Unveiling the Truth: Do AI Website Builders Live Up to the Hype?

In recent years, the website-building industry, particularly WordPress, has experienced numerous trends, but few have generated as much excitement and discussion as the emergence of AI website builders.

To keep up with this trend, we have tested numerous AI website builders as they have entered the market. We have observed that many beginners are asking important questions such as: Should I choose an AI website builder? What about AI page builders for WordPress? Or is it still better to hire a professional?

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of AI website builders, covering what they are and how they stack up against traditional website-building methods.

So, do AI website builders truly deserve the attention they are receiving? Let’s explore this together.

What Defines an AI Website Builder?

AI (artificial intelligence) is utilized in various ways to create websites. Before delving into the reasons behind the popularity of AI website builders, let’s clarify what qualifies as an AI website builder.

An example of this is an all-in-one platform like Hostinger Website Builder or Wix’s AI Website Builder. These tools can create an entire website based on your input and usually include hosting and domain registration, eliminating the need for separate purchases.

This includes sophisticated AI capabilities, such as tools for generating blog content and optimizing your website for search engines.

For WordPress users, the leading content management system, AI is increasingly being integrated into page builders.

For example, SeedProd enables you to create a fully customized theme using AI, along with AI-driven content and image creation. Another notable option is Divi AI from Elegant Themes.

To discover more options, check out our expert selection of the top AI website builders for WordPress.

These tools function as page or theme builders within the WordPress ecosystem, rather than as independent platforms. Unlike all-in-one website builders, you will need to arrange your own hosting and domain name.

Given the widespread use of WordPress, we believe it is appropriate to include it in the AI website builder category, as it employs AI to enhance the website creation process, which is the primary goal of an AI website builder.

Now, let’s delve into the reasons behind the growing prevalence of AI in website builders and explore their rising popularity.

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The Buzz Surrounding AI Website Builders: Create a Live Site in Just Minutes

Initially, website builders were merely tools for designing sites. However, with rapid advancements in AI, many of these tools now incorporate AI-driven features. This significant evolution has led to a remarkable 32.9% annual growth in the AI website builder market.

Let’s explore the reasons behind the rising popularity of AI website builders:

Quick and Easy Setup

Typically, you just need to enter a prompt into an AI website builder, and it will generate a website for you. This method, known as vibe coding, allows you to launch a site almost immediately.

Consider this – with this technology available, you won’t waste hours learning how to use the tool or adding elements individually. The AI handles most of the work for you. Even if you need to make some adjustments later, you’ll still save a significant amount of time during the initial setup.

When we tested SeedProd’s AI, it took just 17 seconds for the page builder to create a custom theme for us. You can also use it to design landing pages, whether for a Google ad or a popular waitlist.

This quick turnaround offers substantial advantages for your business. The sooner your website is operational, the faster you can connect with customers online.

For many businesses, this translates to quicker revenue generation. Instead of spending weeks or even months developing a website, you could be ready to serve customers in just a few days or less.

User-Friendly for Beginners

Website builders are inherently user-friendly, requiring minimal coding skills. Users can easily create their sites by dragging and dropping elements, making these tools accessible to individuals without technical expertise.

However, our testing reveals that not all website builders offer the same level of usability. Some may present challenges, and the drag-and-drop functionality may not be as customizable as desired. It would be ideal to have a pre-designed template that only requires minor adjustments.

AI technology enhances website builders by simplifying the initial setup process, providing a solid foundation for users to build upon. This allows for personalized adjustments without the need to start from scratch.

Additionally, AI introduces various tools that assist with different facets of website creation.

For instance, AI-driven content generation enables individuals who lack writing skills to produce engaging text. At the same time, AI image generation supports those who may not have the artistic ability to create distinctive visuals.

Some AI-powered builders even offer features like AI heatmaps, which assist users with limited analytics knowledge in optimizing their website design and enhancing user experience.

Comprehensive Pricing

Many AI website builders provide comprehensive pricing packages, which is a significant benefit, particularly for users of platforms like Wix or Hostinger Website Builder. But what does comprehensive pricing entail?

Comprehensive pricing means you receive all the essential tools to operate your website under one subscription. This usually encompasses web hosting, a domain name, an SSL certificate, and the website builder itself, along with its marketing, analytics, and e-commerce functionalities.

