The "custom" attribute of websites has started to be a subject of debate, since the best website builders offer very good customization possibilities, both in the builder interface and through coding.
In this article we will use the term "custom" only to refer to websites created by programmers who code the entire site and do not use any website builder.
When we say "site builders" we mean Shopify, Wix, Editor X, Wordpress, Squarespace, etc.
Custom vs Web Builder
Custom website characteristics:
highest level of customization
functionality options are practically unlimited
possibility of implementing state of the art security systems, if the budget allows
control over the performance of the servers that host the website
if you have really unusual needs, the custom website can be tailored to them
high cost, compared to website builders
frequent maintenance needed
long construction times
need to take decisions and be educated about all the aspects of creating, hosting and maintaining a website
Website builder characteristics:
limited customization of the site interface
standardized functionalities
affordable prices
ease of use and maintenance
tested UI's
powerful control panels
short construction time
The description of the web builders is poorer because the attributes differ a lot depending on wich web builder you choose to use.
These are the most popular web builders:
Squarespace
If you want a basic but good website, Squarespace is the way to go. It doesn't stand out by anything, but it has a little bit of everything. It is ideal if you want a presentation website from which you do not have very high demands.
easy to build - you don't even need an expert
provides hosting
design options are very limited
basic functionalities
Wordpress
Wordpress is the most used website builder. A few years ago, most public websites were built in Wordpress, more than all the other options combined. Wordpress offers the MOST design and functionality options, delivered through coding or through the countless plugins and themes, some free, some paid.
Websites built on Wordpress can be hosted anywhere you want, which comes with the same pros and cons as hosting custom websites. All this flexibility, however, comes with a bad side: apart from customization through coding, Wordpress offers you, for free and without coding, a very weak product. Any plugin that enhances your site will also weight it down, cost a monthly or yearly subscription, and require frequent maintenance. Personally, it's not my favorite. Basically, if you want a site that costs almost nothing and is almost useless, go for Wordpress with confidence! If you want a really good website and are willing to work or pay for it, Wordpress is still the solution. Just don't expect maximum results for minimum effort.
control hosting options
virtually limitless customization
costs can be very low
customizability is not really within reach for the uninitiated
requires frequent maintenance
useful features come at a price (SEO tools, plugins that provide functionality, good-looking and responsive themes, etc.)
Shopify
We've entered the big boys' league. I think Shopify is the best option for building an online store, no matter what we compare it to. Shopify provides everything you need for an online store, and everything works like clockwork. Shopify's huge team of developers ensures that integrations with external marketing tools are always up-to-date, security is always top-notch, and the control panel gives you the best tools.
limited customization options (but you have great themes available)
commission per sale charged by Shopify itself (2% in most cases, less for those using Stripe)
is among the most expensive site builders
but it is among the most affordable options for building a good online store
top-notch security
hosting included
email and sms alerts included in the price
very well thought out dashboard
gorgeous themes, with UI designed by ecommerce experts
easily scalable
inventory is easy to manage
minimal maintenance
you can add your own code
advanced check-out options
customer reports
fraud analysis
very good SEO options
displaying the price in the visitor's local currency
Wix
Wix is a very powerful website builder. It has tools that will help your business that you may not have even thought of before! Any feature that enough people need has been implemented. Wix has a new feature suggestion system where you can vote if you need something (even though you probably already have everything you need) and they'll take it into account. Here you can build a really good site. In addition, Wix guides and teaches you how to make SEO settings and build your back-end like a pro, so that you have a competitive website, even if you are not an expert. Wix is a great choice for both beginners and advanced users.
limited customization options
various plans available, so you pay exactly what you need
good security
ecommerce functionality
booking features
you can sell subscriptions
very well thought out dashboard
voucher for google ads as a gift when purchasing an annual subscription
separate editing of the mobile version of the site
very affordable prices
hosting included
minimal maintenance
possibility to add your own code
customer reports and history
provides advanced automations, very useful for engagement
very good SEO options
customer support via chat, fast and easy to use
Editor X
Editor X is Wix on steroids. Editor X is provided by the same company. It has mostly the same features as Wix, only it is more suitable for intermediate and advanced designers. With Editor X you have more options to customize the interface and you can create stuning websites. In the following list we will only mention the differences from Wix
more costly than Wix
many customization options
beautiful templates
you can edit the desktop, mobile and tablet version for your website separately
advanced design options
So what should I choose?
I hope this article is of great help to you, but I know it cannot answer all your questions. As a marketer and designer who has worked with all options of the above, my recommendations are as follows:
For online store choose Shopify
If you are a service provider, choose Wix or Editor X
If you have unusual needs and you want a website that fits them, go for Wordpress or a custom site, but only if this is recommended by an expert you trust.
Have a good one!
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