Wix vs. Hiring a Web Designer: What’s Best for a Small Business? When a small business owner decides they need a website, the first question is usually: should I hire a web designer, or do it myself with a platform like Wix? Having worked with Wix daily, here’s my honest breakdown. Hiring a web designer Pros: • Fully custom design, built exactly to your vision • You don’t lift a finger Cons: • Typical cost: $1,500 to $5,000+ for a basic business site • Timeline: weeks or months • Every future change (new prices, new photos, holiday hours) usually means paying again or waiting on someone’s schedule For a large company, that investment makes sense. For a barbershop or a local restaurant? It’s often overkill. Building with Wix Pros: • Professional templates designed for your industry — restaurants, salons, barbershops, and more • Drag-and-drop editor: if you can use a smartphone, you can edit your site • Built-in booking, menus, galleries, and Google Maps • Cost: starting around $17/month — less than one haircut a month • You can update prices, photos, and hours yourself in minutes Cons: • Less “one-of-a-kind” than a fully custom design • You’re working within templates (though they’re very flexible) My honest take For 9 out of 10 local small businesses, Wix wins. Your customers don’t need an award-winning design — they need your services, your prices, your photos, and a button to call or book. Wix delivers all of that at a fraction of the cost, and you stay in control. The money you save? Spend it on better equipment, better products, or marketing that actually brings customers in. When a designer IS the right call If you’re building a complex online store with custom features, or your brand depends on a truly unique visual identity, hire a professional. For everyone else, start with Wix and upgrade later if you outgrow it. I help local businesses get online with professional Wix websites — including setup, design, and training so you can manage it yourself. Get in touch to learn more.