DIY Kajabi Website vs Custom Design: What’s Right for Your Coaching Business?
Kajabi promises to be the all-in-one platform for your coaching business. And it is. You can build your website, sell your services, launch a course and grow your email list, all in one place. But then comes the question:
“Should I build my Kajabi site myself… or hire a professional designer?”
If you're a coach with big goals, but limited time, tech confidence, or design skill, this question matters.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of both paths so you can make the right call for where you are in your business right now.
Option 1: DIY Kajabi Website
Kajabi’s drag-and-drop builder can help you launch a site on your own. It’s great for early-stage coaches or side-hustlers looking to get something simple online fast.
Pros of DIY:
Lower upfront cost
Full control over editing + updates
Can be launched quickly if you’re focused
Helpful templates available in Kajabi
Cons of DIY:
Templates often look cookie-cutter
Time-consuming to learn the backend and design tools
Hard to create a cohesive, polished look
Messaging often gets muddled or unclear
No outside perspective on what converts
You may spend weeks tweaking… and still not feel proud of it
DIY Kajabi sites can work — but often stall when it comes to converting visitors into clients.
Option 2: Custom Kajabi Website Design
A custom Kajabi site is built around your coaching brand, your message, and your client journey.
At Designs For Growth, I help coaches bring clarity, strategy, and beauty to their online presence so they can grow with confidence.
Pros of Custom Design:
Strategy-led design that’s built to convert
Copywriting guidance and offer clarity
Visuals that reflect your brand and values
Faster, smoother process with expert support
You launch with confidence, not second-guessing
Cons of Custom Design:
Higher investment upfront
May take a few weeks to complete (with collaboration)
You’ll still need to stay engaged with the process
“Custom design is an investment, but it pays off in time saved, stress avoided, and a site that actually sells for you.”
So, Which Option Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick gut-check guide:
| Situation | DIY Might Work If... | Custom Design Is Better If... |
|---|---|---|
| You’re just starting out | You need a basic online presence fast | You’re ready to elevate and attract higher-end clients |
| You enjoy tech & design | You love playing with templates and tools | You’d rather focus on coaching and let a pro handle design |
| You have time | You’re happy to research and test things | Your time is better spent serving clients or growing your offers |
| You know your messaging | You can write strong, clear copy yourself | You want help refining your message and positioning |
Real Talk From a Kajabi Designer
I’ve worked with coaches who:
Started with Kajabi templates and felt embarrassed to share their site
Spent months DIY-ing, only to scrap it and start over
Got custom design and booked more clients in a month than they had in the previous quarter
You can absolutely start with DIY. But if you want to grow, to charge more, reach more people, and look like the expert you are, your Kajabi site needs to work harder for you.
A Client Example
“I built my first Kajabi site myself - and it worked, for a while. But I always felt it didn’t reflect the depth of my coaching. After working with Designs For Growth, I finally feel like my website matches the quality of my work. And I’m booking more aligned clients than ever.” – Transformational Coach, Ireland
What You Get With a Custom Kajabi Website Package
At Designs For Growth, I offer Kajabi website packages specifically for coaches that include:
Brand strategy + clarity session
Copywriting support for key pages
Custom Kajabi site design (home, about, services, lead magnet, thank-you pages)
Mobile optimisation
Email funnel + lead magnet setup
A polished, high-converting site you’re proud to share
👉 Book your free discovery call to find out if custom Kajabi design is your next best step.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose DIY or custom design, remember this: Your Kajabi site is more than a collection of pages. It’s your online home, your invitation, your storefront your sales tool.
Make sure it reflects you, clearly, confidently, and beautifully.
