Why DIY Websites Fail (And How to Build One That Works)
We’ve all been there: staring at a blank Squarespace template, trying to force something creative out of sheer willpower. You’ve got a vision in your head, a Canva logo saved on your desktop, and a whole lot of heart behind what you do. But somehow, the website just isn’t coming together.
If you’re a purpose-led entrepreneur trying to build your business online, it’s easy to feel like DIY is the only option. And let me be clear: I’m not here to knock DIY.
What I don’t recommend is doing it without strategy.
Because a beautiful site without clarity is like a gorgeous shopfront with the lights turned off. People might stop and look, but they won’t walk in.
In this post, I’m breaking down:
Why a “pretty” website isn’t enough to grow your business
The hidden costs of winging your website design
How to DIY the right way (even if you’re using a template)
What to do instead if you're ready to build something aligned, elevated, and effective
Why I Don’t DIY Without Strategy
I love design. I love Squarespace. And I love helping women creatives bring their vision to life.
But I don’t love building anything - a brand, a website, or a business - without a strong foundation.
I’ve seen too many brilliant women spend hours tweaking their website, changing fonts, rewriting headlines, and searching for “how to make Squarespace look custom,” only to end up with a site that still doesn’t feel like them.
Why? Because they started with the visuals instead of the vision.
DIY without strategy often leads to:
A site that looks fine but doesn’t convert
Messaging that doesn’t speak clearly to the right people
Visuals that don’t reflect your current stage of business
A major dip in confidence because you’re constantly second-guessing yourself
Let’s break that down a little further.
The Hidden Costs of Winging Your Website
1. It’s costing you more than time
DIY might seem like the budget-friendly option. But if you’re spending weeks or even months building a website that doesn’t attract the right clients, that’s a hidden cost you can’t afford.
You could be:
Missing out on aligned leads
Delaying the launch of a new offer
Spending energy on your site instead of in your business
2. It’s keeping you stuck in small energy
If your website feels like an outdated version of you, how can potential clients connect with the business you’re building now?
Your website should reflect the person and brand you’re becoming - confident, credible, and ready to grow. Not the version of you still stuck in the Canva-colour-palette spiral.
3. It’s quietly chipping away at your confidence
It’s hard to show up online when you’re not proud of your website. You might avoid sharing your link, hesitate to promote your services, or hold back from posting at all.
That’s not the energy you want moving forward. You deserve better. So does your business.
Want to get started without the guesswork?
Download your free copy of The Website Glow-Up Guide - filled with prompts and strategy-backed tips to help you build a website that actually works.
What I Do Instead - And What You Can Too
Whether I’m designing a custom site or creating a DIY-friendly template, I always start with one simple but powerful question:
What do you want your website to do for your business?
Because your website isn’t just an online brochure. It’s your home base, your first impression, and one of the most important tools you have for building trust and attracting aligned clients.
Here’s how I approach design differently - and how you can do the same.
1. Clarity comes first
Before choosing a font or uploading a photo, get clear on:
Who you’re speaking to
What you offer
Why it matters
What you want people to do next
If your message is unclear, no amount of design will fix it.
2. Strategy before aesthetics
Of course, your site should look beautiful. But more importantly, it needs to work.
Ask yourself:
Is my navigation easy to follow?
Can someone land on my homepage and instantly understand what I do?
Are my services clear and inviting?
Design without structure is just decoration.
3. Flow is everything
Your site should guide your visitor, not confuse them. Think of it like a story:
Who you are
What you do
Why it matters
How they can work with you
Every page should lead somewhere. No dead ends. No unnecessary clicks.
4. Let your visuals reflect your values
Design should feel aligned with your brand, not just trendy. Your colours, fonts, and imagery should express your identity, your mission, and the kind of energy you want to attract.
This is why I build my Squarespace templates with storytelling, structure, and flow in mind. So even if you’re DIY-ing, you’re not starting from scratch - you’re starting with strategy.
Want to DIY? Here's What I Recommend
Templates can be a beautiful way to launch a site without a full custom process - but they still need a plan.
If you’re in a DIY season, here's how to set yourself up for success:
Start with strategy
Work through The Website Glow-Up Guide first. It’ll help you define your message, understand your audience, and create a roadmap for your site.
Use a template designed for service-based businesses
Not all templates are created equal. Choose one that’s already built with flow and storytelling in mind - not just a pretty homepage.
Map out the user journey
What do you want visitors to do? Book a consult? Download a freebie? Buy a product? Make that journey front and centre.
Keep it simple
Stick to one or two fonts. Use a consistent colour palette. Let your content breathe. Simple choices make your brand feel polished and intentional.
Get help when you need it
Templates should support you, not frustrate you. If you're stuck, reach out. Feedback, audits, and even quick strategy calls can make a huge difference.
Who DIY Works For - And Who Might Need More Support
DIY may be right for you if:
You’re in the early stages of your business
You have more time than budget
You’re confident using tech and enjoy the process
Custom design may be a better fit if:
You’ve outgrown your current website and need something more aligned
You’re stuck in perfectionism or burnout
You’re ready to increase your prices and want your brand to reflect that
You want expert support from someone who gets your vision
No matter which path you take, your website should feel like a true extension of who you are and where you’re going.
Final Thoughts
Your website shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should feel like a celebration of your growth, your expertise, and your purpose.
Whether you choose to DIY or invest in done-for-you support, the most important thing is that you build with clarity, intention, and confidence.
Because when you lead with strategy, everything else begins to bloom.
Ready to take the next step?
Download The Website Glow-Up Guide
Get clear on your message and start building a site that reflects your brilliance.
Launching something bold?
I’m offering 50% off all services - limited to 3 slots.
The Bloom Intensive - custom website in a week.
The Glow-up - template customisation in two days.
Prefer to DIY with guidance?
Explore my Squarespace template, Aster, built for creative, purpose-led women.
And keep an eye out - I’ll be giving a template away later this month.
- Amy
Hey - I’m Amy! Designer, book lover & crochet addict - helping women-led brands bloom online.
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Grab your free copy of The Website Glow-up Guide!
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