Guide · updated 19 September 2026
Website builder or web designer?
Use a website builder if your budget is tight and you enjoy doing it yourself. Hire a web designer if you want it done for you, around your business. I'm a web designer, so here's the fairest answer I can give.
What's the difference?
Website builder
Tools like Wix, Squarespace and Shopify give you templates. You add your words and photos, and pay a monthly plan.
Web designer
A person who plans, designs and builds the site for you. You pay for the build, then for hosting and updates.
Side by side
| Question | Website builder | Web designer (me) |
|---|---|---|
| Who does the work | You | I do |
| Upfront cost | Low | From R2,500 |
| Monthly cost | A plan fee | Listed in your quote |
| How it looks | A template others use too | Designed for your business |
| Time to launch | However long it takes you | About 2 weeks |
| When you need help | Help articles and support chat | You message me |
A builder is better if…
- You're testing an idea and might change it soon.
- You enjoy learning new tools.
- Your budget is under R2,500.
A designer is better if…
- You'd rather spend your time running the business.
- You want it to look like your brand, not a template.
- You want one person to message when something needs changing.
Still not sure?
Send me what you have in mind. I'll tell you honestly if a builder would do the job.
See what a website costsQuestions people ask
Is Wix good enough for a small business?
It can be. Wix works well for a simple site that you set up yourself.
Is Shopify a website builder?
Yes. Shopify is a builder made for online shops. You pay a monthly plan, plus fees on sales that depend on how you get paid.
Can I move from a builder to a designed site later?
Yes. Lots of businesses start on a builder and move when they grow. I can rebuild your site and keep your domain.
Do you build on Wix or Squarespace?
No. I design and build custom sites. For online shops, I can connect your shop to Shopify for products and checkout.
What does a web designer cost in South Africa?
My one-page sites start at R2,500 and full websites at R8,000. Online shops are priced by quote.
Still deciding?
- How much does a website cost?
Prices in South Africa, and what changes them.
- Online shops
Stop selling one message at a time.