Building a Shopify Store: When to DIY and When to Hire an Agency
So, you’ve decided to build a Shopify store. But now you’re stuck: should you build it yourself or hire a Shopify agency?
In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each route to help you decide which one suits your time, budget, and goals best. Spoiler: we’re a Shopify agency that helps businesses grow, but we’re also honest about when DIY is a smart move.
DIY Shopify Store: Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Lower initial costs: If you’re on a tight budget, DIY is appealing.
Full control: You can tweak and update at your own pace.
Good learning experience: You’ll learn the platform inside out.
❌ Cons
Time-consuming: Building a store takes time—time that could be spent on growing your business.
Technical limits: You may struggle with customisation, speed, and mobile optimisation.
Risk of poor UX: Without experience, it’s easy to overlook key design and conversion elements.
Want to know how much DIY really costs?
When DIY is a Smart Choice
You have a very limited budget.
Your store is simple (1-5 products).
You have time to learn Shopify.
If this sounds like you, check out our Shopify store checklist to get started right.
When You Should Hire a Shopify Agency
You want to launch quickly.
You need custom features or integrations.
You care about speed, mobile optimisation, and conversion design.
You don’t have the time to manage the build.
Our Shopify agency can handle the design, development, and all the technical headaches for you.
Benefits of Working With Futurmedia
Faster launch times: We can build in 2-6 weeks.
Custom design: Stand out with brand-specific visuals.
Post-launch support: We’re here after go-live too.
Real conversion focus: We build for sales, not just looks.
See more about our Shopify agency services here.
FAQ: DIY vs. Shopify Agency
Q: Can I start with DIY and switch to an agency later?
A: Absolutely. Many of our clients start DIY, then come to Futurmedia’s Shopify agency when they’re ready to level up.
Q: Is working with an agency expensive?
A: It depends on the complexity. Our projects typically start around £2,500. Book a free call to get a custom quote.
Q: How fast can an agency build my store?
A: Futurmedia’s Shopify experts typically launch stores within 2-6 weeks, depending on project scope.
Let’s Build Your Store the Right Way
If you’re ready to move faster, skip the headaches, and build a Shopify store that converts, book your free Shopify strategy call now.