What Building a House Can Teach You About Building Your Website
- Sandra M
- Apr 2
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 11
Let’s talk about websites—not the techy, complicated part but the decisions you need to make before you even touch a template. If you’ve been dragging your feet when launching or upgrading your website, I get it. It’s a big commitment, and there’s a lot at stake.
But here’s the truth: your website is the digital home of your travel business. And how you build it determines not just how you show up but whether you hit your goals.
So, let’s talk houses.
Because whether you realize it or not, building a website is a lot like choosing a home.
The First Big Decision: DIY or Hire a Pro?
Before you pick colors, layout, or even a name, you’ve got to ask yourself: Am I doing this myself, or hiring someone to help me?
This is your first fork in the road.
It’s a bit like deciding if you're going to book your own trip, hunting down every flight, hotel, and activity—or if you're calling in a travel advisor (like yourself!) to design a seamless experience and handle the details.
You already know the answer when it comes to your clients. But for your own business? That’s where it gets tricky.
Here’s the honest breakdown:
DIY Route: You save money upfront but spend a lot more time learning, experimenting, and fixing. You might have fun doing it (if you're into puzzles), but the learning curve can be steep and frustrating.
Hiring a Professional: Costs more, yes—but what you get is expertise, strategy, polish, and most importantly, speed. A pro knows what converts, what your audience is looking for, and how to turn visitors into inquiries.
And I know I don’t have to tell you how important it is to hire a professional—you’re in the business of proving that every day.
The Second Big Decision: What Are You Really Working With?
Once you know whether you’re going it alone or calling in help, the next step is getting real with yourself about your resources.
Let’s go back to the house metaphor.
Imagine you’re ready to move. You’ve got three options:
1. Buy the Cheapest Fixer-Upper on the Block
This is your free or $9/month website builder. It technically works. It technically has walls. But you’ll be:
Patching holes every weekend
Googling “how to fix a leaking roof” at midnight
And constantly apologizing when guests (a.k.a. clients) show up and ask, “Is this…done?”
Sure, you’ll save a little now—but it’ll cost you in time, stress, and missed opportunities.
2. Build the House Yourself
This is the route many ambitious folks take. You buy the land, draw up some blueprints, watch some YouTube videos, and roll up your sleeves.
It’s admirable—but exhausting.
You’re trying to be the:
Architect (figuring out the site structure)
Contractor (building the actual pages)
Interior designer (making it all look good)
Inspector (making sure it works on mobile, connects to email, and loads quickly)
That’s a lot, especially when your real job is selling travel—not web development.
3. Buy the Right Home for You—Now and Later
This is the sweet spot. You invest in something that suits your current lifestyle and gives you room to grow. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s functional, beautiful, and future-proof. You work with a team who “gets” you, who listens to your vision, and who knows how to bring it to life.
You move in, unpack your boxes, and get to focus on what matters: growing your business and serving your clients.
Time, Money, Energy, Skill: What’s in Your Bank Right Now?
When people ask me, “Should I DIY or invest in a professional website?” my answer is always the same: Let’s look at your accounts—not just financial ones, but your time, energy, and skills.
Ask yourself:
Do I have time to figure this out on my own, or would that time be better spent selling more trips?
Do I have the energy to troubleshoot tech issues after a long day of client calls?
Do I have the design and writing skills to make my business look polished and professional online?
Do I have the budget to outsource, and if not, can I create one with a few more bookings?
No judgment here—every entrepreneur has a different mix of resources. But clarity helps you make decisions from a place of strategy, not stress.
And Now, the Hard Truth: Your Website Plays a Huge Role in Reaching Your Goals
I’m not saying that a beautiful website will solve all your problems.
But I am saying this:
If you want more inquiries… If you want to charge premium pricing… If you want to stand out from the competition… If you want to grow a waitlist instead of a wishlist…
Then your website needs to work for you—not against you.
It should:
Clearly communicate who you serve and how
Be easy to navigate and mobile-friendly
Show off your expertise and authority
Make it simple for people to reach out, schedule a call, or book a trip
And it’s hard to achieve all that with a digital “fixer-upper.”
What Happens When You Invest in the Right Website?
Let me show you what happens when a travel advisor finally builds the right online “home.”
They:
Feel confident sending people to their site (no more cringing)
Get inquiries from people who already trust them—because the site did the pre-selling
Save time by answering fewer “basic” questions (because the website already covered it)
Start building an email list, converting traffic into leads
Start thinking bigger: retreats, hosted groups, affiliate products, partnerships
Why? Because their house is done. It’s solid. It’s working. And now they’re free to focus on the next phase of growth.
So - Build What You’re Proud to Invite People Into
Imagine inviting someone to your house—someone important. Maybe a potential client. Maybe a future business partner. Maybe a journalist who wants to feature your agency in a story.
Would you feel proud of what they see?
Would your website reflect the care, professionalism, and value you bring to the travel planning experience?
If not, that’s your signal.
Not to panic—but to plan.
Next Steps: Choose Your Blueprint
If you’re ready to stop feeling behind and start building something that reflects your brand, I’ve got options for you.
Whether you want to DIY with expert guidance, go completely hands-off, or get a fresh start with branding and a pro site—we’ve built experiences that meet you where you are.
Because we know you’re not just building a website.
You’re building a business.
And you deserve a foundation that helps you grow.
We'd love to build you a high-converting website. We've done it for 400 others just like you. Check out all of our options HERE.
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