With website builders, anyone can put together a website in a short time today. So why hire a web designer? I am a web designer myself, so I try to be especially fair here: there are cases where a website builder is the better choice.
What a website builder is
A website builder is an online service that lets you assemble a website from ready-made templates and blocks, usually by dragging and dropping. The provider takes care of hosting, technology and security, and you pay a monthly or annual fee. You work within the options the provider offers.
When a website builder fits well
- You need a simple site with little content, for example as a digital business card.
- You enjoy designing and writing yourself and have the time for it.
- Your budget is very tight right now, and a simple site is better than none.
- You want to test whether an idea works before investing more.
When a web designer fits better
- The website should regularly bring enquiries, bookings or sales.
- You want to stand out clearly from competitors instead of looking like many other sites.
- You have little time and want to focus on your business.
- You need special features, several languages or a connection to other systems.
- Being found on Google and in AI assistants matters to you.
The hidden effort of a website builder
The technology is quickly sorted with a builder. The real work remains: which pages are needed? What goes on the home page? Which copy convinces your customers? Which images show your business well? Every website has to answer these questions. With a builder, you answer them alone. That is why many builder sites fail not because of the technology but because of unclear copy and a structure that doesn't lead visitors to get in touch. Tips in the post What makes a good website?.
Dependence on the provider
A builder website usually cannot simply be moved to another provider. If the provider changes prices or features, you either go along with it or rebuild. In any case, make sure the domain is registered to you. Then you can keep your address even if the website is later built elsewhere.
What a web designer adds
A good web designer delivers not just design but an outside view: what are your customers looking for, what convinces them, and what can you leave out? On top come the technical foundations for Google, fast loading times, accessibility and a structure that can grow later. With me, a client portal with previews and feedback rounds and a fixed point of contact after launch are included too.
Comparing costs honestly
A builder seems cheaper because the fee is small. But count your own time for learning, design, copy and upkeep. And count the fees over several years. A web designer costs more up front, but you get a website that suits your business and belongs to you. What drives the price is covered in the post What does a website cost?.
The middle way
There are routes in between: a web designer sets the structure, design and copy, and you maintain the content yourself afterwards in a simple interface. Or you start with a small, cleanly built site and expand it later. That gives you a good foundation without paying for everything at once.
Five questions to help you decide
- Should the website actively bring in customers, or is an online business card enough?
- Do you have the time and inclination to design, write and maintain it yourself?
- How important is it to stand out from competitors?
- Do you need special features such as booking, a shop or several languages?
- How important is it to be found on Google and in AI assistants?
If you answer the first question with “business card” and the second with “yes”, a builder may suit you well. If the website is meant to bring in customers and your time is short, a web designer usually pays off. In the free intro call I will also tell you honestly if a builder is enough for your plans.
Can I switch from a builder later?
Yes. Content such as copy and images can be carried over, and the website itself is rebuilt. Redirects from the old addresses are then important so you don't lose visibility on Google. More in the post Website relaunch.
How long does it take with a web designer?
A one-page website usually takes me two to three weeks, larger websites four to eight weeks. What that depends on is covered in the post How long does a website take?.
Builder or web designer: make sure the domain is registered to you and you have access to all content. Then you stay independent either way.
