Why You Might Regret Using AI to Build Your Website (And Why a Web Developer Is Still Worth It)
In a world where artificial intelligence can generate websites in minutes, it’s easy to be tempted by the promise of speed, convenience, and low cost. Tools like Wix ADI, Bookmark, GoDaddy Airo and even ChatGPT-powered site builders are offering quick-fix solutions for entrepreneurs and small business owners who just want to get online. But before you let a robot take the wheel, it’s worth looking at what you might be giving up.
1. Lack of Originality
AI builders often rely on templates and patterns that have been used thousands of times. While they might tweak colors or structure based on your answers, the result is still something that looks… familiar. Web developers, on the other hand, craft custom designs tailored to your brand’s personality, audience, and long-term goals. Originality helps you stand out—AI isn’t built for that (yet).
2. Poor User Experience
AI can guess what a user might want—but it can’t truly understand how your users behave, what frustrates them, or what makes them convert. A good web developer thinks strategically about user experience (UX), building journeys that lead visitors exactly where you want them to go. It’s the difference between a “pretty” site and a site that actually works.
3. SEO Limitations
AI-generated websites often miss out on critical technical SEO components—like schema markup, optimized image loading, or clean site structure—that affect your visibility in search engines. A developer knows how to build a solid SEO foundation from day one, giving your site a real chance to rank and grow.
4. Scalability and Custom Features
Want to integrate a booking system? An advanced e-commerce setup? A members-only area? AI tools struggle with anything beyond basic functionality. Developers can build and scale your site exactly the way your business evolves. You’re not boxed in by the limitations of a platform.
5. Ongoing Support and Maintenance
Websites aren’t one-and-done projects. They require updates, security patches, backups, and performance tuning. An AI builder won’t notify you when your SSL certificate is about to expire or your site speed is killing conversions. A developer becomes a long-term partner who can grow with your business and solve problems before they become expensive disasters.
Final Thoughts
AI is a powerful tool—but it’s just that: a tool. If you’re serious about your business and want a website that not only looks good but performs well, delivers ROI, and evolves with you, then nothing replaces the insight and craftsmanship of a skilled web developer. You’re not just paying for a site—you’re investing in strategy, scalability, and success.