Trying to get a website on a shoestring budget? You’re likely choosing between a DIY website builder or a cheap web designer offering a site for around $99. Both promise an affordable way to go online, but which is quicker? Which is safer? And what are you really getting? Let’s break it down.
The DIY Path: Drag-and-Drop Promises
Platforms like Wix, Weebly, or WordPress.com market themselves as beginner-friendly. Pick a template, drag elements into place, add your content, and you’re live. No coding skills needed. A simple site might take just a few hours. But things can get complicated fast.
Go beyond a basic layout, and you’ll hit issues like:
- Why does my site look off on mobile devices?
- Why is this image not displaying correctly?
- How do I make my pages load faster?
- Why is this text not aligning properly?
What seemed like a quick weekend project can turn into weeks of troubleshooting, searching help forums, and watching tutorials. DIY is only fast for the simplest sites—and if something breaks, you’re on your own.
The $99 Custom Route
A cheap web design service for $99 or slightly more sounds like a bargain. You’ll find these offers from freelancers or new designers on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. They typically promise a site in a few days, often using templates and your provided text or images.
But $99 has its limits. It might get you a basic site, but don’t expect revisions, ongoing support, or complex features. Some designers deliver decent work; others slap your logo on a generic template or disappear after payment. If you choose wisely and communicate clearly, this can be faster than DIY—but it’s a risk.
Which Is Faster?
Your experience makes the difference. If you’ve built websites before, DIY might be quicker. You’re familiar with tweaking templates, fixing layouts, and managing content. A basic site could be done in a day or two.
If you’re new to this, DIY can be a time sink. You’ll spend hours learning the platform, fixing formatting errors, or searching for solutions online. A reliable cheap web designer could deliver a site in days, but low-cost deals often mean no revisions or extra support, so be specific about your needs.
Which Is Safer?
Neither option is completely safe. DIY gives you control, but that also means you can make mistakes. Most platforms don’t automatically handle SEO, security, or mobile optimization. Errors can hurt your site’s performance or visibility without you noticing.
Hiring a cheap web designer isn’t much safer. Some use outdated templates or unstable tools that can break. Others might abandon the project halfway through. Your safety depends on their professionalism and your ability to vet them carefully.
The Real Cost
Cheap web design—whether DIY or hired—comes with compromises. You might miss out on:
- Custom features like e-commerce or contact forms
- SEO essentials (meta tags, image optimization, etc.)
- Mobile-friendly design
- Ongoing maintenance or updates
- Testing for performance or bugs
These gaps can lead to bigger costs later, whether it’s time spent fixing issues or paying for a rebuild when your site can’t keep up.
Who Should Go DIY?
DIY is ideal if you’re hands-on, have time to learn, and want a simple site—like a personal blog or portfolio. It’s also a chance to build skills that help you manage future projects. Just expect a learning curve and some frustration.
Who Should Choose a $99 Designer?
If you’re short on time, dislike tech, or need a site live quickly, a cheap web designer might be the better choice. To reduce risks, ensure they:
- Provide a clear timeline
- Show samples of past work
- Clarify what’s included (and excluded)
- Give you full control of the site
If they’re vague or unprofessional, look elsewhere.
Final Word
Neither DIY nor a $99 custom build is flawless. DIY can drain your time if you’re inexperienced. Cheap web design can save effort but risks poor quality or unreliability. To succeed, keep your project simple, define your needs clearly, and don’t expect miracles on a tiny budget. Getting online is just the start—staying online without stress takes planning.
Comments (0)