D.I.Y. or Hire a Web Pro?

With the many, seemingly free and "easy" DIY web packages advertised today, it sounds like a simple task to build your own web site...until you actually attempt it.  While it may sound like it's a snap to create a sophisticated, complex site in 3 clicks or less, building a site is much more complicated than that.  A lot more goes into planning and building a web site than most people think about; that becomes evident when some try to do it themselves, resulting in a convoluted, disorganized, "hot mess" that's confusing for clients to use.  Even if you know how to drag and drop, or insert images, it doesn't mean you have an eye for design, marketing, and visual appeal like a professional does.  Many people wrongly believe that hiring a web designer is too expensive and that they can't afford it, but that's simply not true; there are many affordable web designers who work with small budgets.  If you're goal is end up with a sleek, sophisticated web site that leaves a favorable impression on your customers, then you can't afford not to hire a pro.