The Rise of AI Website Builders
AI-powered tools like Wix ADI, Shopify Magic, and WordPress plugins can now design websites, write copy, select layouts, optimize SEO, and even generate images. These platforms allow small businesses and entrepreneurs to create professional-looking websites with little or no coding experience. For many, this can save time, reduce costs, and simplify the development process.
Benefits of Using AI
Cost Savings: Web designers often charge thousands of dollars for custom sites. AI tools are usually subscription-based, offering templates and automation at a fraction of the cost.
Speed: AI can generate a full site in minutes. With a few inputs, it selects layouts, colors, images, and copy tailored to your industry.
Control and Flexibility: You can edit your site anytime without waiting on a designer. Want to update hours, change a banner, or launch a promotion? AI platforms make it easy.
No Long-Term Contracts: You’re not locked into working with a particular person or agency. Many AI builders offer month-to-month plans.
But There Are Trade-Offs
Customization Limits: AI is great with templates, but it struggles with complex custom features. If your business needs a unique app integration, interactive design, or advanced user experience, AI might not be enough.
Design Consistency and Branding: AI can generate generic designs that lack the polish and brand cohesion a human designer can provide. If branding is crucial, a designer’s creative input may still be valuable.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting: AI doesn’t fix bugs or handle unexpected issues well. If your site breaks, you’ll need to handle it yourself or hire someone.
SEO and Marketing Strategy: While AI can suggest keywords and basic optimization, it doesn’t replace a full SEO or digital marketing strategy. A good designer often collaborates with marketers to align visuals with growth goals.
When It Makes Sense to Fire Your Designer
You only need a basic site with a few pages.
You’re budget-conscious and want to reduce recurring costs.
You’re comfortable learning and experimenting with website platforms.
You’re using tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or Canva to generate content and visuals.
Your current designer is unresponsive, overcharging, or not delivering value.
When You Shouldn’t
You need a highly customized site or web app.
Your website is a central part of your business strategy (e.g., e-commerce, lead generation).
You lack time or interest in managing the website yourself.
You want ongoing support, advanced SEO, or marketing integration.
Conclusion
AI is powerful and increasingly capable. For many small businesses, especially those just starting out or with simple needs, AI can replace a web designer entirely. But for others—especially those with complex, high-traffic, or heavily branded sites—working with a skilled designer still offers significant value. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific needs, budget, and comfort level with technology.
At Windy City Web Designs, we aim to provide this for our clients by emphasizing creating websites that can achieve our client’s digital marketing goals. Every step of the way, we prioritize brand identity, growth, and profit-inclined actions. Whether it concerns a website redesign or content creation, we ensure our clients have a good online presence. Contact us here to see how to partner with us.