Should I use Wix or Squarespace, or hire a web designer?
Use a website builder like Wix or Squarespace if you have the time to build and update the site yourself and it only needs to say who you are and how to reach you. Hire a web designer when the site has to win customers, show up when buyers ask Google or AI who to hire, do something a template cannot, or be looked after while you run the business.
When a website builder is the right call
- You are just starting and need a simple page this week.
- You enjoy doing it yourself and have the hours to spare.
- Nobody chooses you because of your website.
When to hire a web designer
- Your website sells for you. Customers compare you to competitors online before they call.
- You need to be found. Ranking on Google and being cited by ChatGPT and Perplexity takes question-shaped pages, structured data and clean code, not just a template.
- You need features. A store with your own rules, member sign in, bookings, approvals or integrations.
- Your time is worth more. The real cost of a builder is the evenings you spend on it.
- You want someone accountable. Updates, backups, security and renewals handled, with a log.
What the choice really costs
A builder has a low monthly fee, paid indefinitely, plus your time. A designed site has an upfront cost and a monthly care fee. Ours start at $2,500 for up to 8 pages and $99 a month for care, and you own the code and domain outright. With a builder, your site lives inside their platform; leaving usually means rebuilding.
Freelancer, agency or studio?
A freelancer can be affordable but may not be around in three years. A large agency brings a team but often hands you to a junior after the sale. A small studio sits between: the person who builds your site is the person who looks after it. Whoever you choose, ask the questions before hiring a web developer.
Not sure where you stand?
Run a free BusinessPulse snapshot on your current site. If AI search already names you, your builder site may be doing its job. If it names competitors and directories instead, the site is costing you customers.