Building a website in 2025 is easier than ever. You don’t need to write a single line of code or fork out thousands for a developer – just pick a drag-and-drop builder, add some copy, and you’re live.
But that simplicity comes at a cost.
Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly promise quick fixes and sleek templates. While they can get you online fast, they often lead to long-term headaches when it comes to SEO, scalability, and technical control.
At Candy, we’ve helped dozens of businesses untangle underperforming DIY websites. In this post, we’re diving into why these platforms can fall short – and how you can avoid the usual pitfalls if you’re starting your website journey in 2025.
What Are DIY Web Builders?
DIY website builders first emerged in the early 2010s, offering budget-friendly websites without the need for developers. Fast forward to today, and they’ve exploded. Wix has over 260 million users globally, while Squarespace powers more than 4 million websites.
These platforms appeal to startups and small businesses looking for speed and affordability – and for some, that’s enough. But for others, especially those with long-term growth plans, DIY builders quickly start to show their limits.
If You’re Going DIY in 2025 – Start with Wix
If you’re just starting out and want to go down the DIY route and want my professional advice? Wix is your best bet in 2025.
They’ve made serious upgrades over the past year, including:
- Built-in schema markup support
- Faster load speeds and better mobile performance
- A revamped SEO dashboard with AI-driven recommendations
- Stronger integration with tools like Google Search Console and GA4
- Cleaner customisation for headers, internal linking, and site hierarchy
Wix has evolved far beyond its early limitations – and if you’re planning a small business or service-based website, it gives you the best shot at SEO success without needing to touch a line of code.
Running an E-Commerce Store? Use Shopify Instead
That said, if your business is selling products online, Shopify is the better choice.
Shopify is purpose-built for e-commerce, and while it’s technically a DIY builder, it comes with a level of scalability and flexibility that Wix struggles to match in the retail space. It now offers:
- Lightning-fast page speeds tailored for product pages
- Powerful SEO apps like Plug In SEO and Yoast for Shopify
- Automatic structured data for products, reviews, and pricing
- Advanced inventory management, sales analytics, and payment integrations
- Thousands of apps for scaling fulfilment, reviews, subscriptions, and more
In short, Shopify does for e-commerce what Wix does for small service-based sites – but better. If your growth plans include online retail, skip Wix and go straight to Shopify.
Let’s Talk About Squarespace (aka My Arch Nemesis)
Now, a personal note – I hate Squarespace. Am I allowed to say that? I know that’s a strong word, but trust me, I’ve earned it. And it isn’t because Squarespace plagues my YouTube browsing with in-video ads (although I’m sure that contributes).
Every time we onboard a client with a Squarespace site, the same issues pop up:
- Pages that won’t index properly
- Rigid templates that fight against UX best practice
- Limited access to technical SEO settings
- A “clean” backend that hides everything useful
Squarespace might look pretty on the surface, but under the hood, it’s restrictive and clunky. For a platform aimed at creatives and entrepreneurs, it leaves you with very little room to grow – and a lot of room for SEO failure.
Can you have a Squarespace website that works and performs SEO-wise? Sure, but you can also have a square wheel that technically rolls if you give it enough speed.
I am not saying I’m done with Squarespace for life, but as of writing this, I will always advise people to steer clear. I used to feel similarly about Wix, but here we are in 2025, and Wix is actually killing it.
SEO on DIY Platforms: Better Than It Was, Still Not Great
To be fair, most DIY platforms have stepped up their SEO game in the last few years. You can now manage:
- Meta titles and descriptions
- Image alt tags
- 301 redirects
- XML sitemaps
- Google integrations
But these are basic necessities, not SEO “features.” Most of the time, you’re working with limited back-end control, clunky navigation options, and bloated code that slows your site down – all of which limit your ability to compete on search.
Does my business really need SEO in order to grow?
There’s no short or straight answer to this – because every single business is unique. Some businesses don’t rely on online sales and traffic to be profitable or successful – and in this case, money spent on SEO would be redundant.
But for most start-ups, the reality is that a significant portion of sales (if not all sales) will now come via Internet-based sources and online leads. This means that most new businesses will need to budget for and invest heavily in digital marketing techniques, which starts with a well-built website and decent SEO. DIY websites seem like a good idea for a lot of businesses at the very beginning because they’re affordable and easy to use – but they can very quickly become cumbersome due to their limited functionality and flexibility and as a result, hold your business back from its true potential.
Where Most DIY Sites Go Wrong
At Candy, we often take over DIY sites that started with good intentions but no real plan.
We see the same problems again and again:
- No clear page structure
- Poor navigation
- Overreliance on templates
- No keyword research or content strategy
- Zero maintenance after launch
DIY platforms can be deceptively simple – but websites don’t run themselves. Without regular updates, proper optimisation, and strategic planning, even the prettiest site will flop in the long run.
But Wait – DIY Can Work (If You Do It Right)
We’re not anti-DIY. In fact, a well-planned DIY site can absolutely work.
If you’re on a tight budget and want to build your site yourself, just make sure you:
- Choose the right platform (Wix for service-based, Shopify for e-com)
- Plan your site structure around search intent
- Write high-quality content and update it regularly
- Pay attention to mobile performance and page speed
- Be willing to bring in help when needed
A website should never be static – it should evolve with your business. And if you treat your DIY site like a proper marketing tool (not just a box-ticking exercise), you’ll have a strong foundation to build on.
TL;DR: Build Smart, Not Just Fast
DIY websites are a great stepping stone – but they’re not a shortcut. The decisions you make at the start will shape how well your site performs and how fast your business can grow.
And if you’re already stuck with a DIY build that isn’t delivering? We’re here to help.
Need support to get noticed online?
At Candy we understand what businesses need to help them to grow – from expertly executed branding and common-sense SEO services to full-service digital marketing support. We’ll work with you to get to know your business and customer base inside out, putting together dynamic and future-proof plans to ensure you get the recognition you deserve in your chosen space.
Need SEO that actually works – no matter where your site started?
Book a call with us today: hello@candymarketing.co.uk
