring a professional web developer can improve your website’s visibility, but it’s not an instant magic wand. Here’s how a skilled developer contributes to better traffic:

Technical SEO Expertise: Developers who understand technical SEO can build a site optimized for search engines. This includes faster load times, mobile responsiveness, and properly formatted metadata—all things Google loves.
Strategic Design: A good designer ensures your site is intuitive and appealing. When visitors have a seamless experience, they’re more likely to stay, engage, and return, which boosts your rankings.
Foundation for Growth: A professionally built site provides a strong foundation to publish quality content and grow your domain authority over time.

However, success depends on consistent effort. Regularly publishing relevant content and natural traffic growth are key. Without this, you may still need to invest in marketing, including paid ads or pay-per-click campaigns.

Professional vs DIY Website Development

Building your own website might seem cost-effective, but there are two big reasons to hire a professional:

Google-Friendly Code

While DIY platforms like Wix or Squarespace are convenient, they often lack the backend flexibility needed to maximize your site’s performance. A professional developer can optimize image formats, implement caching, and structure your site for speed and usability—making Google much happier with your site.

Professional Design

Unless you have a background in design, your DIY site may look amateurish. Design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about guiding visitors to take action. A professional designer understands how to balance visuals, content placement, and usability to convert visitors into customers.

To get a good feel for how these website builders compare, check out this video I thought was worth a watch: I Made The Same Website In Every Program Ever

The Reality of Website Traffic

Here’s the truth: No matter how good your website looks or functions, traffic doesn’t come overnight. Reputable designers and developers build with best practices in mind, but your site’s success also depends on:

Domain Authority: Google ranks websites based on factors like usability, relevance, and backlinks. Building authority takes time and consistent effort.
Content Strategy: Regularly publishing engaging, high-quality content is crucial to keep visitors coming back.
Marketing Investments: Organic traffic is ideal, but sometimes paid campaigns are necessary to gain initial traction.

Everyone wants to be on the first page of Google, but only a small percentage achieve this. A professionally built website increases your chances by giving you a strong start.

Why Many Clients Choose Professional Help

As a freelance web designer, I’ve noticed two main reasons clients hire me:

They Lack Time or Expertise: Many business owners don’t want to spend weeks learning to design and manage a site. They hire me to get it done faster, better, and with six years of experience guiding their decisions.
Their Current Site Isn’t Working: Some clients have paid for a website that doesn’t deliver. Within minutes of reviewing it, I can often identify why—confusing navigation, poor sales targeting, or unprofessional aesthetics.

Hiring someone who knows what they’re doing ensures your site avoids these pitfalls. It’s not just about having a website; it’s about having one that works for you.

Making the Right Choice

Should you hire someone to build your website? If you want a website that looks great, functions well, and sets you up for long-term success, the answer is yes. A professional can create a site optimized for search engines, designed for your target audience, and ready to grow as your business does.

But remember: Building a website is just the beginning. To truly see results, you’ll need to maintain it with fresh content, strong marketing efforts, and consistent care.

Hiring a professional is an investment in your online presence—and when done right, it’s one that pays off.