Website builders have come a long way. Yet, despite their growth, misconceptions still surround them. Many people assume they’re only for hobbyists, too limited, or bad for serious business. In reality, most of these beliefs are outdated or based on old experiences. In this post, we separate myths from facts – and show which website builders offer flexibility, customization, and ways to back up or move your site content.
Myth 1: Website builders aren’t professional enough for serious business
Fact: Modern website builders allow you to create sleek, professional, and fully responsive websites. Many businesses, from small startups to established brands, use builders to launch and manage their sites. With pre-designed templates, custom layouts, and professional-grade features, your website can look just as polished as one created by a web developer. And actually, the web developer is probably using a website builder.
Builders like UltimateWB, Squarespace, and Wix make it easy to produce a professional look, while some basic free hosted platforms may feel less polished.
Read: Coding Website From Scratch vs Using a Website Builder
Advantages of Using a Website Builder vs. Custom Web Development
Myth 2: You can’t customize anything with a website builder
Fact: Many builders offer extensive customization options, but not all do. Platforms like UltimateWB, WordPress with a page builder plugin, and Webflow allow you to adjust layouts, fonts, colors, images, and add custom code. Squarespace and Wix offer good template customization but are more limited if you want full code-level control.
Read: Signs Your Website Builder Isn’t as Customizable as You Think
Myth 3: Website builders are too expensive in the long run
Fact: Costs depend on the type of platform:
- Self-hosted / downloadable (UltimateWB): One-time fee, choose your own hosting (or host with UltimateWB), control updates and backups, low recurring costs.
- Hosted builders (Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, Shopify): Subscription includes hosting and maintenance, but costs rise with added features.
- Open-source platforms (WordPress.org): Free software, but premium themes, and plugin subscriptions for the features you need add recurring costs.
Bottom line: All options can be cheaper than hiring a developer for a custom site, but self-hosted solutions offer more control and predictable long-term costs, while hosted solutions provide convenience with potentially higher recurring fees.
Read: Which Web Development Platform Is the Most Trustable and Cost-Effective?
Myth 4: Using a website builder will hurt your SEO
Fact: Some builders generate clean, crawlable code and offer built-in SEO tools. UltimateWB, Webflow, and WordPress with SEO plugins give you strong control over meta tags, headings, URLs, and images. Platforms like Wix or Squarespace have improved SEO tools, but historically were more limited.
Proper use of a builder doesn’t compromise your ability to rank in search engines – it can actually simplify the SEO process – if you are provided the access and proper tools.
Read: What’s the Best Website Builder for SEO?
What techniques do you use to improve website crawlability and indexability?
Myth 5: Once you start with a website builder, you’re stuck forever
Fact: Downloadable website builders are flexible and allow you to export content or migrate to another platform if needed. They even provide full server control, which means you aren’t locked into a single provider. Choosing the right builder ensures you have options for the future.
UltimateWB (downloadable) and WordPress.org (self-hosted version) allow exports and backups. Webflow only allows exports of static websites – just having a contact form makes it dynamic, Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify are hosted platforms and don’t let you backup your database or website content – you have to manually copy/paste like everyone visiting on your website.
Read: Why So Many Businesses Are Switching from Hosted Platforms to Self-Hosted Builders
Static vs. Dynamic Websites: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
UltimateWB vs Webflow: The Real Costs, Control, and Flexibility You Need to Know
Conclusion
Most myths about website builders come from outdated experiences or misunderstandings. Sometimes, these myths are true for some builders but not others, which is why it’s important to choose the right platform for your needs. Today’s builders – when chosen carefully – can be professional, flexible, and cost-effective, making them a great choice for businesses, freelancers, and personal websites alike.
Ready to see what a modern website builder can do? Check out UltimateWB and start building a professional website today.
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.