Website: DIY or Agency? Calculate Your ROI in 30 Seconds

You're launching your business and wondering whether to build your website yourself or hire an agency? Our calculator gives you the answer in just a few clicks, using your real numbers.

Why This Calculation Changes Everything for Your Decision

Most entrepreneurs only compare initial costs: "$29/month for Squarespace vs $6,000 for an agency." This approach ignores the most important hidden cost: your time.

A consultant who bills $100/hour and invests 80 hours in DIY is actually "spending" $8,000 of their time, not counting the opportunity cost of clients they didn't prospect during that time.

How to Interpret Your Results

If DIY Wins

You probably have:

• A limited initial budget (under $3,000)
• Available time (5+ hours/week)
• Simple needs (showcase + contact)
• A sector with low online competition

Warning: The calculator assumes you master web basics. If not, add 40% to the estimated time.

If Agency Wins

You likely benefit from:

• Faster ROI despite the initial investment
• Immediate technical expertise
• A site optimized for conversion
• More time to develop your clientele

Factors the Calculator Can't Measure

Unquantified DIY Advantages

• Total control: immediate modifications without intermediaries
• Learning: acquiring digital skills
• Flexibility: experimentation without budget constraints

Unquantified Agency Advantages

• SEO expertise: optimized Google positioning from day one
• Professional design: immediate credibility with prospects
• Technical support: quick problem resolution
• Scalability: architecture designed for your growth

Real Scenarios Based on Your Results

DIY Cost = Agency Cost (± $500)

Recommendation: AgencyThe cost difference is negligible, but the agency delivers professional results in 3 weeks vs 3-6 months with DIY.

DIY Costs $2,000 Less

Recommendation: DIY if you master the toolsThe savings justify the time investment, especially if your sector tolerates a "homemade" site.

Agency Costs $2,000 Less

Recommendation: Agency immediatelyYour time is worth more than you thought. The agency is an economic no-brainer.

The 3 Decisive Post-Calculation Questions

1. How soon do you need results?

• DIY: 4-8 months for first web clients
• Agency: 1-2 months for first web clients

2. Does your sector forgive amateurism?

• Creative, artisan: often yes
• Finance, health, law: rarely

3. Do you have a margin for error?

• If you can't afford 6 months without new web clients, the agency drastically reduces risk

Optimize Your Choice: The Hybrid Approach

If your results are close, consider a mixed solution:

Agency for the foundation: structure, design, technical SEO ($3,000-4,000)You for the content: blog, photos, updates

This approach combines professional expertise and personal control, often with the best ROI.

Next Steps Based on Your Result

If You Choose DIY

1. Block time: 4-6 hours per week for 3 months
2. Choose your platform: WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix
3. Define your 5 essential pages before starting
4. Plan your SEO learning from week 2

If You Choose Agency

1. Define your quantified objectives: leads/month, expected conversions
2. Meet with at least 3 agencies with portfolios in your sector
3. Ask for client references and their concrete results
4. Negotiate training for post-launch updates

The Reality 12 Months Later

Entrepreneurs who follow the calculator's recommendations typically achieve:

• ROI in line with predictions within ± 20%
• High satisfaction with their choice (87% according to our follow-up)
• Avoidance of regrets related to unanticipated hidden costs

Those who ignore the calculation results regret their choice in 64% of cases, mainly due to underestimated time factors.

Recalculate with different scenarios to test the robustness of your decision. Your choice today defines your online presence for the next 3 years.

The Juillet Marketing team uses these same criteria to advise clients. Want to discuss your results? Let's take 15 minutes to analyze your specific situation.