DIY Website or Hire a Designer? How to Choose the Right Move for Your Service Business
DIY your website or hire a designer? The right answer depends on your business stage—not your confidence.
For service-based business owners debating DIY vs hiring a website designer, this solo episode breaks down website strategy, copywriting, SEO, and the 6 roles behind a site that actually converts—plus when outsourcing works and when it backfires.
👉 Watch the free class: From Overlooked to Fully Booked
https://dearkatebrandstrategy.com/fullybooked
Follow the show for practical website strategy that helps you book clients without relying on social media.
Chapters:
00:00 — DIY or Hire a Website Designer? The Answer Depends on Your Season
Why this isn’t a yes-or-no decision—and how your business stage changes everything.
00:31 — Lauren’s Story: How Strategic DIY Built the Foundation to Outsource Later
Same business, different seasons, different decisions.
01:22 — The 6 Roles Behind a Strategic Website (It’s More Than Design)
Why design is only one piece of the puzzle.
01:39 — Role #1: Brand Strategy — The Step Most Business Owners Skip
Positioning, clarity, and why strategy must come before visuals.
02:45 — Role #2: Brand Design vs Website Design — Ingredients vs Recipe
Why your logo isn’t your website.
03:56 — Role #3: Copywriting — The Conversion Engine (and Why It Takes Longer Than You Think)
Why writing your own copy is harder—and more powerful—than expected.
05:03 — Role #4: Design + Development — Turning Strategy Into a Site That Sells
How layout guides the customer journey.
05:34 — Role #5–6: SEO + Ongoing Maintenance — Get Found and Keep It Working
Why visibility and updates matter long term.
06:34 — When Hiring a Website Designer Makes Sense: 5 Signs You’re Ready
How to outsource strategically.
07:51 — Outsourcing Done Right: Why Lauren’s Rebrand Worked
What happens when clarity comes first.
09:06 — The Trap of Hiring Too Soon (Photographer Case Study)
Why a beautiful site doesn’t always convert.
10:06 — Why DIY Can Be Powerful: Build Clarity, Confidence, and Marketing Skills
Messaging muscle + long-term growth.
12:24 — DIY vs Done-For-You: Honest Pros, Cons, and Tradeoffs
Time, cost, control, and flexibility.
15:15 — “I’m Not Techy” Myth: Why No-Code Website Builders Make DIY Possible
The tech isn’t the hard part anymore.
15:50 — Final Takeaway + Free Training: Build a Website That Books Clients
How to move forward with clarity instead of guessing.
🔗 Links Mentioned
Free Training: From Overlooked to Fully Booked
Learn the 3-part framework (Strategy → Site Design → Showing Up) to build a website that books clients:
https://dearkatebrandstrategy.com/fullybooked
Related Video: Is Your Website Missing These Key Pieces?
Whether I’m behind the lens or behind a screen, I’m all about finding simpler, smarter ways to grow a sustainable business — with clear messaging, clean design, solid boundaries, and a little help from AI.
Because between carpools, practice runs, and Knowledge Bowl meets, I need a business that works even when I’m not.
Grab my free website training to learn how to make your site your hardest-working team member.
Hi, I’m Kate — brand strategist, web designer, and yes, still a working photographer.
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