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Web & UX Design
Why building a website is harder than you think
August 27, 2025
Building a website sounds simple. In theory it's drag, drop & publish. But in reality, it’s a mix of design, SEO, accessibility, and technical details that take years to master. Here’s why doing it yourself often costs more time than hiring a pro.
How hard can it be to make a website?
If you’ve ever thought this, you’re not alone. DIY platforms and YouTube tutorials make it sound easy. But the truth? Building a good website takes more than a weekend—it takes expertise in multiple areas that beginners rarely consider.
What goes into building a successful website
A functional website isn’t just a pretty design. It’s an ecosystem where every detail matters. Here are a few things most people don’t think about when they start:
User experience (UX) Can visitors find what they need quickly? Is navigation intuitive? What's most important and what should be upliftet.
Search engine optimization (SEO) Will Google even show your site? Meta descriptions, html header structure, load speed - all of this affects ranking.
Accessibility Does your site work for people using screen readers? Do your colors have enough contrast? Many businesses unknowingly break accessibility guidelines.
Responsive design: Your site should look perfect on desktop, tablet, and mobile. That’s harder than it sounds.
Image rights: Can you legally use those images you found online? Many beginners don't understand legal rights and as a result risk lawsuits or fines.
Performance & security: A slow site or one without proper security hurts your reputation and can even put customer data at risk.
And that’s just the start. Every CMS (WordPress, Wix, Shopify etc) comes with its own learning curve. The first time you use one, you’ll spend hours Googling simple things like “How do I edit this header?”
You wouldn’t start reading law books to represent yourself
Think about it: If you needed legal help, would you start reading law books and try to represent yourself? Technically, you could, but becoming a good lawyer takes years. Meanwhile, your case can’t wait.
The same logic applies to web design. Yes, you can learn. But it takes time, a lot of it. And while you’re figuring things out, your competitors might already have a fast, optimized site that’s attracting customers while you yourself have spent hours you don't have to fix issues you don't understand.
So, should you DIY a website or hire a pro?
It all comes down to time vs. cost:
If you love learning, have time, and don’t mind trial and error, go for it.
But if you need a site that works now, looks professional, ranks on Google, and is accessible to everyone, hiring an expert is often the smarter (and cheaper) move in the long run.
Conclusion
A good website isn’t just about dragging elements on a page or using a boring template. It’s about creating something that works for your users, ranks on search engines, and represents your brand. That takes experience. So yes, you can build your own site, but if you want it done right, don’t underestimate the value of a professional.
What people are saying
Adobe buying Semrush: SEO future
When Adobe announced they're buying Semrush the entire marketing world raised an eyebrow. Adobe isn’t exactly known for SEO tools, so why spend almost two billion dollars on one?
The short answer to why Adobe is buying Semrush:
Search is changing faster than ever and Adobe doesn’t want to fall behind.
In this article, I’ll break down what this deal actually means, why it matters, and how it’s connected to the rise of AI-driven search.
Why most small businesses fail at marketing
Most small businesses don’t fail because their product is bad. They fail because their marketing is confusing, inconsistent, or honestly almost non-existent. And the worst part? It’s usually not their fault. Nobody teaches you how to do marketing when you start a company. You’re expected to magically “know” how to grow.
But marketing doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be clear.
Below are the most common mistakes I see small businesses make, and what you should do instead. If you want your business to grow, start here.
Atlassian buying The browser company: Arc sold
When Atlassian in September 2025 announced they're buying The Browser Company, the team behind Arc, the internet reacted with a mix of surprise and fear. Arc was never a typical browser. It was loved for its clean design, creative energy, and small-team charm. Atlassian, on the other hand, is best known for tools like Jira, Trello, and Confluence, words that don’t exactly scream “fun.”
But this might be one of those rare acquisitions that actually makes sense. If Atlassian plays it right, Arc’s design vision and Atlassian’s AI and productivity focus could hopefully turn into something much bigger.
Why generative AI isn’t really intelligent
People often think of generative AI tools like ChatGPT as “intelligent.” At first glance, it feels true. The answers are fast, convincing, and often sound smart. But here’s the reality: these systems don’t actually understand anything. They don’t make choices, form opinions, or check facts. Instead, they predict the next word based on patterns in huge amounts of data.
5 sneaky tricks marketers use to influence buying decisions
Ever bought something on impulse and wondered why? That’s no accident, marketers use psychological tricks to nudge your decisions every day and people often don’t notice.
From pricing illusions to decision-making hacks, here are five sneaky ways companies get inside your head (and how you can use them to your advantage).
The fall of Arc: Great design isn’t enough to save a browser
Arc wasn’t just a browser, it was a bold reimagining of how the internet could feel. It was sleek, focused, and built for creativity. But now, the browser that once felt like the future is quietly fading away.
For many people, Arc Browser felt like the first browser actually made for users and not just ad revenue. So why is it suddenly being discontinued?
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5 sneaky tricks marketers use to influence buying decisions
Ever bought something on impulse and wondered why? That’s no accident, marketers use psychological tricks to nudge your decisions every day and people often don’t notice.
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The fall of Arc: Great design isn’t enough to save a browser
Arc wasn’t just a browser, it was a bold reimagining of how the internet could feel. It was sleek, focused, and built for creativity. But now, the browser that once felt like the future is quietly fading away.
For many people, Arc Browser felt like the first browser actually made for users and not just ad revenue. So why is it suddenly being discontinued?
Explore my work
Web Design
Karlsson bil
Karlsson Bil is a car dealership based in Varberg, specializing in buying, selling, and restoring vehicles, including the exclusive Lignon Scandinavia line of handcrafted Land Rover Defenders. I worked on designing a website that blends the heritage of the classic Defender with a modern, sleek aesthetic. The focus was on creating a smooth, intuitive browsing experience, making it easy for users to explore the inventory, learn about bespoke restorations, and navigate the buying and selling process with confidence.
Tools used
Wix Studio & Custom code
Web Design & Branding
Carin Fredén
Carin Fredén is a Malmö-based photographer and photo editor specializing in high-quality business photography and visual branding. Her website showcases her work and services, helping businesses enhance their visual identity through images.
Tools used
Wix Studio, Figma & code
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