Building a brand and website from scratch is no small feat—especially if you’re a bootstrapper. Whether you're ready to dive into design and development yourself or decide to outsource, the options can be overwhelming. Should you tackle it solo with DIY tools, hire a freelancer for more specialized help, work with an agency for a polished end result, or opt for a holistic service that ties everything together?
In this post, we'll break down the pros and cons of each path, so you can make the best decision for your business’s future. Keep reading to find out which route makes the most sense for your startup.
1 - Doing It Yourself (DIY)
As a bootstrapper, one of the most appealing options is to take matters into your own hands and build your website yourself. DIY website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress make it easy to create a basic site without coding experience, offering templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and customizable elements. If you’re looking for something more customized, learning HTML, CSS, and basic design principles could help you create a more unique online presence without breaking the bank.
But here’s the catch: while DIY sounds budget-friendly, it can come with hidden costs in time and effort. As a business owner, your time is valuable. The steep learning curve associated with web design and development can consume hours that could be better spent focusing on your core business activities. Additionally, unless you’re already a designer or developer, your site might lack the professional polish needed to make a strong first impression. This can potentially undermine your business's credibility and turn potential customers away.
Let’s break down the key considerations:
- Time Commitment: Even with simple tools, building a website yourself is time-consuming. The learning curve for coding or mastering a platform takes time away from running your business.
- Skill Gaps: If you don’t have the right design or development skills, your site could fall short in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
- Quality Concerns: While DIY tools are helpful, they often lack the finesse and attention to detail of a professionally designed website. This could hurt your brand’s image.
So, what could rule out this option for you?
- Lack of design or coding skills can result in an unprofessional site that detracts from your brand’s credibility.
- If you're already stretched thin handling the day-to-day tasks of your business, dedicating time to learning web design may not be a luxury you can afford.
While DIY offers control and affordability, it may not always be the best choice for bootstrappers who need to make a strong impression and get their website up and running quickly.
2 - Founderli (Your Best Bet for a Holistic Solution)
When you're ready to move beyond DIY, partnering with a service like Founderli offers a holistic approach to launching your business. This option combines business strategy, branding, and web design & development into one cohesive solution, saving you time, effort, and potential headaches along the way. By working with Founderli, you're not just getting a website—you're building a brand from the ground up, with a unified experience that spans your logo, website, and overall business identity.
Why Founderli’s Holistic Approach Works for Bootstrappers:
- Business Strategy First: Unlike agencies that often focus on design and development first, Founderli takes a strategic approach. With services like the Idea Tester, you can ensure your business concept is viable before moving forward with web design. This validation process helps minimize the risk of investing in an idea that may not work, saving you money and stress.
- Seamless Branding and Web Development: Founderli provides a streamlined process that ensures your brand and website work together perfectly. By aligning your branding, logo design, and website development under one roof, you avoid the disconnect that can often arise when working with multiple providers. This holistic solution creates a professional and cohesive brand identity that resonates with your audience.
- Fast, High-Quality Results: Founderli’s integrated approach also ensures faster turnaround times than agencies, which can be slow due to their multiple client demands. With Founderli, you’re working directly with a team that understands the intricacies of your business, enabling quick revisions and prompt action when you need it.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Initial Investment: Founderli’s all-inclusive service may be a higher upfront cost than just hiring a freelancer for web design. If you're on a tight budget, this may feel like a significant expense. That said, the long-term value, which includes business strategy, branding, and development, far outweighs the one-time investment.
- Not Just Web Design: If you’re solely interested in web design and nothing more, Founderli’s broader scope of services might seem excessive. However, the added value of business strategy and branding will give you a strong foundation for future growth.
When Founderli Might Not Be the Right Fit:
- Unvalidated Ideas: If you’re still testing your business idea, jumping into a full-service package might feel too soon. However, the Idea Tester service ensures you can test your concept before committing to any larger investments, helping you feel confident in your decision to move forward.
- Need for Pure Web Design: If you're only looking for a simple website without the accompanying business strategy and branding, this option may not be ideal. But remember, even simple websites benefit from a cohesive brand experience, which is exactly what Founderli offers.
By opting for Founderli, you gain a reliable, efficient, and cohesive solution that goes beyond just website design—offering you the business and branding foundation you need to succeed. For many bootstrappers, this holistic approach is the best route for building a professional online presence while keeping costs manageable.
3 - Freelancer
Hiring a freelancer is an attractive choice for many bootstrappers, offering an affordable, flexible alternative to agencies or doing it yourself. Freelancers, who can be found on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com, provide specialized skills at a fraction of the cost of an agency. With a variety of talents available—whether you need a web designer, developer, or even a copywriter—it’s easy to find someone who fits your needs and budget. However, while freelancers can be a cost-effective solution, this path comes with a few challenges you should carefully consider.
Where to Find Freelancers:
- Fiverr: Known for a wide array of affordable options, from basic to highly experienced professionals.
- Upwork: Offers a higher level of vetting and more robust profiles, making it easier to find qualified candidates.
- Freelancer.com: A great platform for both short-term projects and long-term partnerships.
Vet Freelancers Carefully:
Hiring a freelancer isn’t as simple as browsing through a list of available candidates. It’s essential to look at their portfolio and read client reviews to ensure they’ve got the experience and expertise you need. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about their previous work, how they approach projects, and if they’ve worked with other clients like you before.
