Trying to Build a Website Yourself? What Most Irish Businesses Get Wrong

When I chat to business owners across Ireland whether it’s a landscaper in Swords, a coffee shop in Meath, or an ecologist based in Wicklow, there’s one thing I hear all the time:

“I was thinking of just building a website myself. Is it worth paying someone to do it?”

There's a lot of temptation to go the DIY route these days. Platforms like Wix or Squarespace make it sound easy – drag and drop a few blocks, throw in your logo, hit publish, and you’re online.

But here’s the thing most people don’t realise: having a website that looks “fine” isn’t the same as having a website that actually works. And by “works”, I mean:

• ranks on Google

• is easy to use

• builds trust

• and actually drives new enquiries or bookings.

As someone who works in web design in Ireland, I’ve seen both sides of it. I've had clients come to me after trying to build something themselves and realising it just wasn’t cutting it. And I’ve also helped people from day one where we get it right from the start with a clear layout, proper SEO strategy, and the right tools in place to track success.

The Real Cost of DIY Web Design

Here’s the part that often gets missed: time.

If you’re running your own business, your time is valuable. Spending hours fiddling with font sizes, broken mobile layouts or trying to figure out why your website isn’t showing up on Google – it all adds up.

And then there’s what you don’t know is missing. Things like:

• Not having Google Analytics properly set up.

• No Google My Business listing tied to the site.

• Forgetting to submit your sitemap to Google Search Console.

• Bad heading structure (like putting everything as a H1 – a common mistake).

• Or images that look great on desktop but mess up the mobile view.

A lot of those things won’t be obvious until months later when your site still isn’t ranking, and you’re wondering why nobody is calling or booking.

What Makes a Website Actually Perform?

If you’re serious about showing up online in Ireland – whether you're targeting Dublin, Galway or even more rural spots, your website needs a few key things:

1. A proper SEO strategy.
   Not just throwing a few keywords on the page, but understanding what your customers are searching for. For example, phrases like “eco consultant Dublin” or “wedding photographer Galway” are often more valuable than generic keywords. I use tools and real data to guide content that ranks.

2. Google My Business (GMB).
   This is so underused by Irish businesses. It’s what powers the map listings on Google. Having a GMB profile with updated opening hours, photos, reviews, and linked to your website is essential for local SEO.

3. Google Analytics.
   This helps you actually track who’s coming to your site, what pages they’re viewing, and where they drop off. Without it, you’re flying blind.

4. Speed, structure and mobile experience.
   Over 60% of users are browsing on their phones. If your site loads slowly or things look messy on mobile, you’ll lose people in seconds.

5. Credibility and simplicity.
   A clean layout, clear navigation, real photos, reviews, pricing – these things go a long way in building trust with potential customers.

Should You DIY or Get It Built?

Honestly, it depends where you’re at. If you’re just testing an idea, go for it. Try a free site builder. See what happens.

But if you're a real business, if you're investing in yourself, or you’re looking to grow then having a professionally built site is an asset. It pays for itself over time. Not just in bookings or sales, but in peace of mind knowing it’s done right.

I always say: a good website should feel like your best employee. It works 24/7. It’s clear. It reflects your values. And it gets you found.

Final Thoughts

Web design isn’t just about how a site looks, it’s about how it performs. If you’re based in Ireland and want something that actually drives results and not just a pretty site – feel free to reach out.

Whether you’re ready now, or just thinking about the future, I’m always happy to have a no-pressure chat. I work with local businesses who care about quality and I’d love to help bring your online presence in line with the work you’re already doing offline.

Let’s have a chat – Book a free call here.