Website builders such as Wix, Squarespace and the free builders bundled with hosting plans promise a website in an afternoon. For some businesses that is exactly right. For others it becomes an expensive way to look like everyone else. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide.
What a website builder gives you
A builder is a hosted platform with drag-and-drop templates. You pick a design, replace the text and images, and pay a monthly subscription for the platform to keep your site online.
Where builders are strong
- Low upfront cost. You can start without paying a designer.
- Do it yourself. Good if you enjoy design and have the time.
- Hosting is handled. The platform keeps the site running and secure.
Where builders fall short
- Your time is not free. Most owners spend days getting a template to look right, time that could go into the business.
- Templates look familiar. Thousands of businesses use the same layouts, so standing out is harder.
- You rent, you do not own. Your site generally cannot be moved to another host. Stop paying and it goes offline.
- The subscription never ends, and premium features often sit on higher plans.
- Help is a help centre. When something breaks, there is no one who knows your business.
What a custom website gives you
A custom website is designed and built for your business, then hosted on your own hosting account.
- Design built around your brand and your customers, not a template.
- Built to convert: WhatsApp buttons, quote forms and clear pricing placed where your customers need them.
- SEO structured from day one: page titles, descriptions, headings, structured data and fast loading.
- A person to call. Changes, fixes and advice come from someone who knows your site.
- Ownership. With One3, your domain is in your name and the site content and design are yours once paid in full.
Side by side
| Website builder | Custom website (One3) | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low | R1,999 Professional, from R3,599 Premium |
| Ongoing cost | Platform subscription | Hosting R79/month after year one |
| Your time | Days of DIY | A brief and your feedback |
| Design | Template | Built for your brand |
| Can you move it? | Usually not | Yes |
| Support | Help centre | WhatsApp support from the people who built it |
| Time to launch | Depends on you | 2 working days (Professional) |
When a builder is the right choice
If you are testing an idea, have more time than budget, and enjoy design work, a builder is a reasonable place to start.
When a custom website is the right choice
If the website needs to bring in customers, look better than your competitors, and be supported by someone who answers, a custom build pays for itself. The first extra client usually covers the difference.
Curious how your current site compares? Get a free website audit or see what a One3 website includes.