The short answer
A website builder can work well if you enjoy learning the software and have time to keep the site updated. If you'd rather hand that work over, a designer may suit you better. Check what's included before comparing prices.
What is a website builder?
Website builders like Wix, Squarespace and GoDaddy let you make a site yourself. You pick a template, drag in your text and photos, and pay a monthly or yearly plan to keep it online. Everything is down to you, from the wording to the settings that help Google understand what your business does.
Shopify is a website builder too, but it's made for selling products online rather than for trades.
What does a web designer do?
A web designer builds the site for you. I start by asking about your business and the jobs you want enquiries for. I work on the wording and the settings that help Google understand each page. Ongoing support varies between designers, so ask what happens after launch.
Side by side: a builder or working with me
| Website builder | Web designer | |
|---|---|---|
| Who builds it | You | The designer |
| Your time | Evenings or weekends learning the tool | A quick chat and some photos |
| Wording | You write it | Written with you |
| Set up for Google | You do it, if you know where the settings are | Done for you |
| Hosting | Part of your plan | Looked after for you |
| Changes later | You log in and do them | Send a message |
| Cost | A monthly or yearly plan, often plus extras like a domain | A build fee plus a monthly fee (with me, £350 then £25 a month) |
When a website builder makes sense
- You like doing this sort of thing and have the time
- Your budget is very tight and you're happy to learn as you go
- You mainly want to sell products online
- You're testing an idea and don't mind redoing it later
When a web designer makes sense
- You're busy on the tools and your evenings are for resting
- You want customers in your area to find you on Google
- You want it looking professional on a phone from day one
- You'd rather send a text than learn software when something needs changing
What actually gets a local business found on Google
Whichever route you take, the same things help you show up when someone searches for a plumber or electrician near them:
- A page title and description that say what you do and where
- Your services and the towns you cover written on the page
- A site that loads fast and works properly on a phone
- A Google Business Profile that links to your website
- Reviews from real customers
A builder gives you tools for the website side of this, but you'll need to set them up. I include that setup in my builds. Neither route guarantees a place in Google's results.
Moving from Wix or another builder
If you already have a site on a builder and it isn't bringing in work, you don't have to start from scratch. I can build you a new site using your existing wording and photos, and you cancel your builder plan once the new one is live. If your domain name was bought through the builder, it can usually be moved or pointed at the new site, so customers still find you at the same address.
What I charge
I offer web design for Cheshire trades and small businesses, and work with people elsewhere in the UK too. My one-off build costs £350, then £25 a month for hosting and changes. I build you a free demo first, so you can see your site on your own phone before you pay anything.
Questions
Is a website builder cheaper than a web designer?
Often, up front. Compare the plan, domain and any paid extras with the designer's quote. Allow for the time you'll spend building and updating the site too.
Can I still get changes made after a web designer builds my site?
With me, you just send a message with what you want changed, like new photos, prices or services, and I update it. That's included in the £25 a month.
Do I need a website if I have a Facebook page?
A Facebook page helps, but lots of customers search Google rather than Facebook. A website gives you a page you control that Google can show when someone searches for a trade in your area.