If you’ve ever asked a technical question about a hosted website builder, chances are you’ve seen an answer like this:
“Just run a proxy.”
Hosted website builders like Webflow and Wix intentionally restrict server access, which is why developers often hear advice like this when they hit platform limitations. On the surface, it sounds like an easy workaround – but what does it actually mean?
And more importantly, why is “just run a proxy” usually a sign that you’ve outgrown your website builder?
Let’s break it down.
What people mean by “just run a proxy”
When someone suggests running a proxy, they’re telling you to spin up your own server and place it in front of a hosted platform.
The setup typically looks like this:
Visitor → Your Server (Proxy) → Hosted Builder (Webflow, Wix, etc.)
Your server becomes responsible for:
- Custom backend logic
- API requests
- Authentication and session handling
- Header manipulation
- Route rewrites
The hosted platform is reduced to a frontend renderer.
It’s like renting an office space where you’re not allowed to access the electrical panel. When you need power for new equipment, instead of the building handling it, you bring in a generator and run extension cords through a window.
That’s essentially what running a proxy does. Instead of the website builder handling backend responsibilities, you stand up your own server outside the platform to compensate for what you’re not allowed to access.
Why this advice keeps coming up
Fully hosted platforms are designed to be managed, opinionated environments. That comes with trade-offs:
- No server access
- No custom backend runtime
- Limited control over headers and cookies
- Restricted authentication and security logic
- Shallow API support
A proxy becomes the default suggestion because it’s one of the only ways to bypass these limitations without abandoning the platform entirely.
The hidden complexity of proxy-based setups
“Just run a proxy” sounds simple – until you actually do it.
In practice, it means:
- Running and maintaining a second server
- Managing SSL, CORS, cookies, and caching
- Debugging issues across two systems
- Introducing latency and performance overhead
- Risking breakage when the hosted platform changes
At that point, you’re already:
- Paying for hosting
- Writing backend code
- Managing infrastructure
…but without the benefits of true platform control.
A proxy does not give you real ownership
It’s important to be clear about what a proxy does not provide.
A proxy does not:
- Give you access to the platform’s server
- Let you run custom backend code inside it
- Provide database-level control
- Replace full self-hosting
A proxy is a workaround – not a foundation.
When “just run a proxy” becomes a red flag
Needing a proxy is often a signal, not a solution.
If your project requires:
- Custom authentication
- Advanced backend logic
- Secure API integrations
- Server-side workflows
- Long-term scalability
Then fighting your platform with workarounds is usually a sign that it wasn’t built for your use case.
Why UltimateWB takes a different approach
With UltimateWB, there’s no need to build around artificial limitations.
You get:
- Full server access
- Run backend code directly on your server
- Direct database control
- Easily add and run your own custom server-side code
- Full control over your server, code, and data
Instead of proxying around a platform, you build directly on it.
Final thoughts
“Just run a proxy” often sounds like technical advice – but in reality, it’s an admission that the platform has reached its limits.
If you already need your own server, logic, and infrastructure, the real question is:
Why not start with a platform designed to give you control from day one? Answer: UltimateWB
Related: What is the difference between hosted website builders and website builder software?
For developers evaluating long-term flexibility, the differences between hosted builders and self-hosted platforms become obvious once backend requirements enter the picture. Here’s how the two approaches compare from a technical standpoint.
Developer-Focused Comparison: Hosted Builders vs UltimateWB
| Feature / Capability | Hosted Builders (Webflow, Wix, etc.) | UltimateWB |
|---|---|---|
| Server access | ❌ No server access | ✅ Full server access |
| Backend code execution | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Runs directly on your hosting |
| Database access | ❌ Restricted / abstracted | ✅ Direct database access |
| Custom server logic | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Built into your stack |
| Authentication control | ❌ Platform-limited | ✅ Fully customizable |
| API key security | ❌ Client-side or workarounds | ✅ Stored server-side |
| Cron jobs / background tasks | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Fully supported |
| URL routing control | ❌ Platform-defined | ✅ Full control |
| Platform lock-in | ❌ High lock-in | ✅ No lock-in, download files and host where you want |
| Portability | ❌ Not portable | ✅ Fully portable |
| Proxy required for core features | ❌ Often required | ✅ Not required |
| Infrastructure ownership | ❌ Platform-owned | ✅ You own server, your code, and data |
| Scaling approach | ❌ Platform-dependent | ✅ Server-level scaling |
| Best suited for | Static sites, simple projects | Full websites, platforms, SaaS |
When a platform forces you to add a proxy for core functionality, it’s no longer simplifying development – it’s adding unnecessary layers. Platforms that give you direct access eliminate the need for those workarounds entirely.
Ready to design & build your own website, with no proxy required? Learn more about UltimateWB! We also offer web design packages if you would like your website designed and built for you.
Got a techy/website question? Whether it’s about UltimateWB or another website builder, web hosting, or other aspects of websites, just send in your question in the “Ask David!” form. We will email you when the answer is posted on the UltimateWB “Ask David!” section.