The Subtle Art of Web Design: What DIY Websites Often Miss
Right now, the world is reeling at the thought (and possible reality) of AI draining value from jobs and threatening job security across many industries. For web designers, this reality has been around long before the rise of AI thanks to a very different and real threat: DIY design and website builders. In recent years, these platforms have become more accessible and easier to use, making the barrier to entry into designing and developing your own website more appealing for anyone looking to save a few dollars.
Don’t get me wrong—these platforms have their place. They enable designers to craft a website from start to finish with minimal coding knowledge, reducing costs and speeding up the process for websites that don’t require advanced functionality. The downside? Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. The ease and accessibility of website builders mean that anyone can try their hand at building their own (or even a client’s) website. And while some folks do a decent job, many DIY websites lack something crucial: a designer’s touch.
Design is more than just putting elements together—it’s about how those elements interact, communicate, and engage users. You may recall from middle school art class the elements (line, shape, form, space, color, value, texture) and principles (balance, unity, variety, emphasis, movement, pattern, proportion) of design. A trained designer is successful because they understand how to apply these concepts effectively. Let’s take a closer look at a few key aspects that separate professional design from DIY attempts.
Emphasis: Guiding the User’s Attention
A well-designed website doesn’t just display information; it directs the user’s attention to the most important elements. Through hierarchy, contrast, and visual weight, professional designers ensure that calls to action (CTAs) stand out, important messages are clear, and content flows naturally. In contrast, DIY sites often lack clear focal points (I’m looking at you, headlines!), resulting in a cluttered or confusing experience where users don’t know what to click on first.
Movement: Creating a Logical Flow
Movement in design isn’t about animation (though that can be part of it); it’s about how the eye travels across a webpage. Designers use techniques like directional lines, strategic spacing, and progressive disclosure to guide users through a journey—whether that’s reading a blog post, signing up for a service, or making a purchase. DIY websites often fail at this, with disorganized layouts that force users to hunt for information rather than intuitively finding it.
Balance: Achieving Harmony in Layouts
Balance in design can be symmetrical (mirrored elements) or asymmetrical (intentionally offset for dynamic effect), but it always ensures visual harmony. A designer considers the weight of text, images, and white space to create a layout that feels natural and engaging. DIY websites often suffer from poor balance—too much content crammed into one area, awkward spacing, or an unintentional lopsided feel that makes the site look unprofessional.
Space: Letting Design Breathe
White space (or negative space) is one of the most overlooked aspects of design. It’s not just “empty” space—it’s a critical tool for readability, focus, and overall aesthetics. Professionals know how to use space effectively to prevent a site from feeling overcrowded or overwhelming. DIY website builders, however, often lead to pages that are either too cramped or too sparse, making the experience feel either suffocating or incomplete.
Color: More Than Just Picking a Palette
Color isn’t just about aesthetics—it influences mood, brand perception, and accessibility. Professional designers understand color theory, contrast ratios, and psychological triggers to create visually appealing and functional websites. DIY users, on the other hand, may rely on personal preferences rather than strategic choices, leading to sites that are hard to read, visually inconsistent, or even off-putting to visitors.
The Verdict: Professional Design Is More Than Just Looks
A website built with a DIY platform may technically function, but without proper design principles, it often falls short in usability, engagement, and conversion rates. Professional designers don’t just make things look nice—they create experiences that guide, inform, and persuade users effectively. While website builders provide tools, it takes expertise to wield those tools in a way that truly benefits a brand and its audience.
If your website is a crucial part of your business, investing in professional design isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment in credibility, user experience, and long-term success. After all, your website is often your first impression—why not make it count?
