Wix/Squarespace DIY vs SitesByTed
DIY builders promise anyone can build a website. They are right — if you have 40-80 hours and do not mind a site that looks like a template. Ted builds a custom site overnight while you sleep.
Feature-by-Feature
| Feature | Wix/Squarespace DIY | SitesByTed |
|---|---|---|
| Sticker price | $16-$45/month | $500 one-time |
| True cost (Year 1) | $5,000-$15,000 (including your time) | $500 |
| Your time required | 40-80 hours to build | 30 minutes |
| Design quality | Template-based — looks like every other Wix site | Custom design for your business |
| Page speed | Slow (30-50 PageSpeed score typical) | Fast (90+ PageSpeed score) |
| SEO capability | Limited — platform constraints | Full optimization |
| Content writing | You write everything | Ted writes all copy |
| Ongoing maintenance | You handle everything | Included |
| Learning curve | Significant — weeks to learn | None |
Where Wix/Squarespace DIY Wins
Full control over every detail
If you enjoy web design and want to control every pixel, DIY builders give you that power. Ted makes design decisions for you.
Ongoing editing without support
You can make changes anytime without waiting. With Ted, you request changes and they are made for you.
Where SitesByTed Wins
Your time back
40-80 hours of DIY work vs. 30 minutes with Ted. For a business owner whose time is worth $100/hour, that is $4,000-$8,000 in opportunity cost.
Professional quality
No template look. No amateur design decisions. Ted builds sites that look like a $10,000 agency built them.
Speed — actually fast
DIY builders are inherently slow because they load the entire page builder framework. Ted-built sites score 90+ on PageSpeed.
SEO done right
DIY builders have structural SEO limitations. Ted builds with proper schema, meta tags, heading structure, and local SEO from day one.
Cost Comparison
Wix/Squarespace DIY
SitesByTed
Choose Wix/Squarespace DIY If...
- You genuinely enjoy building websites and have the time
- You want to make frequent changes yourself without any waiting
- You are building a hobby site or personal blog, not a business
- You have design skills and strong opinions about layout
Choose SitesByTed If...
- You are a business owner, not a web designer
- Your time is better spent running your business than building a website
- You want a site that loads fast and ranks on Google
- You tried DIY and gave up (no judgment — it happens constantly)
- You need it done now, not in 2-3 months of weekend work
See the difference for yourself.
Get your free website score and see a live preview by morning.