Squarespace, Wix, or Hire a Web Designer? How to Choose
Squarespace, Wix, or a custom site from a designer? See which fits your budget, time, and goals, and when a builder stops being enough.
Three Routes, Compared
| Do it yourself on a builder | Designer customizes a template | Fully custom site | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | Under $300 a year | $500 to $3,000 | $3,000 to $15,000 |
| Your time | 20 to 60 hours | A few hours of feedback | Feedback and approvals |
| Look | Good, but similar to other sites | Polished and personalized | Unique to your brand |
| Flexibility | Limited to the platform | Limited to the platform | Almost unlimited |
| Best for | Side projects, tight budgets | Most small businesses | Competitive markets, special features |
For current plan prices, features, and which platform suits which business, read our website builders comparison.
When a Builder Is Enough
- Your site is mainly a digital business card: who you are, what you do, how to contact you.
- You are comfortable learning a tool and updating the site yourself.
- Budget matters more than a custom look.
- You expect the business to change, and want to upgrade later.
When a Builder Stops Being Enough
- Leads or sales depend on the site. Small differences in design, speed, and structure affect results.
- You need custom features. Booking logic, integrations, or a member area often push past what templates do well.
- You are competing on search. You can do SEO on a builder, but your control over structure and speed has limits.
- Your time is worth more than the savings. If your time is worth $50 an hour, 20 to 60 hours of DIY work equals $1,000 to $3,000, close to the price of a professionally customized template site.
The Middle Path
Many designers build on Squarespace or Wix. You get the low running cost and easy editing of a builder, with a professional doing the layout, content entry, and setup. Ask any designer what platform they recommend and why, and who owns the site.
A Simple Decision Guide
1. Budget under $500? Start on a builder yourself.
2. Budget $500 to $3,000? A designer customizing a template is usually the best value.
3. Budget over $3,000, or special features? Consider a custom build.
4. Not sure? Take our free DIY vs hire quiz, then read DIY vs hiring a designer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Squarespace good enough for a small business?
For many small businesses, yes. It produces attractive sites quickly. It becomes limiting when you need custom features or very precise control over structure and performance.
Is Wix or Squarespace better?
It depends on what you value. Wix is often seen as more beginner friendly with more features. Squarespace is often preferred for polished, image heavy design. Our builders comparison covers the details.
Can a designer build my site on Squarespace or Wix?
Yes. Many do. It is a good way to get professional results with low running costs and easy updates.
Can I switch from a builder to a custom site later?
Yes. Most platforms let you export content, though you may need to rebuild the design. Keep your own copies of your text and images.
Ready to Plan Your Website?
Use our free tools to make informed decisions about your website project.