Why DIY updates are great — and where they can quietly break things

There’s nothing better than launching a shiny new website. You’ve worked hard, written all the content, sorted the images, picked the colours and now it’s out there, doing its job.

And then a few months pass. You’ve got a new service to add. A few tweaks to make. Maybe an image that needs changing. “I can do that,” you think. And honestly? You probably can.

But here’s the gentle truth:
Some parts of your website are easy to update.
And some parts… well, they’re easy to accidentally break.

The risk of a good idea gone rogue

I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count. A small DIY update leads to:

• wonky formatting

• broken layout on mobile

• weird font issues

• or entire sections disappearing into the digital abyss

Not because you did anything “wrong” — but because web platforms (especially WordPress) have layers: themes, builders, settings, widgets, plugins, CSS. It’s a lot. And sometimes, clicking one innocent little thing can undo hours of behind-the-scenes setup.

What you can do yourself — and should!

I’m all for teaching clients how to make the most of their websites. Here are some safe, achievable things most people can learn to update confidently:

• Edit text on existing pages

• Swap out images (in the same format/size)

• Add blog posts or news updates

• Update contact details or business hours

• Replace downloadable files (like a new PDF or form)

These are great, practical ways to keep your site fresh without fear.

Just because you can click it, doesn’t mean you should.

Updating your website yourself is totally doable — as long as you know where the safe zones end and the risk of a layout meltdown begins.

When to tag in your web person

There are times when calling in your web designer (hi, that’s me!) is 100% worth it:

• Adding new sections or changing layouts

• Creating new pages from scratch

• Installing or updating plugins

• Making design or structure changes

• Troubleshooting things that suddenly “don’t look right”

It’s not about gatekeeping, it’s about protecting the work you’ve already invested in. One small misstep can cost hours of fixing. Keeping me as part of your team helps you avoid that.

Collaboration, not control

I don’t believe in locking clients out of their websites. You should be able to log in, feel confident, and make basic changes whenever you need to.

But I do believe in sticking around to support you. To give you training, answer questions, and step in when things get fiddly.

So if you’ve been handed the keys to your site and you’re wondering how much you should DIY, start with the easy stuff. Ask when you’re unsure. And know that your web designer isn’t disappearing — we’re still here, in your corner, ready to help.

Want to book a mini tune-up or learn how to update your site safely?

I offer friendly, plain-English support for small businesses who want to feel in control without breaking things.
Get in touch and let’s make your website work with you, not against you.