Web Designer Tests 5 AI Website Builders... (are we out of a job?)
Howto & Style
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are revolutionizing how business owners approach tasks ranging from content creation to market research. Among the most intriguing innovations are AI website builders that promise to simplify and accelerate the website design process. As a website designer with over eight years of experience, I’m often faced with the question: Are these tools going to take my job?
To explore this concern, I decided to test five different AI website builders with a hypothetical brand—a pizza catering service called "Pizza Bay." This brand serves wood-fired pizzas to weddings and festivals, offering a laid-back, Bohemian vibe. Below is a detailed review of my experience with each tool.
1. Hostinger AI Website Builder
Upon launching Hostinger's AI website builder, I entered the brand name "Pizza Bay," selected a business showcase website type, and provided a brief description including some aesthetic preferences like color and font. Within approximately 15 seconds, the tool generated a basic website layout that included services, testimonials, contact information, and a menu.
While functional, the initial design felt rather generic, lacking any distinct character. The customization options after this first layout, however, revealed more options reminiscent of familiar platforms like Squarespace. Users can easily modify sections, add elements, adjust colors, and even manage SEO settings. This platform stood out by providing a user-friendly experience, though it remains basic compared to a custom-built website.
2. Durable.co
The second builder, Durable.co, asked for my business type and location before producing a generic template website. Compared to Hostinger, this tool provided fewer initial details and lacked customization options regarding branding and styling.
After creating an account, I encountered even more limitations, as it offered only the most basic design features and a very simplistic website layout. While it allows users to add sections and generate content, it felt constrained and less tailored to specific business needs.
3. Wix AI Website Builder
Next, I tried the Wix AI website builder, which required me to create an account first. The chatbot interface was engaging, asking detailed questions about the business—including unique features and specific functionalities required on the website.
Wix generated a site structure based on this information, but I found that it had misinterpreted my branding needs slightly. While the design choices were elegant, they didn't quite match the laid-back aesthetic of our hypothetical pizza van business. The flexibility to tweak individual elements was a strong point, and this builder felt like the most robust option in terms of capabilities compared to others.
4. Reloom
Reloom offered a different approach by creating a sitemap and allowing for the addition of sections to the design, but it was clear this tool was intended more for wireframing rather than providing a fully-fledged website. Once again, the UI wasn't particularly user-friendly for non-technical users.
Users must navigate to another platform for hosting and finishing the design after using Reloom to create wireframes. While good for building initial structures, it might confuse clients needing a straightforward website solution.
5. Code Design
Lastly, I explored Code Design, which provided a one-time access fee option. This tool asked for basic descriptions but did not focus on brand specifics. The default layout was simple and required significant editing to tailor it to the user's needs.
While the pricing model was attractive, the limited flexibility in editing and designing specific elements made it feel very much like using a generic template.
Conclusion
Overall, the AI website builders tested provided a mixed bag of functionalities. Hostinger and Wix emerged as the winners for ease of use and flexibility. However, these AI solutions are fundamentally similar to existing website templates—good for users looking for quick setups but lacking the customization and depth a professional website designer can offer.
As a web designer, my role remains valuable, as many clients seek unique, personalized designs that go beyond what these automated tools can create. While AI continues to transform the industry, it’s essential to leverage it rather than view it as a threat.
Keywords
AI website builders, web design, Hostinger, Durable.co, Wix, Reloom, Code Design, pizza catering, website customization, unique designs.
FAQ
Q1: Will AI website builders replace web designers?
A1: While AI builders streamline the process, they often lack the customization and personal touch that experienced designers provide, meaning designers remain valuable.
Q2: Which AI website builders stood out during the tests?
A2: Hostinger and Wix were the most user-friendly, offering better flexibility and options for customization compared to other AI builders.
Q3: Can clients successfully use AI website builders without technical skills?
A3: Some AI tools require a learning curve, and while they are designed to be simple, clients may find it challenging without prior experience.
Q4: Are AI-generated websites suitable for all businesses?
A4: Yes, but the quality and suitability may vary based on the specific needs of the business. Custom solutions may still be necessary for brands with distinct identities.
Q5: How can web designers leverage AI tools?
A5: Designers can incorporate AI tools into their workflows to streamline certain tasks, allowing more time for customization and building personalized client experiences.
