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SquareSpace, Wix, or a Local Web Designer: What’s best for your St. Louis business?

Mr. CEO

If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably seen the ads: “Build your website in an hour!” “No coding required!” Services like SquareSpace and Wix promise speed, simplicity, and affordability. While they can get you online quickly, there is no substitute for partnering with a local web designer. (If I do say so myself, if I do say so myself.)

Make an informed decision by considering these key factors.

  • Good work takes time.
  • They are marketing too.
  • One size does not fit all.
  • You will eventually need support.
  • There will be hidden long-term costs.

Good work takes time.

Template Builders: Platforms like SquareSpace and Wix offer drag-and-drop builders and ready-made templates. It’s quick, but it’s also generic. These platforms don’t understand your industry, customer base, or business goals. You’re left doing crucial work, like branding, writing, structuring, and optimizing, by yourself.

Local Web Designer: A local designer brings a tailored, strategic approach. We don’t just build something that “looks good.” We build something that functions as a business tool—designed to draw local traffic, convert visitors, and grow your business. It’s not about launching quickly—it’s about launching well.

Screenshot of a website template featuring a table with assorted glasses, including a red wine glass and a standard wine glass.
Example screenshot of a website template for Condesa, an interior design studio, highlighting modern design aesthetics.
Homepage of Rotate Studio featuring a dramatic, low-angle portrait of a woman in a sleeveless white top, lit with warm, directional lighting against a dark purple background. The site header includes navigation links: “Classes,” “Schedule,” “About,” “Merch,” and “Cart,” with “Rotate Studio” in the top left. Large pink text at the bottom of the screen boldly displays the word “ROTATE.”
Homepage of Bogart Sports featuring a top-down photo of a woman stretching on a bright blue athletic track. White text on the right reads: “Join an athletic community that is passionate, determined, and supportive.” A smaller paragraph below invites visitors to join, mentioning the location in Minneapolis. A transparent button labeled “Contact us” is positioned below the text. The brand name “Bogart Sports” appears in the top left corner. Alt text: Homepage of Bogart Sports featuring a top-down photo of a woman stretching on a bright blue athletic track. White text on the right reads: “Join an athletic community that is passionate, determined, and supportive.” A smaller paragraph below invites visitors to join, mentioning the location in Minneapolis. A transparent button labeled “Contact us” is positioned below the text. The brand name “Bogart Sports” appears in the top left corner.

Source: SquareSpace

They are marketing too.

Template Builders: The impressive demo sites on platforms like Wix and SquareSpace rely on high-quality photography, professionally-designed logos, and carefully-selected typefaces—all created by skilled creative teams. Most small business owners don’t have these assets. Without strong visuals and brand elements, the final product often feels flat and disappointing compared to the examples.

Local Web Designer: A local designer builds your website around your actual business. We provide or guide you toward professional photos, branding, and typography that reflect your unique identity. The result? A site that not only looks great but resonates with your audience and supports your business goals.

One size does not fit all.

Template Builders: These platforms were built for the masses. That means one-size-fits-all layouts, limited features, and constraints that can frustrate anyone with even slightly unique needs.

Local Web Designer: Every business is different. Maybe you need custom bookings, advanced eCommerce, or third-party integrations. We build around your specific goals and workflow—not the limitations of a pre-made template.

Infographic titled ‘The Perma Jack® Advantage’ showing a cross-section of soil with steel piers supporting a house foundation. Highlights four benefits: Field-Proven, Low-Impact, High-Quality, and Long-Lasting. Includes note about U.S.-made ASTM A513 steel tubing.

Custom graphics for Perma Jack.

Screenshot from the Baxter Gardens Chesterfield website showing their process page. Includes the company logo, a ‘Consultation’ button, and a section titled ‘Your Complete Solution’ with text about outdoor living space design. Background features subtle botanical and stone illustrations.

Logo refresh for Baxter Gardens.

Screenshot of the Garcia Property Management website’s “Vacancies” page. The header includes navigation links for Vacancies, Management, Team, and Contact, with green text and black separators. The logo features stylized green buildings above the company name. Two green buttons labeled “Pay Rent” and “Request Maintenance” are at the top right. Below, the page title “Vacancies” appears prominently, followed by breadcrumb navigation (“Home // Vacancies”). Two large green buttons labeled “Filters” and “Map” are displayed above property listings with price tags and images.

Listings for Garcia Property Management.

Hands holding and arranging paint and material swatches on a wooden table, illustrating home design choices. Accompanied by text promoting rehab and remodeling services in the St. Louis area, emphasizing historic preservation and modern updates.

Photography for The Presson Homes.

You will eventually need support.

Template Builders: When you hit a wall, support is limited to help docs or chat queues. The advice is usually vague, rehashing a support document instead of speaking to your unique needs.

Local Web Designer: With a local designer, you have a real person who knows your name, business, and goals. You can call, email, or meet in person. You’re not just a ticket number—you’re a client with a vision, and we’re here to make it happen.

There will be hidden long-term costs.

Yes, a local designer costs more up front.

But template builders come with hidden long-term costs: lost opportunities, ineffective marketing, DIY maintenance, and eventually, a full redesign when the site does not perform.

A professional website is an investment that pays for itself—through higher traffic, better conversions, and a brand presence that makes you proud. Your website is often the first point of contact for new customers. Make this experience count.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a retail store on The Hill, a real estate agency in South City, or a startup in the Central West End, your website is one of your most important business assets. It should work for you—not just look “okay.”

Partnering with a local St. Louis web designer means building something real, lasting, and uniquely yours. Are you ready to build something better? Let’s talk.

Get a free estimate.
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