Considerations and Risks:
- Coordination Challenges: Unlike an agency, where the team handles the entire project, working with freelancers often means coordinating multiple people for different tasks. For instance, you may need one freelancer for web design, another for coding, and yet another for copywriting. This can lead to communication difficulties and an inconsistent overall experience.
- Inconsistent Quality: While freelancers often offer competitive pricing, the quality of their work can vary significantly. Some may not meet your expectations or deliver work on time, which could delay your launch or require costly revisions. Ensure you're hiring someone with a solid track record to mitigate this risk.
- Communication Gaps: When working with freelancers, especially remotely, miscommunication can happen. Be crystal clear about your project expectations and deadlines, and be prepared for potential back-and-forth as you refine the project scope. Misaligned visions can delay your work and create unnecessary friction in the process.
What Could Rule This Option Out:
- Lack of Cohesion: If you're looking for a streamlined process with a consistent outcome, freelancers may not be the best fit. Juggling several freelancers for different aspects of your website can be cumbersome and lead to a disjointed final product.
- Quality Concerns with Budget Options: While freelancers are often more affordable, low-cost options can lead to lower-quality work, especially if you’re not hiring experienced professionals. Consider if you’re willing to sacrifice quality for the sake of budget savings.
Freelancers can be a great option if you're looking for flexibility and cost savings, but it’s important to weigh the risks. A successful freelancer collaboration relies on thorough vetting, clear communication, and careful project management to ensure you get the best value for your investment.
4 - Agency
When it comes to high-end web design and development, agencies are the go-to solution for businesses that need top-tier results. While this option is the most traditional, it comes with both advantages and drawbacks that should be carefully considered before jumping in. Agencies offer comprehensive services, from the initial design concept to the final development and launch, ensuring a polished and professional online presence. But how do you know if an agency is the right choice for your bootstrapper business?
How to Choose an Agency:
Choosing the right agency involves more than just picking one that offers the services you need. It’s about finding an agency that truly understands your business’s goals and can deliver an exceptional website that aligns with your vision. Here’s how to make the right choice:
- Industry Experience: Seek an agency with experience in your specific industry. They will bring a wealth of knowledge that can help you avoid common pitfalls and design a site that resonates with your target audience.
- Portfolio and Case Studies: Take time to review the agency’s portfolio and case studies. This will give you a clear sense of their design style, development expertise, and ability to handle projects similar to yours.
- Client Testimonials: Look for client reviews or testimonials to get insight into the agency’s reliability and quality of work.
Understand the Pricing Model:
While agencies can deliver top-tier results, their pricing can be a significant hurdle for bootstrappers. Agency services typically come at a premium, which can be a barrier for businesses working within tight budgets. Be sure to fully understand the pricing structure before committing. Agencies usually bill on an hourly basis or offer project-based pricing, and both come with the potential for cost overruns if your project scope isn’t defined clearly upfront. Make sure you:
- Ask for Clear Estimates: Understand the total cost involved, including any hidden fees for revisions or ongoing maintenance.
- Negotiate the Scope: Ensure the scope of services is well defined, including timelines and deliverables, to avoid costly scope creep.
In one of the first businesses I started, I requested quotes from a few agencies. One came in at £160,000, while another proposed a weekly retainer of £10,000 for an anticipated 8-week period. As you can see, price differences can be significant. It's crucial to fully understand what you're signing up for before committing.
Considerations and Risks:
While agencies offer expertise, they come with certain drawbacks that may not make them the ideal choice for everyone:
- High Cost: The biggest downside to working with an agency is the high cost. While you’re paying for quality, it’s often much more than what a bootstrapper can afford. Agency pricing may include premium services like custom designs, high-end development, and extensive post-launch support, all of which contribute to the hefty price tag.
- Slow Process: Agencies typically handle multiple clients at once, which can lead to slower turnaround times. If you’re on a tight timeline or need quick changes, this can create delays that set your launch back.
- Limited Flexibility: Once an agency has locked in a project scope, it can be difficult to make rapid adjustments. This is particularly challenging if your needs change or if new opportunities arise after you’ve started the project.
What Could Rule This Option Out:
Agencies may not be the right fit for your business if:
- Budget Constraints: If you're a bootstrapper with limited funds, the high cost of agencies may be more than you’re willing to invest in a website.
- Desire for Speed: If you’re aiming for a fast launch, an agency’s slower process might make it difficult to meet your timeline.
- Need for Flexibility: If your project scope is likely to evolve over time, the rigidity of working with an agency could lead to friction and additional costs.
While agencies offer an elevated level of expertise and results, the combination of high costs, slow timelines, and limited flexibility might make them less suitable for bootstrappers with tight budgets or tight schedules. If you're looking for a more affordable and agile option, it might be worth considering other alternatives.
Conclusion
Building a brand and website from scratch is a crucial step for any bootstrapper, but deciding which route to take can be overwhelming. From DIY options to hiring freelancers, agencies, or working with a holistic service like Founderli, each approach has its pros and cons.
DIY offers control but can be time-consuming and may lack polish, while freelancers provide flexibility but can lead to coordination and quality challenges. Agencies deliver high-end results but come at a high cost, and Founderli offers a seamless, all-in-one solution for those looking for strategy, branding, and web design.
Not sure which path is best for you? We're only an email away!
Kieran Audsley
Founderli CEO, Founder
