DIY or done for you? How to choose!

Before we compare DIY and done for you options, I want to go through what your website needs to connect with your dream clients and compel them to take the next step.

Your website will need… 

1. Amazing copywriting 

As a copywriter, I’m going to tell you that the first thing you need to have is amazing copywriting. Not just a mix of random words thrown onto a page.  

Your words need to be carefully crafted, intentional, backed by client research and infused with your personality in order to connect with your dream clients.

2. Strategic design 

Your website design is another really important aspect, and it’s probably the part people are most aware that they need. So whether you DIY your design or hire a website designer, just don’t forget about the words! A beautifully designed website isn’t complete without the right words.

3. Brand photography

The third thing I have found to be extremely important to have on your website is brand photography.

And I’m not talking about photos your Instagram husband took of you in the backyard. I mean photos that have been taken by a professional photographer that really infuse your personality.

Even if you’re only just starting out in your business and just want a few pictures, there are so many incredible brand photographers who will do shorter sessions so you can at least start with some headshots (this is a great place to start btw!). And then when you’re further into your business journey, you can do a more personalised branding photoshoot.

I actually did a brand photoshoot last year and if you’d like to hear the steps I took to prepare for it, you can read about my experience here >>>

Those three elements of your website are the perfect trio, and when done well will really elevate your brand. But if you’re missing even just one of these, your brand can really be held back and is less likely to connect with your dream clients.

---

---

So to ensure these things are done well,

You’ve got three options…

1. Hard DIY

Your first option is to DIY it the hard way, or what I call the walking way. You can watch some Youtube videos, Google some things, download some free templates off Pinterest and get your husband to take some pictures of you, then try and piece all of that together.

So basically, it’s DIY without any guidance. And it’s completely fine to go down this path, just be prepared that it will take you a lot longer and require a lot more effort.

2. Smart DIY

Then the second option that you have is a lot more effective and what I call the smart DIY, or the driving option.

Now this will often be a really great option, especially if you’re just starting out in business but want to elevate your brand. The smart DIY way allows you to tap into other people’s knowledge, without having to pay the price tag that you would if you chose a completely done for you service. Plus you will learn a new skill. This will usually be through a course or templates.

3. Done for you

Then there is the done for your option, where you will be making investments in a copywriter, or website designer or branding photographer. And those experts will take the reins do it all for you.

I will say, I don’t think this option is for everyone. It will be for you if you are really clear on the identity of those you serve, you know exactly what your offers are and they tried and true and have the profit to make the investments.

In particular, if you hire a copywriter, you will need to know your offers inside and out so that you can give them all of the details. Plus, you will need to know your ideal client inside and out so that you can tell the copywriter exactly what your dream client’s pain points and desires are.

With that said, I want to share with a few points on what it actually takes to be your own copywriter, because I think that so many people believe that the only way to get good copy is by hiring a professional copywriter. But you can be your own copywriter!

Let me share some tips…

1. Learn to listen

You really need to listen to your clients, so that you can use their own language in your copywriting. This is going to save you so much time so that you don’t have to stare at a blinking cursor or spend hours wondering what words your clients would use.

2. Understand the basic rules

You also want to understand the basic copywriting rules. And here’s the thing, copywriting is less like art and more like maths. Just like two plus two always equals four, learning to plug and play your copy will make writing so much simpler for you.

3. Communicate with clarity

Thirdly, you need to learn to communicate with clarity. This is something that so many people should work on because everyone thinks that they have to be fancy and use big words when they write. But here’s the truth- the most powerful copywriting is often the most simple and uncomplicated writing. Just keep in mind, copywriting is not creative writing, so you don’t have to be good at English to do this well.

Now you know the essential elements of a website that converts, you have the facts to help you decide between DIY and done for and you’ve got some insight on what it takes to be your own copywriter. So tell me, will you be choosing DIY or done for you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts

Thanks for reading this post! I hope you found it valuable. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment down below and let me know what you found most helpful or surprising about the difference between DIY and done for you services!