Do I need a web designer or can I use Wix or Squarespace? (UK Guide)
If you’re unsure whether to build your own website using Wix or Squarespace or hire a professional web designer in the UK, this guide will help you choose the right option for your business.
Not sure which route is right for you? If you’d like honest advice based on your business and goals, feel free to get in touch and we can talk it through.
If you’re a UK small business owner wondering whether to build your own website using Wix or Squarespace or hire a web designer, you’re not alone.
DIY website builders promise quick, affordable websites and for some businesses, they can be a good starting point. But there are important differences between building it yourself and working with a professional web designer.
In this guide, I’ll break it down honestly, so you can decide what’s right for your business; without sales pressure.
Can I build my own website using Wix or Squarespace?
Yes and many business owners do.
Platforms like Wix and Squarespace are designed to help people create their own websites without coding. They work well if:
you’re just starting out
you have time to learn the platform
you’re happy using templates
you don’t need anything too bespoke
For some UK businesses, especially side hustles or early-stage services, a DIY website can be a reasonable short-term solution.
Where DIY websites often fall short
This is where many business owners get stuck.
I often hear from clients in Warrington, Manchester, Liverpool, Cheshire, London and across the UK who started with a DIY site and later realised it wasn’t doing what they needed.
Common issues include:
the site looks “nice” but doesn’t convert visitors into enquiries
confusing navigation or too much content on one page
inconsistent fonts, spacing, or colours
slow load times on mobile
no clear structure for Google to understand the site
Templates don’t think about your business goals — they’re built to suit everyone.
Do I need a web designer in the UK?
You don’t always need one but you probably do if:
your website is an important part of how you get clients
you want to look professional and established
you’re struggling to make your DIY site feel right
you don’t have time to keep tweaking and second-guessing
A UK-based freelance web designer doesn’t just build pages, they think about:
how visitors move through your site
what information people need before they contact you
mobile usability
clarity, trust, and first impressions
Wix or Squarespace vs hiring a web designer
Using Wix or Squarespace yourself
Pros:
lower upfront cost
quick to get online
full control
Cons:
time-consuming
limited design flexibility
easy to make SEO and structure mistakes
often rebuilt later anyway
Hiring a freelance web designer
Pros:
professional layout tailored to your business
clear structure that guides visitors
less stress and guesswork
better long-term foundation
Cons:
higher upfront investment than DIY
For many service-based businesses, the difference is confidence both for you and your customers.
What about cost?
This is usually the deciding factor.
DIY builders may cost less upfront, but they often cost more in:
time
frustration
missed enquiries
Many of my clients across the North West and UK started with a DIY site, then hired a designer once they were ready to take their business seriously.
A middle-ground option (popular with my clients)
If you like the idea of Wix or Squarespace, but don’t want to design it yourself, a freelance designer can build a custom site on those platforms for you.
This gives you:
a professional design
a site you can still edit yourself
none of the trial-and-error phase
It’s a popular option for small businesses who want the best of both worlds.
So… which option is right for you?
If you:
enjoy learning new tools
aren’t relying on your website for leads yet
→ DIY might be fine for now.
If you:
want a website that works hard for your business
want to attract the right clients
want something you won’t need to redo in 6 months
→ working with a web designer is usually the better choice.
Need help deciding?
I’m a freelance web designer based in Warrington, working with small businesses across Manchester, Liverpool, Cheshire, London and the wider UK.
If you’re unsure whether you need a web designer or a DIY website will do for now, feel free to get in touch, I’m always happy to give honest advice, even if that means pointing you in the DIY direction.
Ready to get started with a freelance web designer? Contact me today for expert guidance and a custom-built solution tailored to your needs!
