We’ve all seen the ads: “Build your website in minutes with AI!” It sounds tempting, right? No coding, no stress, no big upfront cost (upfront being the operative word). Have we not learned anything over the years? Platforms like Wix and Squarespace now have AI tools that promise to design your entire site in a few clicks. Really? a few clicks?
But here’s the real question:
Is that quick fix the right solution for your business or just a shortcut that causes bigger headaches down the road? I think the latter, and I will tell you why.
Let’s walk through what it’s actually like to build an AI-powered website, what’s easy, and what’s hiding under the hood that no one tells you about. There is a learning curve with this and the reality is, there aren’t any true “short cuts” to anything worthwhile.
In theory, the AI Website Builder makes things easier. In practice, it’s a lot messier
Pick a Platform
You choose something like Wix or Squarespace. The AI asks questions about your industry, goals, and style. It will take you through the steps and ask you questions to better select a template for you.
Get an AI Draft
The platform spits out a “finished” website with layouts, very stock looking images, and placeholder generic text. AI will happily give you a “paint-by-numbers” website. The problem is, so will everyone else using the same template.
Customize It
You still need to replace generic text, swap stock photos for real ones, fix branding, and make sure it actually fits your business and for that, you’ll need to learn how to edit the text blocks and upload the right quality media files (type and size) which is compatible with your website.
Add Features
Want a booking system, online store like e-commerce, or blog? You’ll have to dig into the platform’s apps and configure them yourself. Good luck. You’ll be pulling your hair out in no time.
Go Live
You connect a domain name, publish the site, and boom, you’re LIVE on the internet (for better or for worse).
Sounds simple enough, right? But let’s look at what’s really going on.
The Good Stuff (Why People Love AI Site Builders)
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- Fast: You can go from zero to published in under an hour (and you get what you pay for).
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- No Coding: Everything is drag-and-drop – literally
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- Affordable at First: Plans start around $16–20/month (that’s the hook)
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- All-in-One: Hosting and basic security are included (they own you now).
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- AI Guidance: Great for brainstorming if you don’t know where to start. Use it as a tool and play around with it. It’s fun and can do a lot and it will help you to learn (you’re actually teaching it to be a better teacher in the future)
If you just need something small, temporary, or personal, AI builders can be a decent solution.
The Not-So-Obvious Downsides
Here’s where things get tricky, and where many business owners find themselves stuck later.
The Hidden Price Tag
- Starter plans look cheap, but once you add an online store, email, analytics, or SEO tools, the bill jumps to $30–50/month.
- Over three years, that can cost more than hiring a designer to build a custom site you actually own.
Security & Privacy Risks
- You’re trusting the public platform with your data. If they’re hacked, you’re affected. This is a very serious concern to consider above all else and one of the main reasons I wouldn’t recommend using AI with any personal information, even something as seemingly trivial as your name.
- GDPR/CCPA compliance tools are limited.
“Cookie-Cutter” Look
- AI sites often look the same. Your competitor across town could end up with a nearly identical layout.
- Branding gets watered down instead of standing out.
You’re Locked In
- With these AI site builders, you don’t really own your site, it’s not chattel. You can’t just pick it up and move to another platform when your business outgrows it, needs a refresh or wants to expand. They own you and it’s very difficult to change that.
- Want to switch to WordPress or another system later? You’ll likely have to start from scratch.
Maintenance Still Exists
- AI doesn’t update your content, SEO, security, or compliance for you and it’s vital that you do monthly maintenance.
- You still need to check broken links, refresh design trends, and add new services and respond to comments and handle emails generated from your customers visiting your site.
Weak SEO
- AI-generated text isn’t strategic, it just “fills space.” It’s useless.
- Serious search engine ranking which is constantly changing requires careful keyword planning, fast performance, and structured data, things AI builders don’t excel at.
You Don’t Fully Own It
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- You’re renting, not owning. The platform controls the hosting, the code, and your data !! Watch out.
Why a Professional Website Designer Still Matters
An AI-built site is like a fast-food meal: quick, cheap, and fine in a pinch. But if you want something healthy, customized, and built to last, you need a chef.
A professional designer:
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- Builds a site that’s truly yours (not rented).
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- Creates a brand experience that stands out from competitors.
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- Plans for SEO and growth, not just a pretty homepage.
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- Handles security, compliance, and ownership.
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- Saves you money long-term by avoiding the “lock-in” trap.
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- Enables auto updates so you’ll need minimal maintenance to upkeep –(you will still need to do monthly maintenance but minimal and can be set up in a way which you feel confident handling). Call in the professional for the big stuff or changes as you update with new content.
The Bottom Line
If you just need a simple site for a hobby or short-term project, an AI website builder might do the job but don’t expect to impress anyone. You’ll be forgettable. But if you’re serious about your business, if your website is meant to attract clients, build trust, and grow with you than an AI-generated site is often a false shortcut.
It looks easy now, but the hidden costs, limitations, and long-term headaches make it far from the best solution. You’re better off circulating flyers and brochures at the mall to promote your business.
That’s why I don’t recommend AI-only websites to my clients.
Your business deserves more than a template. It deserves strategy and something which is uniquely YOU and your brand. The site should grow with you and that’s something AI simply can’t deliver not now and hopefully not ever. It doesn’t have a heart – it only has data. Human touch and interaction is everything. Use AI as a TOOL not your life’s work.
