The choice between a DIY website and a done-for-you one comes down to time versus money. DIY saves cash but costs weekends and rarely nails local SEO. Done-for-you costs a flat fee and gets it built properly. Scalesites is $750 (5-page, most popular) or $500 (3-page), live in 2 weeks, and you own it.
The real question: time or money?
Both routes can get you a website. DIY keeps the upfront cost low but spends your time and leans on skills most tradies don't have. Done-for-you costs a flat fee but hands the work — and the local SEO — to someone who does it every day.
| DIY | Done-for-you (Scalesites) | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low | $750 (5-page) · $500 (3-page) |
| Your time | Many hours | A short form + a preview |
| Local SEO | You learn it | Set up for you |
| Result quality | Varies | Designed and written for you |
| Time to live | Often months (if finished) | 2 weeks |
| Ownership | Yours | Yours outright |
When DIY makes sense
If money is tight, you have genuine time spare, and you're happy to learn the basics of local SEO, a DIY build can work. It's most realistic for someone who enjoys the process and will actually finish it.
When done-for-you makes sense
If your hours are better spent on the tools — and you want it set up to actually get found — done-for-you is the safer bet. It's finished in two weeks, built for local search, and you're not left with a half-done site.
The hidden cost of DIY
Your time isn't free. A DIY build that eats several weekends, then under-performs on Google, can cost more than a flat fee once you add it up — especially if it's never quite finished.
Done in 2 weeks, owned by you
A 5-page Scalesites site is $750 (most popular) or a 3-page is $500 — no lock-in. See how it works or get a free preview.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to build my own website?
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Only if your time is worth nothing. The upfront cost is lower, but a DIY build can take many weekends and often under-performs on local SEO. A flat $750 (5-page) or $500 (3-page) done-for-you site is frequently cheaper all-in.
Will a done-for-you site rank better than my DIY one?
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It's set up to. Done-for-you means the local SEO, structure and Google Business Profile connection are configured by people who do it daily — which is usually where DIY tradie sites fall down.
Do I still own a done-for-you website?
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Yes — completely. With Scalesites the site and domain are yours outright from day one, with no lock-in contract.