If you’ve been following my blog, you already know – I’m a big believer in small business owners learning how to build and manage their own websites. I hear the same concerns all the time: “I’m not a techie,” or “I don’t have time.”
I get it. Running a business is already a lot. But here’s the thing…your website is one of your most valuable business assets. When you control it, you protect your investment, save money, and have more freedom to make changes whenever you want.
Here are five big reasons why you shouldn’t hire others to build your website and instead, manage your own website.
Top 5 Reasons for Building Your Website on Your Own
1) You’ll own the domain and hosting
Your domain name (your website’s address) and your hosting account (where your site lives) are the foundation of your online presence. If these are in your designer’s name instead of yours, you’re giving away control.
If they shut down, change careers, or simply disappear, you could be locked out, or worse, lose your site entirely.
Register your domain and hosting in your name. Then, grant access if you need help from virtual assistants or service providers. That way, you stay in control no matter what.
2) You’ll own your theme and plugins
Your website uses a theme to control its look and plugins to add special features, like a contact form, photo gallery, or online store.
When your designer buys these tools with their own account, you don’t own the licenses. This means you might miss important updates, security fixes, and new features, unless you go through them.
So, be sure to purchase these tools with your own account. That way, you’ll get updates directly, receive support from the provider, and keep your tools even if you change designers.
3) You’ll save money
Hiring a designer for every small change adds up quickly. Even a quick edit (like just fixing a typo) can come with an invoice. When you manage your own site, you can swap out photos, update text and prices, add new products or services, and more! All without paying huge hourly fees. That money stays in your business, where it can help you grow.
4) You can make changes instantly
If you see outdated info, a broken link, or a typo, you shouldn’t have to wait days or weeks for someone else to fix it. When you know how to update your site, you can correct mistakes right away, post new blog articles or announcements the same day, and try out a new marketing idea while it’s fresh. This kind of speed keeps your website (and your business) looking professional and up-to-date.
5) You’ll feel more confident and creative
At first, managing your own site might seem intimidating, but once you learn the basics, it becomes empowering.
You’ll stop worrying about “bothering” your designer or wondering how much a change will cost. Instead, you’ll think of new ways to improve your site and reach your audience. The more you work with it, the more you’ll see your website as a tool you can shape and grow – just like your business.
Final Thoughts…
Building and managing your own website isn’t rocket science. It’s a skill you can learn. And once you do, you’ll save money, move faster, and feel more in control of your online presence.
That’s exactly why I created my Website Creation Workshop – to walk you step-by-step through building and managing your site, even if you don’t consider yourself “tech-savvy.” By the end, you’ll have the skills and confidence to update your site at any time.
If you already manage your own site, I’d love to know. What’s the biggest benefit you’ve experienced? Share it in the comments!
[Originally Published Aug 2019; Updated Sept 2025]
