Why Would a Small Business Pay You $1,000 for a Website They Could Build Themselves?
Published on May 20, 2025
With so many platforms out there offering free or low-cost DIY websites, it’s natural to wonder: Why would a small business pay me $500, $1,000 or more — plus a monthly fee — when they could build a site themselves for far less?
Here’s the short answer:
Most small business owners don’t want to build their own site — they want someone to do it for them. DIY platforms are time-consuming, confusing, and often come with hidden costs. You’re not being paid for your time — you’re being paid for the value you deliver: a professional website, done fast, with ongoing support. And that’s exactly what most businesses are looking for.
But if you want the full picture — and how to confidently explain this to potential clients — keep reading.
When you look closely at what business owners really want (and what DIY platforms actually offer), the answer becomes crystal clear.
It all comes down to one simple truth:
While DIY platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and GoDaddy Website Builder may seem appealing, most small business owners simply don’t have the time, patience, or know-how to figure them out. They’re too busy running their business.
Hiring someone to “just take care of it” saves them hours of frustration and gives them peace of mind that it’s being done right — the first time.
You’re not selling a website. You’re selling a solution.
It’s no different than someone hiring a house cleaner.
Sure, anyone can clean their own home — but many busy professionals choose to pay someone to do it. Not because they can’t, but because they’d rather invest their time elsewhere. They value the convenience, the quality, and the time it frees up.
It’s the same with web design. Small business owners don’t want another DIY project. They want a partner who can deliver results without the hassle — and that’s exactly what you offer.
Many platforms promote “free” websites, but they often come with:
• Ads on your site unless you upgrade
• Limited features that restrict design and functionality
• Hidden costs for domains, email, e-commerce, or support
• No SEO support, hurting the site’s ability to rank
In short, what starts as a “free” project often turns into a confusing, underperforming and unprofessional mess.
With your service, clients get a clean, mobile-friendly, SEO-ready website that actually helps them attract customers — without lifting a finger.
It’s a fair question — and one we hear often from new resellers.
With so many platforms out there offering free or low-cost DIY websites, it’s natural to wonder: Why would a small business pay me $500, $1,000 or more — plus a monthly fee — when they could build a site themselves for far less?
Here’s the short answer:
Most small business owners don’t want to build their own site — they want someone to do it for them. DIY platforms are time-consuming, confusing, and often come with hidden costs. You’re not being paid for your time — you’re being paid for the value you deliver: a professional website, done fast, with ongoing support. And that’s exactly what most businesses are looking for.
But if you want the full picture — and how to confidently explain this to potential clients — keep reading.
When you look closely at what business owners really want (and what DIY platforms actually offer), the answer becomes crystal clear.
It all comes down to one simple truth:
Most small businesses don’t want to do it themselves.
1. Small Business Owners Don’t Have Time for DIY
While DIY platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and GoDaddy Website Builder may seem appealing, most small business owners simply don’t have the time, patience, or know-how to figure them out. They’re too busy running their business.
Hiring someone to “just take care of it” saves them hours of frustration and gives them peace of mind that it’s being done right — the first time.
You’re not selling a website. You’re selling a solution.
It’s no different than someone hiring a house cleaner.
Sure, anyone can clean their own home — but many busy professionals choose to pay someone to do it. Not because they can’t, but because they’d rather invest their time elsewhere. They value the convenience, the quality, and the time it frees up.
It’s the same with web design. Small business owners don’t want another DIY project. They want a partner who can deliver results without the hassle — and that’s exactly what you offer.
2. Free Websites Are Rarely Truly “Free”
Many platforms promote “free” websites, but they often come with:
• Ads on your site unless you upgrade
• Limited features that restrict design and functionality
• Hidden costs for domains, email, e-commerce, or support
• No SEO support, hurting the site’s ability to rank
In short, what starts as a “free” project often turns into a confusing, underperforming and unprofessional mess.
With your service, clients get a clean, mobile-friendly, SEO-ready website that actually helps them attract customers — without lifting a finger.
DIY Website Builder vs. Your Web Design Service
Bottom Line:
DIY websites may look cheap upfront, but they cost more in time, frustration, and lost opportunities.
Your service delivers convenience, professionalism, and results — all done-for-you.
3. You're Not Charging for Your Time. You're Charging for the Value You Provide.
It might only take you an hour (or less) to build a site using SiteSwan — but that’s a good thing, not a bad thing.
You’ve mastered a process. You have a system. You’re providing real results, fast.
Clients don’t care how long it took you. They care about:
• Getting a professional website that works
• Having it launched quickly
• Avoiding the hassle of building it themselves
• Having someone they can call when they need changes or support
You’re not being paid for your minutes — you’re being paid for the outcome.
4. Fast Turnaround is a Competitive Advantage
Traditional agencies often take weeks or even months to complete a website. That’s frustrating — and unnecessary — for most small businesses.
With SiteSwan, you can deliver a fully customized, professional site in a matter of days (or even same-day in some cases). That speed and efficiency is something most business owners appreciate — and are willing to pay for.
5. Ongoing Service Justifies the Monthly Fee
The monthly fee isn’t just for “hosting.” It includes:
• Ongoing maintenance and support
• Website updates as their business changes
• Regular backups and security
• Peace of mind knowing someone is managing their online presence
This level of service and responsiveness isn’t available on DIY platforms — and it’s one of the biggest reasons small businesses stick with a web designer long term.
Final Thought
Yes, anyone could build their own website today — just like anyone could try fixing their own car, designing their own logo, or writing their own legal contracts.
But most don’t.
They want an expert. They want results. And they want it done for them.
That’s what you offer — and that’s why they’ll pay you for it.
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