Wix or a custom website: which is right for you?

Wix, Squarespace and other website builders promise a website ready in an afternoon, with no need to know how to code. And it’s true: in some cases they’re an excellent choice. But they don’t work the same for every business. In this article we explain when each option makes sense.

What a website builder is

It’s a platform where you choose a template and edit it by dragging blocks around. Hosting, the security certificate and updates are all included in a monthly subscription.

The good

• You can get started quickly, with no technical knowledge.
• The upfront cost is low.
• You can make simple changes yourself.

The limits

• The design is constrained by what the template allows.
• Many sites end up looking alike.
• Loading speed isn’t always the best.
• You usually can’t move your site to another provider.
• The time you spend building it is time you don’t spend on your business.

What a custom website is

It’s a website designed and developed from scratch for your business. It’s built around your goals and your customers rather than a template, and every section is planned to guide visitors toward getting in touch.

A quick comparison

Time

A website builder gets you started faster. A custom website can take a few weeks, but it doesn’t require hours of your own time.

Design

A website builder gives you a tidy base. A custom website reflects your brand and helps you stand out from the competition.

Speed and search rankings

A custom website lets you optimize every detail so it loads fast and Google can understand it better.

Growth

With a website builder, you’re limited to the features the platform offers. A custom website can grow along with your business.

So, which one should I choose?

If you’re testing an idea and have more time than budget, a website builder may be enough. If you need your website to build trust, set you apart and bring in clients, a custom website is an investment you’ll notice from day one.

Frequently asked questions

Can I start with a website builder and switch later?

Yes, although in most cases the new website is built from scratch. What you can keep is the domain, the copy and the images.

Will I be able to make changes to a custom website?

Yes. It depends on how it’s built: some include an editing dashboard, and others are updated through the studio that maintains them.