Should you build your website yourself?  How about that clever nephew, or the company director's daughter who works in graphic design.

Sure.  Why not.  If you (or they) have the time, the skills and the motivation.

It's a bit like asking whether you should build your own house.  Or your own boat.  Or make your own clothes.

Some people have the time or aptitude for it, some don't. Most people are comfortable changing a tap washer, but not plumbing a whole building - it's the same thing.

For the same reason, don't get 'a young person who know's this stuff' to do it either unless:

• You really don't have the money for a professional
• You aren't confident in doing it yourself
• They actually do it for real - like a proper job.  For money.

Otherwise, the result may not be what you hoped for. 

You are more likely to end up with something (at best) quite pretty, but absolutely useless at generating leads or revenue.

Building a website - as a core marketing tool for your business - is no longer the playground for confident do-it-yourselfers or I-can-have-a-goers.  It hasn't been for a long time.

Ok, but we'll have to update it ourselves, right?

Sure.  Why not.  If you or someone in your organisation has the time, the skills and the motivation. 

If developing content for your website and using it to market your business is what you are supposed ot be doing all day, then yes of course.

But if not? Then in the same way you need a professional to build your website, you will also need help once the site is launched. 

How much help depends on you and your business.

If you don't plan on developing expertise in web design and marketing not to mention the occasional hosting, security and technical challenge - then get someone who has the knowledge to help.

Just like you would ask your accountant. Or your lawyer.  You get the picture.