The world of website builders is vast, with solutions ranging from quick AI-generated sites to fully customized builds. Each option comes with its own perks and pitfalls, and the right choice depends on your business goals, budget, and long-term vision.

It’s important to remember that a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality. I have worked with several clients who came to me with websites from high-end agencies that lacked functionality, didn’t follow best practices, or weren’t designed for edits after delivery.

Skip to:  AI-Generated  |  DIY Sites  |  Freelancers  |  Agencies  |  Custom Coded

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AI-Generated and Other Quick-Build Sites

AI-powered website builders (like Wix ADI and 10Web) provide a functional site in minutes. You enter a few details about your business, and an algorithm designs the structure, layout, and sometimes even the content.

Advantages

  • Fast setup – Get a site up and running in less time than it takes to make coffee.
  • Low cost – Many of these tools are free or very inexpensive.
  • No tech knowledge required

Disadvantages

  • Limitations – Pre-set layouts and design constraints make it difficult to tailor pages to your needs.
  • SEO & performance issues – AI doesn’t always optimize for search engines or page speed.
  • Not scalable – Your business may quickly outgrow the platform.

Best For

  • Small businesses testing an idea before committing to a full site.
  • Temporary pages for events, portfolios, or a quick online presence.
  • Individuals who need a website but don’t have the budget to outsource.

Easy-Build (DIY) Sites

Drag-and-drop website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly allow you to build a website without coding. These platforms offer pre-designed templates and user-friendly editors.

Advantages

  • User-friendly – No tech skills required; most elements are drag-and-drop.
  • All-in-one solution – Hosting, security, and updates are handled for you.

Disadvantages

  • Limited customization – You’re restricted by what the platform allows.
  • Additional or hidden prices – Subscription fees add up, especially for premium features.
  • Not ideal for growing businesses – Scaling and advanced functionalities can be tricky.

Best For

  • Bloggers and creatives who need a simple website.
  • Businesses that don’t need comprehensive functionality.

Sites Built by Contractors or Freelancers

Freelance web developers and designers create custom websites tailored to your brand. These are usually built on platforms like WordPress or Shopify.

Advantages

  • Custom & professional – Designed specifically for your business, with robust customization.
  • Better SEO & performance – More control over speed, optimization, and ranking.
  • Flexible & scalable – Your site can grow with your business.

Disadvantages

Best For

  • Businesses that want a unique, professional website with branding flexibility.
  • Companies ready to invest in a long-term digital presence.
  • E-commerce stores, service providers, and content-heavy sites that need scalability.

Sites Built by Robust Marketing Agencies

Full-service agencies handle web design, development, SEO, content strategy, and marketing. These sites are fully custom, often built with WordPress, Shopify, or even completely from scratch.

Advantages

  • Design & Functionality – Designed specifically for your business, with robust customization.
  • Comprehensive Strategy – SEO, branding, and marketing are all considered.

Disadvantages

  • Expensive – Websites from agencies start in the thousands. They are often much more expensive than sites from freelancers, yet quality isn’t necessarily better.
  • Longer turnaround – The process can take months and may require working with multiple team members rather than a single point person.
  • Ongoing costs – Maintenance and updates often require a retainer or high hourly fees, even for simple updates.

Best For

  • Businesses with a considerably large budget.
  • Companies that rely on a robust mix of marketing services, such as SEO, e-commerce, or login pages.

Custom-Coded Sites

For businesses that need something truly unique—like a web app, custom dashboard, or membership site—developers create fully custom-coded websites.

Advantages

  • Ultimate Flexibility – The site can do exactly what you need.
  • Best for Unique Features – If you need complex functionality, this is the way to go.
  • No Platform Lock-In – You own the code and aren’t dependent on a third-party builder.

Disadvantages

  • Expensive & time intensive – These sites cost more and take longer to build.
  • Requires a developer – Maintenance and updates need technical expertise.
  • Not necessary for most businesses – Unless you need something very custom, other options are more practical.

Best For

  • SaaS companies, startups, or businesses that need highly specialized functionality.
  • Companies investing in proprietary technology or web-based applications.
  • Large-scale organizations that need full control over their digital infrastructure.

Who Should Build Your Website?

The choice depends on where you are in your business journey and what you need your site to do.

  • If you just need a quick, temporary presence → AI-Generated or Quick-Build Site
  • If you want an easy DIY solution → Wix or Squarespace
  • If you need something unique but don’t want to break the bank → Hire a Freelancer
  • If you need a robust mix of digital services → Work with an Agency
  • If you need something highly technical and custom → Consider a Custom-Coded Site

At the end of the day, your website should serve your business goals—whether that means a quick launch or a high-end, conversion-focused platform.