Website builders are a legitimate way to get online, and for some businesses they are the right answer. We build websites for a living, so we have a view, but this article tries to be fair. We cover five common options, what each does well, where each falls short, and when it makes more sense to hire someone.
One note on prices. Builders change their plans and pricing often, and they are quoted in different currencies depending on where you look. We have not put figures here. Check current pricing on each platform’s own website before you decide.
What a website builder actually is
A builder gives you an editor, templates, hosting and usually a way to connect a domain, all for a subscription. You choose a template, change the text and images, and publish. There is no code to write and no server to manage. That is the appeal, and for plenty of people it works well.
Wix
Wix is known for flexibility. You can drag elements almost anywhere on the page, and it has a large library of templates and a long list of apps for things like bookings and forms.
- Good for: people who want control over layout and enjoy experimenting.
- Watch out for: the freedom to place things anywhere can lead to pages that look inconsistent or do not work well on phones if you are not careful. Some features need paid apps or a higher plan.
We have a more detailed look in Straight Up Web vs Wix and a list of Wix alternatives.
Squarespace
Squarespace has a reputation for clean, design-led templates. It is more structured than Wix, which tends to keep sites looking tidy.
- Good for: portfolios, creatives and anyone who cares about a polished look without much fiddling.
- Watch out for: the structure that keeps things tidy can feel limiting if you want something unusual. Check what is included at each plan level before you commit.
See Squarespace vs Wix for a direct comparison, or Straight Up Web vs Squarespace.
Shopify
Shopify is built for selling products online. Inventory, payments, shipping and tax settings are the core of the product, not an afterthought.
- Good for: any business whose main goal is an online shop.
- Watch out for: costs can build up with apps and payment fees on top of the plan. If you only need a simple brochure site with a contact form, it is more than you need.
We do not build shops at our $500 price. If you want to sell products, Shopify is one of the sensible places to start, and you can set it up yourself or ask a specialist to do it.
WordPress.com
WordPress.com is the hosted version of WordPress. It is not the same as WordPress.org, where you install the software on your own hosting. This trips people up, so it is worth knowing which one someone means.
- Good for: blogs and content-heavy sites, and people who want to start simple with the option of growing.
- Watch out for: what you can do, such as installing plugins or using custom code, depends on the plan you are on. The more flexibility you want, the more the self-hosted version starts to make sense, and then someone has to look after updates and security.
GoDaddy Website Builder
GoDaddy’s builder is aimed at people who want something quick and simple, often alongside a domain they already bought there.
- Good for: a basic page or two, fast, with minimal learning.
- Watch out for: simplicity usually comes with fewer design and growth options. If you expect your needs to expand, check how easy it is to add features.
What they all have in common
These points apply to every platform on this list.
- You do the work. Writing the words, choosing photos, setting up the pages, and checking it on a phone is on you.
- SEO is not automatic. Builders give you the tools, but a site still has to be set up well and built up over time to appear in local searches.
- You rent, you do not own. The site lives on their platform. If you leave, you start again.
- Plans change. Features move between tiers and prices shift, so what you buy today may not match what you pay in a year.
When a builder beats hiring someone
A builder is often the better choice when:
- You enjoy this kind of task and have the hours to spare.
- You are testing an idea and may change direction soon.
- You need an online shop and want to manage products and stock yourself.
- You like writing and want to blog or update the site often.
- Your budget is genuinely tight and your time is the cheaper resource.
If that sounds like you, go for it. A decent site you built yourself beats a perfect one that never gets done.
When paying someone makes more sense
Hiring tends to win when:
- Your time is better spent running the business.
- You are not confident writing about your own business.
- You want the local search side set up properly from the start.
- You want to own the site and domain outright and be able to move providers.
- You would rather have a single monthly bill and someone to call for changes.
We go deeper on this in DIY website vs paying someone and in our comparison of builders, freelancers and agencies.
Where Straight Up Web fits
We are not a builder. We build the site for you: up to 5 pages for $500 + GST, we write the words, and it is live in about a week with one round of changes. You own the site and domain, and the first three months of Care hosting are included. After that, Care is $49 + GST a month, month to month, with 30 days’ notice and no lock-in. See the websites page and pricing for the details.
We are not the right fit if you need an online shop, a custom system or a logo. Those go to our sister studio ClickTheory, or to a builder like Shopify if you prefer to run it yourself. Everything we do is remote, by email and online forms.
How to choose
- Decide whether you need a shop. If yes, start with Shopify or a similar platform.
- Be honest about your time. Block out the hours it will take and see if you can spare them.
- Try a free trial where one is offered, and build a single page before you commit.
- Check the current price and what is included at the plan you need, not the entry plan.
- Think about whether you want to own the site outright.
If you would rather skip the building, start with the get started form.