Answers
Should I build my website on Wix or hire a web designer?
An honest look at DIY website builders vs. hiring help, from Day Web Design in San Tan Valley. Questions? Call (480) 531-3048.
Quick answer: A DIY builder like Wix, Squarespace or GoDaddy can work if you have time, enjoy tinkering and are comfortable learning the basics of SEO and keeping the site up to date. Hiring a web designer makes more sense if you would rather spend your time running the business, need a site that is set up to show up in local searches, and want someone else handling edits, hosting and fixes.
Website builders have made it possible for anyone to make a website. So why do so many local businesses still hire someone? The answer comes down to time, results and who handles the site after launch.
When a DIY builder makes sense
- You are just starting out and want something basic online
- You enjoy design and have time to learn the tools
- You are willing to learn local SEO basics: titles, descriptions, city pages and Google Search Console
- You are comfortable making your own updates and fixes
Common DIY problems we see
- A pretty site that does not show up on Google. One page with a general description does not tell Google which services you offer in which cities.
- No service or city pages. Searches like "plumber in Queen Creek" are matched to specific pages.
- Weak mobile experience. Most local searches happen on phones. Phone numbers should be one tap away.
- Missing basics: no sitemap submitted, no schema markup, no clear call to action, forms that do not reach anyone.
- The site goes stale. Busy owners rarely log in to update it.
When hiring a web designer makes sense
- You would rather spend your time on jobs and customers
- You need the site to bring in calls and quote requests, not just exist
- You want help with local SEO, Google Search Console and AI search
- You want someone to make changes when your services, prices or hours change
Questions to ask any web designer
- Who owns the domain?
- Is there a contract, and what happens if I leave?
- Are hosting, updates and edits included, and how fast are edits?
- Will the site have pages for each service and city I serve?
- Do I get reports on traffic and leads?
Compare cost structures, not just prices
DIY builders charge a monthly plan, and your time is the hidden cost. Designers may charge a large upfront build fee plus hosting, or a monthly plan that includes the build. Add up what you would actually pay over a year or two, including your own time.
How Day Web Design works
We build your demo site first, so you see it before you pay a dime. After that it is $99/month with $0 down, your first month is free, there is no contract, and if you don't love it in the first 30 days, you pay nothing. Hosting, maintenance, unlimited small edits within 24 hours, local SEO pages and a monthly traffic and leads report are included. Read the FAQ for who owns the domain, see the small business website checklist and how to get more Google reviews, and see web design in Chandler, Phoenix and all areas we serve.
Common questions
Can I move my Wix site to a web designer later?
Usually the content can be reused, but most builder sites cannot be moved as-is, so the site is rebuilt. Your domain can usually be pointed to the new site.
Is Wix bad for SEO?
Builders can rank, but results depend on how the site is set up: service and city pages, titles, content and indexing.
Can I see what you would build for me?
Yes. Call (480) 531-3048 or request a free demo.
See your website before you pay
Day Web Design builds, hosts and maintains websites for local service businesses in San Tan Valley, Queen Creek, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix and beyond. We build your demo site first, so you see it before you pay a dime. After that it is $99/month with $0 down, your first month is free, there is no contract, and if you don't love it in the first 30 days, you pay nothing. Call or text (480) 531-3048 or request your free demo.