There is no single right way to get a website. There is only the right way for how you work. Here are the four common routes and who each one suits.
DIY builders
Tools like Wix, Squarespace or Framer let you design everything yourself. Best for: people who enjoy tinkering and have spare time. Watch out for: decision fatigue, uneven design, and a site that never gets finished.
Freelancers
A good freelancer can build a beautiful site fast. Best for: one-off projects with a clear brief. Watch out for: the hand-off. When the project ends, so can the relationship, and small fixes become new invoices.
Agencies
Agencies bring a team, process and polish. Best for: larger organisations with budget for strategy and custom work. Watch out for: long timelines and costs that outgrow a small business.
A website partner
A partner builds the site and stays on to look after it, for a steady monthly fee. Best for: busy founders who want a good site without managing a project. Watch out for: make sure the scope is written down: what is included and what costs extra.
A quick decision test
- Do I enjoy this kind of work? If yes, DIY.
- Do I have a one-time, well-defined need? Freelancer.
- Do I have a large budget and a complex brief? Agency.
- Do I want it handled and kept fresh? Partner.
If you landed on number four, the quiz on our home page is the quickest way to start.