2025 Website Guide
In 2025, creating a website has never been easier—or more overwhelming. With so many options available, from do-it-yourself platforms to professional agencies, knowing where to start can be challenging. Whether you’re an entrepreneur on a budget, a small business looking for a reliable freelancer, or an established company ready to invest in a high-quality local design, this guide breaks down the top website solutions of 2025. We’ll cover the pros, cons, and best use cases for each approach, plus give you recommendations on which option might be best suited to help your business thrive online. Dive in to find the right website path for your goals and budget!
Option #1
Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
EXAMPLES
Wix, SquareSpace, WordPress
OVERVIEW
Technology has changed so much in the past 20 years and it truly shows in the area of website builders. 20 years ago you needed a bachelors degree in IT or some serious coding skills just to create the most basic website. Nowadays, there are several “no-code” website builders where you can create your own website with just a fews clicks and drags of a mouse. There is still a learning curve with these website builders so it takes time to learn the ins and outs of your “dashboard”, how to edit your website, or upload photos. This requires a lot of time and effort but it can be a ideal solution for those tech savvy entrepreneurs who don’t have any funds for a professional website.
PROS
- Inexpensive or even free
- Full control over the design and changes
- Minimal cost to keep your website up and running after it’s finished
CONS
- Time and effort to learn the website builder
- Time to design and make ongoing changes
- Time to learn techniques for optimal layout, design, colors, and SEO
- May take longer to finish your website based on how busy you are
Best for: New businesses with $0-$100 budget
Our recommendation: If you are going the DIY route, Wix and SquareSpace are your best choices. They provide the most user friendly experience for someone building a website for the first time.
Option #2
Hire a Freelancer
EXAMPLES
Fiverr, Upwork
OVERVIEW
Technology has improved not only with DIY website builders, but with hiring a freelancer as well. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork allow you to search and choose your own freelancer based on the type of website you want or even the platform you want the website built on (ex. Wix, WordPress). These freelancers may provide different “upgrade” options too. Communication can be a challenge since many of the freelancers are overseas. Often times, you are limited to text messaging as no video or phone call options may be available. Keep in mind that once your website is complete, they will transfer it to you and your contract with them is finished. So you’ll still need to manage the website yourself.
PROS
- Inexpensive
- Ready within a few days or weeks
- Pay for upgrades based on your need (SEO, additional pages, etc)
- You get to choose the freelancer based on their experience and reviews
CONS
- After the website is finished, you are responsible for maintaining it
- There is limited communication with your designer-Freelancers are typically not available for a phone or video call so you are limited to text or email
- There will be time and effort to learn the website builder and make changes after the freelancer finishes your website, ex. months later you need to make a change to your website
Best for: New businesses with $100-$300 budget who want a decent website but don’t care what happens after it’s built.
Our recommendation: Search for your freelancer based on your project needs at Upwork or Fiverr. If you prefer to work with a US based freelancer who has video calls available, make sure to verify this in their profile details or even send them a message prior to starting a contract. You can also add a search filter when looking for freelancers on these platforms.
Option #3
Hire a Local Web Design or Marketing Agency
EXAMPLES
Google search “(your city, state) web design agency” to see who’s nearby
OVERVIEW
Nothing beats working with a local, in person team for your website project. The ability to talk with someone who understands the target customers in your area is so helpful. Also, many local teams allow in person meetings which helps to easily communicate your website needs and features you’re looking for. All of these amazing benefits don’t come for free though-this will be the most expensive website option.
PROS
- You get to work with and support a local business
- Communication will be top-notch with phone calls, video meetings, and in person meetings
- Your local agency will understand your market
CONS
- Expensive-Many website design agencies will have a project minimum of $5,000 or more
- The website may include features which you don’t need or want
- After your website is built, they may also have costly options to manage it
Best for: Established businesses who appreciate the value of a long term marketing strategy and have a budget of $5k or more.
Our recommendation: Start with a Google search for these web design agencies and call around to see what they charge. Make sure to ask for their past work as well. Your local chamber of commerce may be a good starting place for find local, reputable agencies.
Option #4
Hire Anchor Online Web Design
Yes, a shameless plug for our own company…but we believe we are doing something different that you’ll appreciate.
OVERVIEW
We created Anchor Online because business owners should have access to affordable, professional websites while still expecting excellent service. We are based in Orlando, FL but we have clients across the US. We serve a wide range of industries, too. We are available via phone call, email, text, and even in person meetings for clients in Central Florida. Ultimately, we want to help Anchor your business Online.
PROS
- Inexpensive
- Ready in 1 week
- Communication available via phone, video meeting, text, email, and in person near St. Cloud, FL
- Affordable website management options after your website is finished
CONS
- Our websites are built on WordPress which is not user friendly if you are going to manage your website after it’s built
- We don’t build e-commerce (shopping) websites
Best for: New or established businesses who want the feel and communication of a local marketing agency but at an affordable price.
Our recommendation: Our basic website, we call a Pick and Go website, starts at just $500. If you’re eyes are popping out of your head at the sound of paying $500 for a website, then go for the DIY or Hire a Freelancer options.
Choosing the right website solution in 2025 comes down to your budget, goals, and the level of control you want over your site. DIY platforms are ideal for those with time to invest in learning and building, while freelancers offer a cost-effective balance between design and convenience. Local agencies bring valuable market insight for businesses ready to invest in a fully managed, long-term website strategy, and Anchor Online provides an affordable, service-driven alternative. No matter your choice, a well-designed website is an investment in your brand’s success. Take the time to explore these options and select the one that best supports your vision and needs.