As a web designer, you might expect me to say "never use Wix". I won't. DIY website builders are the right choice for some businesses. Here's an honest way to decide which camp you're in.
- DIY suits a tight budget, or an owner who enjoys building and has the time.
- The hidden cost of DIY is your time, both now and every month after launch.
- Choose based on what you want the website to do for you, not just the price.
When DIY is a good choice
- Your budget is very tight and you just need something online.
- You enjoy building things and have a few spare weekends.
- You're comfortable writing your own website copy.
- You'll keep it updated yourself after launch.
If that's you, a builder like Wix or Squarespace can work well, and their AI tools can get you a first draft quickly.
When a web designer is usually better
- Your phone needs to ring: the website's job is to bring in enquiries, not just exist.
- Your time is better spent on paid work than learning website software.
- You want it set up properly: Google, tracking, forms and email.
- You'd like someone to keep improving it, not just build it once.
What DIY doesn't include (unless you do it)
Wix plans are $21–55 a month for most small businesses (up to $199 for its top plan, as at October 2026), then apps for bookings, chat or forms on top. The bigger cost is time: an AI builder drafts a site in minutes, but making it accurate, adding real photos, and setting up email, forms, Google and tracking realistically takes 5–15 hours, and every change after that is yours.
Some builders do include an inbox, automations and basic AI chat. The difference is that you have to set them up, train them and keep them working.
The questions that matter
How we're different
We build custom websites for Adelaide service businesses, done for you: we write the words, set everything up, and then improve it every month with a report, action plan and 2 hours of work. Enquiry handling is built in, including instant alerts on your phone and an AI assistant that answers customers 24/7. And you own everything.
If DIY is the better fit for you, we'll say so.
Not sure which way to go?
Get a free audit of your current website (or your DIY plan) and we'll give you an honest recommendation.
Get website tips by email
One short email a month on winning more enquiries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
Rhys builds and looks after every Reactive Web website himself, from Redwood Park in Adelaide, for local service businesses that want more calls, bookings and enquiries.
