PageNow vs Hiring a Web Designer: Which Option Is Right?
- Jul 10
- 4 min read
If you're thinking about getting your business online, you've probably considered hiring a web designer.
For many businesses, a professionally designed website is a worthwhile investment. But for others, it may be more than they actually need.
The right choice depends on your business, your goals and the type of online presence you're looking for.
PageNow and a freelance web designer both help businesses establish a professional online presence, but they do it in very different ways.
In this guide, we'll compare both options to help you decide which is the best fit for your business.
What Does a Web Designer Do?
A web designer creates custom websites for businesses.
Every designer works differently, but a typical project often includes:
Planning the website
Designing the layout
Creating multiple pages
Customising the design
Adding content
Optimising for mobile devices
Publishing the finished website
Many web designers also offer ongoing maintenance and support after the website has launched.
If your business has specific requirements, a web designer can create a solution tailored to your needs.
What Is PageNow?
PageNow takes a simpler approach.
Instead of designing a fully custom website, PageNow professionally creates a business page that gives customers everything they need to learn about your business and get in touch.
After signing up, you'll complete a short, 5-minute onboarding form with your business information, logo and photos.
We'll then professionally build your page and publish it within 24 hours.
There's no website software to learn, no design decisions to make and no technical knowledge required.
The Biggest Difference
The biggest difference is the type of solution you're receiving.
A web designer creates a custom website based on your individual requirements.
PageNow provides a professionally built business page using a proven layout that's designed specifically for small service-based businesses.
If you need advanced functionality and complete flexibility, a web designer is likely to be the better choice.
If you simply want a professional online presence without the time and cost of a custom website project, PageNow offers a straightforward alternative.
Comparing PageNow and Hiring a Web Designer
Feature | PageNow | Web Designer |
Professionally built for you | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Live within 24 hours | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
5-minute onboarding | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
No technical skills required | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Custom website design | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
Multiple pages | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
Ecommerce functionality | ✗ No | Depends on the designer |
Booking systems | ✗ No | Depends on the designer |
Bespoke functionality | ✗ No | Depends on the designer |
Affordable monthly subscription | ✓ Yes | Typically from £50 a month |
When Should You Hire a Web Designer?
Hiring a web designer is often the right choice if your business needs:
A fully custom website
Multiple website pages
Ecommerce functionality
Online booking systems
Bespoke features
Custom integrations
Complete control over design and functionality
A professionally designed website can become an important long-term asset for businesses with more advanced requirements.
When Is PageNow the Better Choice?
PageNow is designed for businesses that want a professional online presence without investing in a traditional website project.
It may be the better option if you:
Want to get online quickly
Don't need multiple pages
Don't need advanced website features
Want a simple, professional online presence
Prefer an affordable monthly subscription
Want someone else to handle the work
For many small service-based businesses, that's all that's required.
Which Option Is Faster?
A custom website project usually involves planning, revisions and collaboration between you and the designer.
Depending on the project, this process can take weeks or months.
With PageNow, the process is much simpler.
Complete the 5-minute onboarding form, and your professionally built business page will be live within 24 hours.
Which Option Is More Affordable?
The cost of hiring a web designer varies depending on the project, the number of pages and the functionality required.
Typically, it costs between £500 – £3,000 for a small business website.
For businesses that need a bespoke website, that investment can be worthwhile.
However, many businesses don't need that level of complexity.
PageNow costs £6.99 per month, making it an affordable way to establish a professional online presence without a large upfront investment.
Which Option Requires Less Time?
Both options save you from building a website yourself.
However, a custom website project often requires more planning, meetings, revisions and decisions throughout the process.
PageNow is designed to minimise the time you need to spend.
Simply provide your business information through the onboarding form and we'll take care of everything else.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose a web designer if you:
Need a fully custom website
Require advanced functionality
Want complete flexibility
Need multiple pages
Have specific technical requirements
Choose PageNow if you:
Want a professional business page
Need to get online quickly
Don't want the complexity of a custom website
Prefer a simple, affordable monthly subscription
Want a straightforward solution that's professionally built for you
The best option depends entirely on what your business needs today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PageNow a replacement for a web designer?
Not always. Web designers are ideal for businesses needing custom websites. PageNow is designed for businesses that want a simple, professionally built online presence.
Does PageNow create custom websites?
No. PageNow creates professionally designed business pages that are ideal for many small service-based businesses.
Can a web designer create more advanced websites?
Yes. If you need e-commerce, booking systems or bespoke functionality, a web designer is likely to be the better choice.
Which option is quicker?
PageNow. Complete the 5-minute onboarding form and your business page will be live within 24 hours.
Which option is more affordable?
PageNow costs £6.99 per month. The cost of hiring a web designer varies depending on the project and your requirements but typically starts from £500.
Which businesses benefit most from PageNow?
PageNow is ideal for sole traders, freelancers and small service-based businesses that want a professional online presence without the cost and complexity of a traditional website project.
Ready to Get Your Business Online?
PageNow makes it easy to get your business online with a professionally built business page—without the time, cost or complexity of building a website yourself.
✓ Live within 24 hours
✓ 5-minute onboarding
✓ Professionally built for you
✓ Just £6.99/month
✓ Cancel anytime
Get started today and let us build your business page, so you can focus on running your business.
