As a small business owner, you might have seen the ads or platforms with a big promise: “Build your WordPress website in minutes with AI!” These AI website builders promise to revolutionise web design, offering a quick, affordable solution for busy business owners who need a web presence. But can they really deliver a website that drives results for your business?
After working with countless small business owners and testing various AI website builders myself, I’ve discovered there’s more to the story than the hype suggests. While the technology is evolving rapidly, there are crucial factors you need to consider before trusting your business’s digital presence to AI.
In this article, I’ll share my hands-on experience with WordPress AI website builders and help you understand whether they’re the right choice for your business in 2025. We’ll look at what these tools can and can’t do, where they often fall short, and how to make an informed decision about your website strategy.
The current state of WordPress AI website builders
Having tested numerous AI website builders in the WordPress ecosystem like ZipWP and Elementor AI, I can tell you firsthand that the reality often falls short of the marketing messages. While these tools promise to change how we build websites, my experience shows they’re not quite there yet.
Design limitations
The most glaring issue I’ve encountered is the quality of designs these AI tools produce. Despite claims of understanding design principles, they often create layouts that:
- Lack visual hierarchy and proper spacing
- Miss crucial user experience considerations
- Follow rigid, template-like structures that feel generic
- Struggle with brand consistency and cohesion
The strategy gap
Perhaps more concerning is what these tools can’t do: think strategically about your business goals. A website isn’t just about looking good – it’s about driving results for your business. AI builders currently:
- Can’t understand your unique business context
- Don’t consider your target audience’s specific needs
- Miss opportunities for strategic calls-to-action
- Fail to incorporate conversion optimisation principles
The hidden costs
While AI website builders might seem cost-effective initially, they often come with hidden costs:
- Time spent fixing and adjusting poorly generated layouts
- Lost opportunities from ineffective user experiences
- The need to eventually rebuild when you outgrow the AI-generated site
- Potential brand damage from a generic, cookie-cutter website
Why professional web design expertise still matters
When it comes to creating a website that truly works for your business, there’s no substitute for real web design expertise. Here’s why:
Design principles are more than aesthetics
Good web design isn’t just about making things look pretty. It’s about understanding fundamental principles that drive results:
- Visual hierarchy that guides visitors to key information
- Strategic use of white space to improve readability and focus
- Thoughtful color and typography choices that reinforce your brand
- Consistent design patterns that make navigation intuitive
Strategic thinking makes the difference
The most beautiful website in the world won’t help your business if it’s not strategically designed. Professional web designers bring crucial strategic elements to the table:
- Understanding your business goals and aligning design choices accordingly
- Knowledge of user behavior and how to optimize for conversions
- Experience in creating clear pathways for visitors to take action
- Ability to balance aesthetics with functionality and performance
Avoiding the generic trap
One of the biggest risks with AI website builders is ending up with a site that looks just like everyone else’s. Your business isn’t generic – your website shouldn’t be either. Professional designers:
- Create unique layouts tailored to your specific needs
- Incorporate your brand personality effectively
- Design custom elements that help you stand out
- Ensure your website reflects your business’s unique value proposition
Where AI can actually benefit your business website
While AI website builders might not be ready for prime time, artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) can still be a valuable tool in your website toolkit when used strategically. Here’s where AI truly shines:
Content development and enhancement
Content is the most important part of your website. In it’s current state, I wouldn’t recommend writing full website copy with AI. It’s something that comes with risks, especially as Google and other search engines have to deal with the massive flood of AI generated content on the web.
That doesn’t mean however AI isn’t a useful tool for content, but focus on the following where it excels:
- Generating first drafts of website copy that can be refined
- Improving existing content for clarity and engagement
- Creating variations of key messages for A/B testing
- Developing meta descriptions and SEO elements
- Analysing competitor content for gaps and opportunities
Research and planning
A lot of research and planning goes into a good website. There is a lot at this stage where can help – both for website developers and business owners:
- Identifying relevant keywords and search trends
- Analysing competitor websites for insights
- Generating content topic ideas and outlines
- Creating initial website structure suggestions
- Brainstorming potential calls-to-action
Content optimisation
Content optimisation is hard, and really important. While a conversion rate optimisation (CRO) specialist can be hugely beneficial, if you haven’t considered CRO on your website, AI can be a good starting point.
- Suggesting improvements for readability
- Checking content for SEO best practices
- Identifying potential accessibility issues
- Analysing headlines for effectiveness
- Providing data-driven insights about content performance
The key to success: human oversight
The crucial factor is understanding that AI should be a tool in your toolkit, not the entire workshop. Successful businesses:
- Use AI for initial ideas and drafts
- Have experienced professionals review and refine AI outputs
- Maintain brand voice and personality through human editing
- Bring their own real world experience, insights & knowledge to the business
- Ensure strategic alignment with business goals
- Test and measure results to optimise performance
Making the right choice for your business website
With all the hype around AI website builders, how do you make the right decision for your business? Here’s a practical framework to help you evaluate your options.
Questions to ask yourself
Before making any decisions about your website, consider:
- What specific business goals does your website need to achieve?
- How important is standing out from your competitors?
- What level of customisation do you need?
- Do you have the time and expertise to evaluate AI-generated content?
- What’s the real cost of a website that doesn’t perform well?
When professional web design is the right choice
Professional web design is likely your best option if:
- Your website is a crucial part of your business strategy (which it should be!)
- You need a custom design that reflects your unique brand
- You’re looking for specific functionality or integrations
- You want strategic guidance on user experience and conversions
- You value having an expert partner for ongoing support
When AI tools might be suitable
AI tools could be appropriate when:
- You need quick content drafts for review
- You’re looking for initial design inspiration
- You want to optimise existing content
- You need help with research and planning
- You have the expertise to evaluate and refine AI outputs
Looking ahead
While AI website builders aren’t quite ready to replace professional web design, the technology is evolving rapidly. For now, the smartest approach is to:
- Use AI strategically where it provides real value
- Partner with professionals who understand both technology and business strategy
- Focus on creating a website that drives real business results
- Stay informed about AI developments without getting caught up in the hype
Moving forward with your website project
While AI website builders might seem tempting, building a successful business website isn’t just about having the latest technology – it’s about creating something that works for your business and your customers.
The most successful approach right now is to combine the best of both worlds: the efficiency of AI tools where they make sense, and the strategic expertise of professional web designers who can ensure your website drives real results for your business.
Remember, your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. It’s worth investing in getting it right.
Next steps
If you’re planning a new website or considering a redesign, I’d love to learn more about your business goals and help you make the right choice for your situation. Book a no-obligation chat where we can:
- Discuss your specific business needs
- Explore suitable website solutions
- Answer any questions you have about web design or AI tools
- Help you create a plan that makes sense for your business
