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Website builder (Wix, Squarespace) vs hiring a web designer
By REM Strategic Services · Updated
[ Quick answer ]
A website builder like Wix or Squarespace is a good choice if you need a simple site and have time to set it up yourself. You pay a monthly subscription, and you usually can't move the site off the platform, so you're renting it. A web designer costs more upfront but does the work for you and, if you choose well, you own the site. At REM, a 5-page Starter website is $999.
The real difference
With a builder, you're the designer. You pick a template, write the words, add photos, and set up the forms. You pay the platform every month.
With a web designer, someone else does that work. You pay more at the start. In return, you get your time back and a site built around how your customers find and call you.
| Website builder | Web designer | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Low | Higher |
| Ongoing cost | Monthly subscription | Hosting, often monthly |
| Who does the work | You | The designer |
| Time from you | Many hours to set up and learn | Content, photos, and feedback |
| Ownership | Usually rented; hard to move off the platform | Depends on the designer; ask |
| Best for | Simple sites, tight budgets, hands-on owners | Owners short on time, or sites that need to do more |
When a website builder is the right choice
A builder is a fair choice for a lot of small businesses. If you're just starting, money is tight, and you need a few pages with your phone number and services, a builder can get you there.
- You need a simple site, like a few pages and a contact form.
- You have time and like doing it yourself.
- You're testing an idea and don't want to spend much yet.
- You're fine paying a monthly fee to keep it running.
When hiring a web designer makes sense
Hiring help makes sense when your time is worth more than the savings, or when the site needs to do more than a template handles well.
- You'd rather spend your hours on the business than on the website.
- You need booking, quote forms, or an online store set up right.
- Your current builder site isn't bringing in calls and you're not sure why.
- You want to own the site and be able to move it.
- You want your Google Business Profile and local SEO handled at the same time.
Renting vs owning your website
On most builders, your site lives on the platform. If you stop paying, the site goes away. If you want to leave, you usually start over somewhere else.
Not every designer gives you ownership either. Before you hire anyone, ask who owns the site and the files, and what happens if you want to leave.
At REM, you own the site and the files. Hosting is optional at $49 a month with your domain included. If you leave, we transfer everything to you.
Neither a builder nor a designer can promise rankings or calls. What matters is a fast, phone-first site with tap-to-call, and a Google Business Profile that matches it.
What REM charges
If you already have a builder site that works but looks dated or is hard to use on a phone, a website refresh is $599. If you want a new site, the Starter website is $999 for up to 5 pages, and the Business website is $2,499 for up to 10.
Every new website includes Google Business Profile setup and 60 days of local SEO. Pay half now and half at launch, or pay in full. You get a full refund until you see the first draft.
[ Prices ]
What REM charges for websites
- Website refresh$599
- Starter website (up to 5 pages)$999Includes Google Business Profile setup and 60 days of local SEO.
- Business website (up to 10 pages)$2,499Custom layout, booking or quote forms.
- Hosting, domain included (optional)$49 a monthStarts when the site goes live.
[ Common questions ]
Questions owners ask
- Is Wix or Squarespace good enough for a small business?
- For a simple site, often yes, if you have time to set it up and keep it current. It's a monthly subscription, and you usually can't move the site off the platform.
- Can I move my Wix or Squarespace site somewhere else?
- Usually not as-is. Builder sites generally stay on the platform. Moving means rebuilding the site somewhere else.
- Is a web designer worth the extra cost?
- It's worth it if your time is valuable, the site needs to do more than a template handles well, or you want to own it. If you need a simple site and enjoy doing it yourself, a builder may be enough.
- Can REM rebuild my builder site?
- Yes. A new Starter website is $999 for up to 5 pages, and you own it. If your current site works and just needs a refresh, ask us first whether the $599 refresh fits your platform.
- Do I have to host with REM?
- No. Hosting is optional at $49 a month with your domain included. You can host anywhere, and if you leave, we transfer everything to you.
[ Want it done for you ]
Start with a website that brings in calls.
Starter website for $999 — half now, half when it goes live. You own it. Starting from zero? Launch adds the Florida LLC.
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