Here’s an overview of Wix’s tiered subscription plans:

On the other hand, if you choose Bluehost, you gain access to a WordPress AI website builder that enables you to create multiple websites. This package often includes storage, a free domain for the first year, an SSL certificate, professional email, a web application firewall, DDoS protection, and more.

The pricing begins at just $2.99 per month.

Bluehost is also offering CanadaCreate readers an exclusive 70% discount on their first purchase. Click below to take advantage of this deal:

This pricing strategy offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it’s convenient. You don’t need to search for various services or worry about how to integrate them. Everything operates smoothly together since it’s all provided by the same company.

Additionally, using bundled services is often more economical. Purchasing these services individually can become expensive, but when combined, they typically offer better value. This is particularly beneficial for small businesses or individuals with limited budgets.

Attractive and Professional Design

Over 54% of people are unable to distinguish whether a website was created by AI or a human designer, highlighting the impressive capabilities of AI in producing professional-looking websites.

This means you don’t have to be a design expert to create an appealing website. AI website builders utilize advanced technology to grasp the elements that contribute to an attractive and functional website. They can generate layouts that are visually appealing and user-friendly.

Even if you are not satisfied with the design generated by the AI, many website builders offer a variety of pre-designed template kits that you can easily customize.

These templates are designed to be modern and professional right from the start. However, they are not rigid; you can effortlessly modify colors, fonts, and layouts to reflect your personal style or brand identity.

Moreover, most website builders come equipped with responsive design features by default, ensuring your site looks great on all devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. This is crucial today, as a significant number of users browse the internet on their mobile devices.

Continuous Support and Maintenance

Building a website without a website builder or hosting service means you have to manage the technical backend yourself. This includes updating software, ensuring security, and resolving coding issues as they come up.

For those who are new to website creation, these maintenance tasks can be daunting and time-consuming.

AI website builders simplify this process by handling most of the technical maintenance for you. These platforms typically provide automatic updates, security patches, and performance enhancements.

As a result, you can concentrate on creating content and growing your business instead of stressing over technical aspects.

Many AI website builders also provide ongoing support through AI-driven chatbots or comprehensive knowledge bases.

These tools can assist you in quickly resolving issues, often eliminating the need to reach out to human support. They guide you through essential features and offer a complete manual for managing your website.

Some platforms even leverage AI to recommend enhancements for your website, such as better SEO practices, faster loading speeds, or an improved user experience. It’s like having a team of experts dedicated to continuously optimizing your site.

AI website builders offer numerous advantages, but it’s essential to consider their potential limitations. While these tools come with impressive functionalities, they may not be suitable for every scenario.

Let’s examine some crucial factors to consider before selecting an AI website builder.

Essential Considerations Before Using an AI Website Builder

Whether you’re launching a new website or revamping an existing one, here are vital aspects to evaluate before opting for an AI website builder:

Quality Varies Among AI Website Builders

Although website builders are designed to streamline the web development process, they differ significantly in terms of user-friendliness and design quality.

That’s why we suggest trying out the website builder beforehand and assessing the user interface. Is it intuitive and easy to navigate? A quality AI website builder should feature a clean, well-structured dashboard that doesn’t overwhelm you with choices.

For instance, we appreciate interfaces like SeedProd’s, which boasts a user-friendly design. The left side of the screen contains a sidebar for adding blocks and customizing colors, while the right side provides a real-time preview of your page.

In our comparison of SeedProd and Elementor, we observed that Elementor offers a similar layout but can be quite overwhelming for beginners.

It’s akin to the difference between using a basic photo editor and navigating Photoshop; having more features doesn’t necessarily enhance usability if it complicates the experience.

Next, evaluate the quality of the AI-generated designs. If possible, generate multiple designs to assess the consistency of quality across various styles and layouts. This will provide insight into the AI’s capabilities and flexibility in delivering designs that align with your vision.

Limited Customization and Extensibility

A potential downside of AI website builders, particularly all-in-one platforms like Wix or Hostinger Website Builder, is their restricted customization and extensibility options.

While the AI features can be extremely beneficial for various aspects of website creation and management, they may not address all the specific requirements of your project.

Some AI website builders do provide integrations with third-party tools, but you are still confined to the integrations that the platform has chosen to offer. This can be frustrating if you require a specific tool that isn’t included.

