Building a website is one of the most important steps for small businesses looking to grow their online presence, attract customers, and drive sales. However, knowing which route to take—whether to use a site builder or hire a professional web designer—can be confusing, especially when it comes to cost and long-term value. Below, we’ll explore the typical costs of popular site builders, examine their pros and cons, and discuss why investing in a custom-built WordPress site might be a smarter choice for many small businesses.
Popular Site Builders and Their Costs
- Wix
- Cost: Plans range roughly from £8 to £30 per month (or more, depending on features).
- Pros:
- Very user-friendly drag-and-drop editor.
- Large selection of templates.
- Cons:
- Costs can add up with premium features.
- Less flexibility for complex customization.
- SEO capabilities are limited compared to a custom WordPress site.
- Squarespace
- Cost: Basic plans start around £12 per month and can go higher for e-commerce.
- Pros:
- Sleek, modern templates.
- All-in-one platform with hosting included.
- Cons:
- Template variety is smaller than some competitors.
- May require more effort to optimize for SEO.
- You pay a monthly subscription indefinitely.
- GoDaddy Website Builder
- Cost: Various tiered plans, often starting around £5 to £10 per month, increasing with added features.
- Pros:
- Straightforward setup process.
- Built-in hosting and domain management.
- Cons:
- Limited custom design options.
- Monthly fees can become costly over time.
- Shopify
- Cost: Plans typically range from £25 to well over £200 per month for advanced features.
- Pros:
- Designed specifically for e-commerce.
- Secure payment systems and plenty of integrations.
- Cons:
- Transaction fees may apply if not using Shopify Payments.
- Costs can escalate quickly for add-ons and plugins.
- Site structure focuses on e-commerce, which can limit flexibility for non-retail content.
- Hostinger Website Builder
- Cost: Some plans start as low as a few pounds per month, but rates vary once promo periods end.
- Pros:
- Affordable intro rates.
- Easy setup with hosting included.
- Cons:
- Premium features might require additional costs.
- Limited built-in SEO features compared to WordPress.
The Downsides of Using Site Builders
While site builders are often budget-friendly at the start, the long-term monthly fees add up. You are locked into their ecosystems and might find it difficult to migrate your site elsewhere if you outgrow the platform. In addition, site builders generally have fewer options for SEO customization, which can hinder your site’s visibility on search engines. For a small business looking to boost its local presence, limited SEO tools can be a major disadvantage.
Why Hire a Local Web Designer for a WordPress Site
If you want to avoid ongoing subscription fees and enjoy more robust SEO, consider hiring a local web designer to build your website using WordPress. A self-hosted WordPress website can be more cost-effective in the long run, as you’ll only pay for your hosting and domain. Furthermore, WordPress is renowned for:
- Extensive Customization: Thousands of plugins and themes let you tailor your site to your exact needs.
- SEO-Friendly: WordPress makes it easier to manage on-page SEO elements, ensuring your site has a better chance to rank well in search results.
- Scalability: As your small business grows, your WordPress site can expand with minimal hassle.
- Community Support: A massive global community ensures continuous updates, improvements, and security patches.
Working with a local web designer also provides you with personalised support, faster communication, and a better understanding of your business goals and branding. If you’re looking for tailored help in Surrey, take a look at Digital Marketing Desk web design dorking for a more hands-on approach that can improve your online presence from the ground up.
Final Thoughts
The cost of creating a website for a small business depends largely on your goals, budget, and future aspirations. While site builders like Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, Shopify, and Hostinger offer an affordable, quick start, their subscription fees and limited SEO capabilities might hinder your growth in the long run. Hiring a local WordPress web designer offers more customization, better SEO, and potentially lower long-term costs. Whichever path you choose, make sure your website effectively conveys your brand message, engages your target audience, and supports your business objectives.
For more details on creating a powerful, SEO-friendly site, consider working with a professional team that understands your local market and can help you reach the right customers.
