Decide

DIY or hire? 4 ways to get a website built

By Pann Studio·7 min read·Updated 2026

There isn't one "right" way to get a website — there are four, and the best choice depends on your budget, timeline and how much you want to be involved. Here's an honest comparison.

In this article
  1. 1. Do it yourself
  2. 2. Hire a freelancer
  3. 3. Employ in-house
  4. 4. Studio / agency
  5. How to choose
  6. FAQ

1. Do it yourself (฿0–5,000)

Best for: testing an idea on a tiny budget.

Pros: cheapest, full control, no waiting.

Cons: eats your time, templates look generic, and results depend on your own skill. Great to start, limiting as you grow.

2. Hire a freelancer (฿10,000–50,000/project)

Best for: small businesses wanting a custom look without agency prices.

Pros: affordable, flexible, often faster.

Cons: quality varies a lot, one person can go quiet, and ongoing support isn't guaranteed. Check their portfolio and response speed.

3. Employ in-house (฿25,000–50,000/month)

Best for: companies that need constant web work.

Pros: always available, deeply understands your brand.

Cons: a full salary only makes sense with continuous work — overkill for one website.

4. Studio / agency (tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands)

Best for: brands that want it done properly and reliably.

Pros: design + code + SEO + support in one team, dependable delivery, clear process.

Cons: higher cost. A big agency can be pricey and slower; a lean studio gives you agency quality with freelancer-level flexibility.

How to choose

Whatever route you pick, a good web partner should:

💡 Pann Studio sits in the sweet spot — a lean studio: custom, fully custom work with a real person who replies fast and supports you after launch, without big-agency overhead.

Still weighing the spend? See our full cost breakdown and custom vs template.

Frequently asked questions

Is a freelancer or a studio better?

A freelancer is cheaper and fine for simple sites; a studio is more reliable for support and larger projects. A lean studio blends both.

Can I start DIY and upgrade later?

Yes — many businesses start on a builder, then move to a custom site once enquiries grow and the limits show.

What matters most when hiring?

Response speed, on-time delivery, a portfolio you like, and clear after-launch support — more than price alone.

Want agency quality without agency overhead?

We're a lean studio — custom, fully custom, and quick to reply. Free consult, quote within 24 hours.

Talk to us — free →