AI Website Builder tools are popping up everywhere — they are selling (peddling) a dream/ a myth: That in business you can gain something that is both good quality, fast (quickly made) and cheap in cost. If you have been in business for any length of time, I am sure you have seen this graphic before:
The idea of spinning up a website in minutes using AI might sound tempting… but the reality is: it’s a waste of time if you want a website that will perform well for your business (that will aid with your business growth). AI generated websites will not provide you with a quality ‘growth/ conversions-focused’ website and it will not actually aid with your business growth.
It will also take much more time than a few minutes to set up. There are also MANY other cons of using AI website builders. So many in fact that I decided to write this blog post.
While AI Website Builder tools promise convenience, they are rarely the right fit for businesses looking to grow, stand out, and win work in a competitive market.
AI Website Builder Tools do not turn website visitors into buyers. Maybe in the future this may change, but right now the technology is not that good.
Table of Contents
Some of the Cons of Using an AI Website Builder for Your Business
1. You Still Have to Edit It
AI Website Builders might be able to generate a website shell, but you’ll still spend hours tweaking fonts, colours, and swapping placeholder images and text. Most people end up editing the majority of the content — defeating the “quick and easy” promise.
2. Analytics and Tracking Are Often Missing
Most platforms don’t come with Google Analytics (GA), or ad tracking (like Meta Pixel or Google Ads). That means you can’t properly measure your marketing efforts or optimise for leads — this makes it very tough (impossible) to know what’s working.
3. Security Risks
AI Builder Tools often only provide shared hosting with very limited control. You usually can’t install advanced security tools, enable two-factor authentication, or control backups. That leaves you very vulnerable… especially if your business handles client data or bookings. You need to do all you can to avoid your website getting hacked. AI Website Builder tools don’t currently offer this.
4. Same Website Design as Everyone Else
I am sure you agree: business is competitive! To stand out, you need a custom designed website that is a true and quality representation of your business. On the other hand, AI Website Builders reuse templates and generic content. Even if you re-write the content, add your own images and social proof, you’ll still end up with a website that looks generic. It will look like a ‘template site’. This does not build trust, nor does it help make your business stand-out.
5. Not Designed to Convert
AI Website Builders are not conversion experts and they certainly can’t provide Conversion Rate Optimisation. Websites that are strategically designed to convert website visitors into new leads, new enquiries and new customers require expert planning, quality lead generation methods, tactics and tools, CTA’s (Call To Actions) that drive action, trust-signals, landing pages, SEO and many other ingredients that performer websites (aka websites designed to ‘perform and convert’) include.
6. Locked Out of the Backend
Most AI builder platforms don’t give you full access. You can’t export your website, install custom code, or choose where it is hosted. This means if you want to grow and/or scale your website, this becomes impossible. It also means if you want to change Hosting Provider now or in the future, you will need to close down your AI-generated website and have an entirely new website built from scratch. This is the same when using tools like Wix and Squarespace.
7. Poor Scalability as Your Business Grows
As your business expands and/or if you want effective business growth, your website needs change. You go from thinking a simple ‘brochure-style website’ will suffice to learning about ‘authority-building websites‘… AND their MASSIVE differences! AI generated websites are currently no good for creating authority-building websites. They also cannot easily have things like an integrated CRM (Customer Relationship Manager), booking system and automations methods added. They also cannot manage larger service areas and volume of content.
Conclusion
AI Website Builders have many cons. Maybe they will improve in the future, but we will need to wait and see.
Currently nothing beats a strategically well planned and well crafted website that has a conversions focus. These type websites are created by professionals like us who have got years of website, SEO, marketing and digital marketing know-how, skills and experience. We also provide high-quality Australian-based hosting, business-grade email, website security, website-IT support and marketing help when you need it.