Hiring a Friend or Relative to Build Your Website?
Why You Might Want to Rethink That
As business owners, we’ve all been there. You’re starting a new business or revamping your site, and the idea of hiring a stranger to handle your website feels… well, a little intimidating. Then someone suggests, “Hey, I know a guy (or gal) who’s great with computers—maybe they can build your website!” Suddenly, the thought of hiring a friend or relative seems like a no-brainer. They’re trustworthy, they know you, and it could save you some cash, right?
Well, before you hand over the reins to your cousin’s friend who “knows a little HTML,” let’s talk about why this might not be the best move for your business in the long run.
The Expertise Factor
Let’s start with the obvious: web design, SEO, and online marketing are specialized skills. You wouldn’t trust someone with no accounting background to manage your business’s finances, so why put your website in the hands of someone without experience in web development or SEO? Sure, your friend might be able to throw together a basic site, but a website that actually works for your business—attracts traffic, converts visitors, and ranks well on Google—requires much more than a pretty layout.
SEO is Not Just for Geeks
Building a website that looks good is one thing. Making it perform well? That’s a whole other ball game. If you’re not optimizing your site for SEO, you're essentially building a house without a foundation. SEO isn't just about throwing in a bunch of keywords and hoping for the best—it’s about creating content, structure, and technical elements that Google (and your visitors) will love. A friend or relative who doesn’t know the ins and outs of SEO might miss crucial elements like site speed, mobile-friendliness, and proper tagging, all of which are key to showing up in search results.
It’s Not All Fun and Games
Here’s the thing about working with people you know: personal relationships can get messy when business enters the picture. Deadlines, quality expectations, and feedback—things that are pretty straightforward with a professional—can be harder to navigate when your designer is also your best friend, your cousin, or your roommate. If your website isn’t working out the way you expected, you might be hesitant to give tough feedback or ask for changes because, well, it’s your friend! And if they don’t deliver, it can cause tension that affects your personal relationship.
Time Isn’t Always on Your Side
If your friend or relative doesn’t do web development professionally, their availability is probably going to be pretty limited. They might be working a full-time job, or simply don’t have the time to dedicate to your website. What’s more, they might be figuring things out as they go along, which means the project could drag on for weeks or even months. You need a website that works when you need it, and delays can be frustrating—especially when they affect your business.
Support and Maintenance: A Big Deal
After your website is live, you’ll need ongoing support. Plugins break, updates are needed, and changes will inevitably come up. A professional web designer or agency has systems in place for maintaining your site and ensuring it stays functional and up to date. But your friend or relative? They might not have the time or resources to help out once the initial project is done.
Can You Trust Them to Keep Up?
Web design, SEO, and online marketing aren’t static fields—they’re constantly changing. New trends, Google algorithm updates, and emerging technologies mean that keeping your website relevant requires continual learning. Can your friend or relative commit to staying on top of these changes? An experienced web design agency or SEO professional does this for a living and will ensure that your site stays competitive.
So, What’s the Best Approach?
That’s not to say you can’t start with a friend or relative. If they’re willing to help and have the time, you might get a basic site off the ground at a low cost. Just be clear about expectations from the start—set boundaries, timelines, and understand that you may outgrow what they can provide.
But if your business relies on an effective online presence (which, let’s face it, it does), and you want a website that works for you, then investing in a professional web designer or agency is the better choice. They bring expertise, experience, and an understanding of what it takes to create a high-performing website.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
At Digital Rebel Marketing, we’re here to help you build a website that’s not just functional, but one that will drive real results for your business. We don’t just design—we design with purpose, keeping SEO, user experience, and your business goals in mind.
About Digital Rebel Marketing
Digital Rebel Marketing stands at the forefront of digital transformation, empowering businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving online world of website design, SEO, Lead Generation, and Marketing Operations. Digital Rebel Marketing is a Texas-based digital marketing agency that proudly serves clients across the entire United States. While rooted in the vibrant and diverse business landscape of West-Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country, our reach extends coast to coast, offering high-quality, tailored digital marketing services to businesses nationwide.
We understand the unique needs of different regions and industries, and we bring Texas-sized dedication and expertise to each of our clients, no matter where they are located. Whether you're looking to grow your online presence, optimize your digital strategy, or drive customer engagement on your website, Digital Rebel Marketing is equipped to deliver exceptional results across the country.