Therapy Private Practice Website: Do-It-Yourself or Hire a Web Designer?
Ahh… the common question: Should I DIY my therapy website or pay someone to do it for me?
The process of starting a private practice includes making many decisions. Designing your website is just one part of the process. Since your therapy website is often the first impression for future clients, it needs to be thoughtfully created. The DIY option and hiring a web designer option both have benefits and drawbacks. Let’s consider each route and find which is the best fit for you.
DIY Private Practice Website: Benefits & Drawbacks
Website building platforms, like Squarespace, make it possible for people to create a website without having any experience. There are countless tutorials out there that can be very helpful to a novice. Platforms like Squarespace typically have several help guides as well as experts who can help answer your questions during your design process. Choosing to DIY your therapy website cuts the cost of paying a designer, which may be a deal breaker for someone starting their private practice on a budget.
While it’s possible to make your website yourself, there are some drawbacks to choosing the DIY route. Anyone can create an account, learn the platform, and edit a template. However, the time it takes to become familiar with the tools of the platform, understand where each feature lives, and feel confident in customizing or creating a design may surprise you.
While doing it yourself will likely save you money on the front end, the time spent is typically significant. Some therapists who try to DIY their therapy website find that it takes much longer than they anticipated, sometimes months or even years. Some even give up because they feel too frustrated or overwhelmed. Especially if you are unfamiliar with design, you might find it challenging to create a website that is functional, fits your brand, provides a clear and calm experience to visitors, and shows up in Google searches.
The Bottom Line:
While creating your website yourself could be a way to save money, it is often very time-consuming, can be frustrating, and may not meet the needs of your private practice.
Hiring a Web Designer for a Therapy Website: Benefits & Drawbacks
Hiring a web designer can take a huge weight off your shoulders, especially when you’re busy setting up a private practice and managing all the moving pieces that come with it. Instead of spending hours (or days, weeks, months…) trying to figure out how to make your site look professional and work smoothly, you can hand the task over to someone who already knows what they’re doing. A web designer brings experience, strategy, and an understanding of how to create a site that not only looks good but works well for your potential clients.
A good web designer won’t just make your website look pretty; they’ll also help with structure, flow, and functionality. They’ll know how to guide a visitor from the top of your homepage all the way to booking a consultation, while building trust through design choices that feel safe, clear, and aligned with your therapy practice. They’ll also take into account accessibility, mobile responsiveness, and search engine optimization (SEO), things that are easy to miss when you’re building a site on your own.
Of course, hiring a web designer for your private practice website comes with a higher financial investment, and that can feel like a big step. But for many therapists, the time saved and the confidence gained in having a polished, client-friendly website is well worth the cost. It’s an investment in your practice’s growth and in getting connected with the people who need your help the most.
The Bottom Line:
Hiring a web designer ensures that the important aspects of your website are considered. Despite the higher initial investment, therapists often find hiring a web designer worth the cost when they see the positive impact of their new website on their business, and feel the relief of checking “private practice website” off of their to-do list.
DIY or Hire: Which Option is Best for You?
If you’re just getting started and have more time than money, a DIY website might be enough to get you off the ground. But if you’re looking for a thoughtfully-designed, professional site that helps you stand out in a crowded market, hiring a web designer can be a smart investment.
Whichever path you choose, your website should reflect the care, expertise, and professionalism you bring to your work. It’s often the first impression a potential client will have of you and your practice, and when it’s doing its job, can lead your ideal clients right to you.
