DIY website vs hiring a studio in Ireland
A DIY or template site is fine when you need something simple up fast and you enjoy maintaining it. A studio rebuild pays for itself when the site must win enquiries on mobile, look trustworthy, and stay looked after. Own the Site Year-1 packages start at €1,290 for a brochure build with hosting and care. Custom work is welcome and quoted. See Pricing or book a call.
Book a call · See pricing · How much does a website cost in Ireland?
Prices in EUR. VAT is not charged. Lucro Limited is not currently VAT-registered.
When DIY is enough
A DIY or template builder can be the right call when:
- You need a simple holding page live this week
- You enjoy editing the site yourself and have time for it
- One or two pages are enough (hours, contact, a short about)
- You are testing an idea before investing in a proper brochure site
- Enquiries are not the main job yet (brand awareness or a link in a bio)
If that is you, start simple. You can always rebuild later.
When a studio rebuild wins
A studio rebuild usually pays for itself when:
- The site must win calls and form enquiries on mobile
- Trust matters (real photos, clear offer, working padlock, proof)
- You do not want to babysit plugins, templates, or broken forms
- Google and AI answers need clear pages they can cite
- The current site still feels like 2010 to 2014
Related checks: Signs your website is outdated · AI search for small businesses.
If several of those are true, DIY time cost and lost enquiries often beat a published Year-1 package.
Honest cost comparison
Market patterns for Irish brochure sites in 2026, not competitor quotes.
| Path | Typical band | What you usually get |
|---|---|---|
| DIY / template builders | About €15 to €40/month (plus add-ons) | Template site, you do the work |
| Freelancer / small studio | About €800 to €3,000 for a brochure site | Design + build; hosting and care often separate |
| Own the Site Launch | €1,290 Year 1 | Up to 8 pages, hosting, Light care |
| Own the Site Standard | €1,590 Year 1 | Up to 10 pages, hosting, Light care |
| Own the Site Pro | €2,090 Year 1 | Up to 15 pages, hosting, Standard care |
Full grid: Pricing. Wider bands: How much does a website cost in Ireland?.
What you get: studio vs DIY
| Job | Typical DIY / template | Own the Site Year-1 package |
|---|---|---|
| Design and build | You assemble a template | Conversion-minded brochure site |
| Mobile enquire path | Often an afterthought | Click to call and a working form |
| Hosting and SSL | Bundled or add-on | Included |
| Ongoing care | You or hourly freelancers | Year-1 care included |
| Findability structure | Varies widely | Clear titles, pages, FAQ-friendly layout |
| Who owns domain and content | Check the fine print | You own domain and content |
Published packages stay brochure-shaped. Ecommerce, product sites, live menus, and heavier builds are welcome and custom quoted.
Niche notes
- Trades: click to call, named services, areas, proof. See Websites for trades in Ireland.
- Cafes and restaurants: hours, story, location, enquire path. Live menus quoted. See Cafe and restaurant websites.
- Custom: any website is welcome. Tell us the stack and goal on the call; we quote outside the Year-1 grid when needed. Also useful: Website security and SSL · Mobile websites Ireland 2026.
Common questions
Is a DIY site bad for SEO?+
Not automatically. Thin copy, weak mobile, and vague pages hurt more than the builder brand. A clear brochure site with real facts usually beats a half-finished template, DIY or not.
When should I hire a studio instead of DIY?+
When the site must win enquiries, look trustworthy on phones, and stay looked after without you living in the editor. If DIY is costing evenings and still not converting, a rebuild is often cheaper than another year of friction.
How much does Own the Site cost?+
Year-1 packages start at €1,290 (Launch, up to 8 pages). Standard €1,590 (up to 10). Pro €2,090 (up to 15). Each includes design, build, hosting, and Year-1 care. See Pricing.
Can you update my DIY site without rebuilding?+
Sometimes. If the bones are solid and you only need copy, photos, or hours fixed, care and content updates can be enough. If the template is fighting you, mobile is broken, or trust is weak, a fresh rebuild is usually the sensible move.
Can you take over a half-finished DIY site?+
Yes. Bring the URL and login situation to the call. We either tidy what you have or rebuild into a Year-1 package. Any website is welcome; custom scope is quoted when it sits outside brochure packages.
Do I need a full agency?+
Usually not for a sharp brochure site. Agencies fit bigger brand and multi-channel programmes. Own the Site sits in the specialist SME studio band: clear packages, hosting, and care without agency theatre.
Ready to decide DIY vs studio?
Book a call with your URL ready, or see Pricing for Year-1 packages. Unsure DIY vs rebuild? That is a good 20-min conversation.