Using WordPress with an AI page builder offers greater customization and flexibility for your website.

The extensive range of WordPress plugins enables you to add nearly any functionality you desire, such as a sticky floating footer bar, a font resizer, or rotating testimonials to enhance social proof.

You can utilize an AI page builder for the main design and layout, while also enhancing your site’s features with additional plugins as necessary.

This adaptability is essential as your website evolves and your requirements change. You may begin with basic features, but as your business grows, you might need more sophisticated tools for customer relationship management or detailed analytics.

Rigid Pricing Plans and Upgrades

All-in-one AI website builders typically offer subscription-based pricing structures.

While this can be convenient, you may find yourself needing to upgrade to a more expensive plan just to access a specific tool.

For example, with Wix, if you have created a business website on their platform and wish to access advanced site analytics, you will need to upgrade to their highest-tier Business Elite plan.

This can be frustrating if you’re on the Core plan and generally happy with its features, except for the limited analytics tool.

You’re faced with a difficult decision: either continue with basic analytics or pay a lot more for a suite of features you may not need just to access that one tool you desire.

However, this problem is less likely to occur if you use WordPress with an AI page builder like SeedProd or Bluehost. With WordPress, you have greater control over the features you choose to add and when to add them.

You can often buy individual plugins or tools as needed instead of being tied to a rigid pricing model. This offers more flexibility in both functionality and budget management.

Concerns About Website Performance

Website builders, including those powered by AI, sometimes generate websites with unnecessary code that can slow down your site.

One reason for this is that the website builder may include superfluous elements in your site’s code. It’s like packing a suitcase with clothes you’ll never wear – it just adds weight and takes up space.

AI may not organize code as effectively as a skilled human developer. It’s like shuffling a deck of cards randomly instead of sorting them by suit – it functions, but it’s not the most efficient method.

Our experience shows that the performance of AI website builders can vary widely. Many users report that Wix tends to be slow, while other AI page builders for WordPress, such as SeedProd, do not have the same issue.

We have consistently observed PageSpeed scores exceeding 90 when using SeedProd, which you can verify in our comparison review of Elementor, Divi, and SeedProd.

For this reason, we suggest creating a demo site to test the platform before making a full commitment. Observe how the builder performs during the setup process and, crucially, how the final published site operates.

The developers of many AI website builders recognize these issues and have introduced features to mitigate them.

For instance, if you choose Bluehost, you will benefit from a complimentary Content Delivery Network (CDN) powered by Cloudflare. A CDN can greatly enhance your site’s loading speed by delivering content from servers that are closer to your visitors’ locations.

At CanadaCreate, we transitioned from Sucuri to Cloudflare, resulting in significant performance enhancements for our blog.

Are AI Website Builders the Ideal DIY Solutions for Beginners and Small Business Owners?

The answer is not straightforward. The optimal choice depends on your unique requirements, technical expertise, and long-term objectives for your website.

All-in-one AI website builders like Wix and Hostinger Website Builder are excellent for quickly launching a site with minimal technical skills. However, their limited customization options and rigid pricing structures can be challenging as your site expands.

We believe a more adaptable option is to use WordPress alongside an AI page builder such as SeedProd or Bluehost.

This combination offers the speed and convenience of AI-driven design while benefiting from WordPress’s flexibility. Essentially, you receive fast, AI-generated layouts without being confined to a closed system.

You can incorporate additional essential WordPress plugins as your requirements change, thanks to the adaptable nature of WordPress.

To assist you in making a decision, consider the following questions:

• How urgently do you need to launch your website?
• What degree of customization do you require?
• Do you anticipate needing advanced features in the future?
• How confident are you in handling basic technical tasks?
• What is your budget for building and maintaining your website?
• How much time can you commit to learning a new website platform?

It’s perfectly fine if your responses to these questions aren’t very clear. Just thinking about them will help you determine if an AI website builder is suitable for you.

Combining WordPress with an AI Page Builder and an AI Coding Assistant offers the most versatile DIY solution.

For greater control and flexibility with AI assistance, we recommend using WordPress alongside AI page builder and AI coding assistant plugins.

In this scenario, an AI page builder will accelerate your design process, while the AI code generator enables you to incorporate custom features into your site without needing extensive coding knowledge.

