Introduction
When small business owners start thinking about a website, the first question is often about cost: Should I use a cheap website builder or hire a professional developer?
But the better question isn't about price at all. It's this: Which type of website will actually bring in customers and generate sales?
A website that looks cheap but doesn't convert visitors is actually the most expensive choice you can make. The real goal isn't just to have a website — it's to have a website that pays for itself and more.
The Problem With Website Builders
Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify are tempting because they're fast and inexpensive. For $20–$50 per month, you can drag-and-drop something online and call it a day.
The issue? These sites usually aren't built to sell. Common problems include:
- Weak SEO: DIY sites rarely rank well in Google, meaning fewer customers find you.
- Slow performance: Builder templates often load slowly, causing visitors to bounce.
- No sales funnel: Templates don't guide visitors toward becoming paying customers.
- Generic design: If your site looks like everyone else's, customers won't remember you.
In short: you might save money upfront, but you'll likely lose far more in missed sales opportunities.
How Professional Websites Are Built to Sell
A professional developer doesn't just build "a site that looks nice." They build a sales tool. Every page is designed with conversions in mind, from SEO structure to mobile performance to persuasive copy placement.
Here's what that looks like in practice:
- Optimized for discovery: Proper technical SEO ensures potential customers actually find your site.
- Fast and mobile-friendly: Quick load times keep users engaged instead of bouncing.
- Conversion-focused design: Clear calls to action, strong page layouts, and intuitive navigation that lead users to purchase or contact you.
- Analytics and improvement: Ongoing tracking shows what's working and what isn't, so your site gets better over time.
The difference is clear: a professional website isn't an expense — it's an investment that generates revenue.
Why Sales Pay Off the Cost
Let's put this into perspective. Imagine you spend $150/month on a professional site with ongoing support. If that site generates just one new customer worth $500 each quarter, it has already paid for itself and more.
Compare that to a website builder that saves you $100/month but never brings in leads. That's not saving — it's losing revenue that could have been yours.
A good website should function like a 24/7 salesperson, consistently bringing in new business while you focus on running your company.
Which Option Works Best for Business Growth?
If your goal is simply to "have a website," a builder might be fine. But if your goal is to grow your business, bring in customers, and generate revenue, a professional developer is the clear choice.
Because at the end of the day, the right website isn't just a cost. It's a growth engine that fuels your entire business.
Final Thoughts
Website builders and professional developers may look similar on the surface, but the results they produce couldn't be more different. One gives you a digital brochure. The other gives you a sales-generating machine.
If you want your website to pay for itself many times over, the answer is clear: invest in a site that's built to sell, not just to exist.