DIY Websites Made Easy: Create a Stunning Site Without the Stress

Best DIY Website Tips from a Web Designer with 15+ Years of Experience

Trust me when I say I'VE SEEN IT ALL! 👀 And guess what? You can DIY your website and make it look professional—if you have the right tools and strategy.

If you’re using a DIY website template, you’re already ahead of the game! But there are a few common mistakes that can make DIY websites feel less polished. The good news? They’re easy to fix! With just a few tweaks, you can create a website that feels high-end, custom, and totally you.

6 Signs Your DIY Website Needs a Glow-Up (And How to Fix It!)

1. We Can Spot Your Stock Photos a Mile Away!

Stock photos are a lifesaver when you’re just getting started, but relying too much on them can make DIY websites feel generic. Visitors can tell when a photo doesn’t match your brand vibe, and that disconnect can make it harder to build trust.

The Fix: Invest in brand photography! You don’t need a fancy studio—just a good camera (even your phone works!) and natural light. A few high-quality photos of you in action, your workspace, or behind-the-scenes moments will instantly make your website feel more personal and professional.

💡 Pro Tip: If you still need stock photos, choose ones that match your brand colors and feel cohesive. Avoid overly staged or overly-used images—your audience has seen them before!

2. Too Much Copy, Not Enough Headings

One of the biggest mistakes I see in DIY websites is walls of text with no structure. While you want to be informative, too much text without breaks can overwhelm visitors and make them leave before they even get to the good stuff.

The Fix: Make your content easy to skim! Break up large blocks of text with:
✔ Headings & Subheadings – Guide your reader through your content.
✔ Bullet Points & Lists – Highlight key points quickly.
✔ Short Paragraphs – Keep it concise! Aim for 2-3 sentences per paragraph.

💡 Pro Tip: Read through your site and ask yourself: Would I read this if I was in a hurry? If the answer is no, it’s time to simplify and reformat. (And don't forget about first passing the Grunt Test!)

3. Fonts Galore!

If you’ve ever spent hours scrolling through font choices, I feel you. Picking fonts is so fun—but if your DIY website has too many, it can start to look cluttered and unprofessional.

The Fix: Keep it simple with a 2-3 font rule:
🎨 Headline Font – Something bold and attention-grabbing.
📝 Body Text Font – A clean, easy-to-read option.
✨ Accent Font (Optional) – A fun script or handwritten font for small details.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re not sure what works, try this fun Font Pairing Generator

4. Your Logo Looks Like a Canva Template

Your logo is the face of your brand, and if it looks generic, it won’t help you stand out. Many DIY websites rely on pre-made Canva logos, which are a great starting point but can make your brand feel less unique.

The Fix: If hiring a designer isn’t in the budget, go for a simple, text-based logo using a beautiful font. Sometimes, less is more! A minimal, well-designed logo can make your brand feel intentional and high-end—even without a fancy graphic.

💡 Pro Tip: Stick to one or two colors in your logo for a polished look, and make sure it matches the overall aesthetic of your website.

5. Your Website Feels Static and Boring

Your website shouldn’t feel like a stiff, outdated brochure—it should engage your visitors! Many DIY websites lack movement, interaction, and personality, which can make them feel uninspired and forgettable.

The Fix: Bring your site to life with animations, transitions, and videos!

✔ Choose a Showit template with built-in animations and hover effects for a polished feel.
✔ Add short video clips—behind-the-scenes, introductions, or client testimonials.
✔ Include interactive elements like a quiz, clickable testimonials, or a lead magnet opt-in.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep animations subtle—think fade-ins, hover effects, and gentle movements. Over-the-top animations can be distracting and slow down your site.

6. Your Content Feels Outdated

If your DIY website hasn’t been updated in months (or years 😬), visitors might wonder if you’re even still in business! Keeping your content fresh not only builds trust but also boosts your SEO—search engines love fresh, relevant content.

The Fix: Create a content update schedule to keep your site feeling fresh and active!
✔ Blog Posts – Write new content monthly (or quarterly!) to show you're active.
✔ Portfolio Updates – Keep your work up-to-date with recent projects.
✔ New Testimonials – Add fresh client reviews to build credibility.
✔ Offers & Services – Make sure your pricing and packages reflect your latest offers!

💡 Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder every few months to check in on your website. Even small updates (like changing out images or tweaking copy) can make a big impact!

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DIY Your Website the Right Way!

You don’t need to be a designer to have a stunning, high-converting website. With the right Showit template, you can DIY with confidence and create a website that looks polished, professional, and totally YOU!

Need a Helping Hand?

I know running a business means wearing #allthehats—and designing a website might not be your zone of genius. That’s why I create Showit website templates that make DIY-ing your website easy (and totally stress-free).

✨ Ready to take your DIY website from basic to beautiful? Shop my collection of Showit templates and launch with confidence!

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