Our preferred option is WPCode. This code snippet plugin simplifies adding custom code to your WordPress site without the need to modify theme files. It’s like having a coding expert available whenever you need.

With simple prompts, you can create code snippets for specific features, modify existing code, or receive assistance with troubleshooting.

One of the biggest advantages is that you will require fewer plugins. This allows you to create tailored solutions that meet your exact needs, resulting in a faster and more manageable website. With fewer plugins, your site is also less prone to issues or security vulnerabilities.

Should I Choose an AI Website Builder or Hire a Professional?

A common question regarding AI website builders is whether they are a superior choice compared to hiring a professional. The answer varies based on your individual circumstances.

AI website builders offer a fantastic and quick DIY solution, enabling you to create an attractive website in just minutes.

Nonetheless, even when using WordPress with an AI page builder, an AI coding assistant, and multiple plugins, you may find that they do not fully represent your brand identity or implement intricate features as effectively as a human expert could.

For this reason, we advise against using an AI website builder if you:

• Require a highly customized website with specific functionalities.
• Operate in a competitive market where differentiation is crucial
• Do not have the time to learn and effectively manage these tools
• Require advanced eCommerce capabilities or complex integrations with other business systems

Conversely, hiring a professional WordPress developer can lead to a truly distinctive website. They can design a site that not only looks impressive but also excels in user experience and WordPress SEO.

However, the drawback is that professional services typically come with a higher cost. Additionally, this approach may extend the timeline for project completion.

Considering all of this, we suggest this option if you:

• Have some budget flexibility
• Manage a larger business where the website is vital for operations and customer engagement
• Need intricate functionality or integrations
• Simply lack the time or inclination to build and maintain the website yourself

If you wish to collaborate with a professional development team but are unsure whom to hire, consider exploring Seahawk Media Services.

Seahawk provides you with a dedicated project manager who will transform your ideas into reality. They offer multiple revisions to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the final design. Their team is equipped to handle everything from simple blogs to intricate eCommerce websites, all developed using WordPress.

Plus, they offer a training session to help you manage your website like an expert. This means you’ll be able to take care of routine tasks, add new content, and make basic changes independently.

Common Questions About AI Website Builders

Still have doubts about using AI website builders? Let’s address the most common questions regarding these tools:

Are AI website builders effective?

AI website builders are generally effective tools for quickly and easily creating websites. They are designed to be user-friendly, making them accessible even for those without technical skills. However, the quality can vary based on the specific AI builder you select.

How quickly can AI build a website?

AI can create websites very quickly, but the speed varies depending on the tool you use. For instance, with SeedProd’s AI, a website was created in just 17 seconds.

Are websites generated by AI of high quality?

AI-generated website designs are often on par with those created by human web developers. Research indicates that over 54% of individuals cannot distinguish between a website designed by AI and one crafted by a human designer, highlighting the impressive capabilities of AI in producing professional-looking websites.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using AI website builders?

The advantages of AI website builders include their user-friendly nature and quick setup, making them perfect for individuals who need a website in a short timeframe. They are capable of producing aesthetically pleasing designs and often provide ongoing support, which is beneficial for complete beginners.

The primary disadvantage is that the quality of AI site builders can vary significantly, as not all are created equal. Additionally, if you choose hosted platforms like Wix, you may encounter limitations in customization options. These platforms may also impose rigid pricing structures that restrict your flexibility.

For these reasons, we suggest using WordPress in conjunction with an AI page builder, as this combination offers the adaptability of an open-source platform along with the simplicity of AI.

Is AI going to take over the role of web developers?

We believe that AI will not replace web developers. Although AI can handle many web design tasks, human creativity, problem-solving skills, and understanding of client needs remain unmatched. Instead, web developers are likely to leverage AI as a helpful tool to enhance their work rather than being replaced by it.

What is the cost of building a website using AI?

The cost can vary significantly, typically starting at around $20 per month and potentially reaching hundreds of dollars. This pricing usually covers the website builder or page builder, web hosting, and a domain name. Additional costs may arise depending on the tools selected and any extra features required.

We hope this article has provided valuable insights into whether AI website builders live up to the expectations. You might also find our comparison guide on free versus premium WordPress themes and our comprehensive guide to essential WordPress design elements useful.

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