When you decide your business needs a new website, you’re quickly faced with a big question:
“Do I hire a web designer, or should I just use a website builder like Wix, Squarespace or Shopify?”
Both options can get you online, but they deliver very different results in terms of design quality, search engine rankings, flexibility and long-term cost.
This guide explains the pros and cons of each so you can make the right choice for your business.
The Main Difference in One Sentence
A website builder is like assembling flat-pack furniture yourself. A web designer is like hiring a professional carpenter to build something made-to-measure.
Both are valid. The right choice depends on what you need and what stage your business is at.
What Is a Website Builder?
Website builders such as Wix, Squarespace and Weebly let you design pages using drag-and-drop tools. They often include:
- templates
- hosting
- basic SEO tools
- built-in security and updates
You pick a template, customise colours, add your text and images and publish.
Typical Costs
- Monthly subscription: around £10–£35
- Domain name: around £8–£20 per year (sometimes included)
- Paid apps or extras: additional cost
Advantages of Website Builders
- Low upfront cost – great for very tight budgets
- All-in-one solution with hosting included
- No coding knowledge required
- Quick way to get something online
Disadvantages of Website Builders
- Design can look generic and similar to other sites using the same template
- Limited control over advanced SEO and performance
- Can become slow or bloated as more content is added
- Tricky to migrate away from the platform later
- Your time is the main “cost” – expect to do everything yourself
Website builders are most suitable for simple sites and early-stage projects where budget is a bigger concern than performance or uniqueness.
What Does a Web Designer Do?
A professional web designer or web design agency:
- plans your website around your business goals
- designs a unique look and feel for your brand
- structures pages for clarity and conversion
- builds with SEO and performance in mind
- provides guidance, support and expertise
You’re not just paying for code or templates, you’re paying for experience – what works and what doesn’t.
Typical Costs of a Web Designer
Costs vary by experience and complexity, but for small businesses in the UK:
- Simple brochure site: from around £600
- More developed small business site: £1,000–£3,000+
- Ecommerce site: £1,200–£8,000+ depending on features
Advantages of Hiring a Web Designer
- Custom design tailored to your brand and audience
- Better SEO structure and performance
- Higher credibility and trust from visitors
- Improved conversion rates (more enquiries/sales)
- Support when something breaks or needs updating
Disadvantages of Hiring a Web Designer
- Higher upfront cost compared to DIY tools
- You’ll need to communicate clearly and give feedback
For businesses that rely on their website to generate leads, the higher upfront cost is usually offset by better performance and fewer headaches.
Which Option Is Better for SEO?
SEO is where the difference between website builders and professional web design really shows.
Website Builders and SEO
- Offer basic SEO settings (page titles, descriptions, etc.)
- Code can be heavier and slower than necessary
- Less control over URL structure and technical details
Web Designers (Typically Using WordPress) and SEO
- Can choose fast, lightweight themes
- Use advanced SEO plugins and tools
- Plan site structure around keywords and search intent
- Optimise image sizes, caching and performance
If ranking on Google matters to you, professional web design almost always has the edge.
Scalability and Future Growth
Ask yourself: where will my business be in 2–5 years?
As you grow, you might need:
- more pages and content
- additional services or product lines
- integrations with other systems
- multi-language support
Website builders can start to feel restrictive when your needs evolve.
Custom-built sites (especially on platforms like WordPress) are generally easier to expand and adapt over time.
Ownership and Control
With website builders:
- you rent space on their platform
- you’re tied to their terms and pricing
- moving away often means rebuilding from scratch
With a self-hosted site (like WordPress):
- you own the website files
- you can change hosting providers at any time
- you have more control over functionality and design
For many businesses, long-term control and flexibility are big reasons to move beyond builders.
Long-Term Cost Comparison
On the surface, website builders are cheaper. But over 3–5 years, the picture can change.
- Builder: lower upfront cost, ongoing monthly fees, your time spent building and maintaining
- Designer: higher upfront cost, often lower long-term maintenance hours and fewer rebuilds
It’s common for businesses to start with a builder, outgrow it, then invest in a professional site later. In many cases, going straight to a professional solution saves money and time overall.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a website builder if:
- you’re just testing an idea
- budget is extremely limited
- you enjoy DIY tools
- you don’t depend on Google traffic yet
Choose a web designer if:
- your website needs to bring regular enquiries or sales
- you want to stand out with a professional look
- you want to rank in Google
- you prefer to focus on running your business, not wrestling with tech
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. But if your website is a serious part of your marketing and sales, hiring a professional web designer is usually the smarter long-term investment.
Not sure which route is best for you?
We’re happy to give honest advice, even if the answer is “stick with a builder for now.”
Contact Icerocket Design for a free web design consultation.
