Everything you need to know about using AI to build your website

How can AI help to build a website?

AI (artificial intelligence) tools have come a long way in recent years. Alongside image generation, content writing, and customer service, some platforms now offer fully-built websites entirely generated by AI. 

What is an AI builder?

An AI website builder – like Wix ADI or Hostinger AI – uses machine learning to predict what a website should look like, and generates websites based on inputs such as your business type, industry, and goals. This includes generating entire page layouts, copy, and images.

These platforms can save time and are often cost-effective upfront, especially for small businesses or side projects. They can be helpful for generating basic ideas, content structures, or placeholder visuals.

However, it’s important to remember that AI tools are only as good as the data they’re trained on, and short cuts often come with consequences.

7 disadvantages of using an AI website builder

1. Lack of customisation

AI builders learn from templates, existing layouts, and other websites. This means your site can end up looking like many others.

Without a clear web design strategy and UI expertise, your brand identity, messaging and USP is likely to get lost. Not only does this reduce trust in your business, but it can mean you fail to stand out from the competition.

2. SEO and performance pitfalls

AI tools may not fully optimise your website for search engines. Without a proper SEO strategy, your site is more likely to suffer from:

• Poor page structure
• Slow loading speeds
• Incorrect heading tags and metadata
• Duplicate content issues.

These can all impact your visibility on search engines like Google and make it harder for people to find your site. Even if a potential customer does find you, they’re more likely to bounce (leave the site) if pages load slowly or content doesn’t provide value.

3. Accessibility and compliance risks

An AI-generated website may not meet accessibility benchmarks such as WCAG 2.2 (our standard for website design!). This means that your content may not be legible for people living with visual or motor impairments, for example. Read our Bamburgh Walled Garden case study to learn more about our approach to website accessibility.

Similarly, AI tools may not account for legal compliance such as GDPR cookie notices, privacy policies, or consent handling. In terms of potential penalties, a GDPR breach can lead to fines up to £17.5 million or 4% of global turnover.

4. Security vulnerabilities

AI website builders usually operate on closed platforms or shared infrastructure. This means your site is built and hosted in the same way as thousands of others, often using shared servers. Without a bespoke security setup, your website may be more vulnerable to breaches, malware, or data leaks. You also have limited control over server environments and updates.

5. Legal and ethical concerns

As touched upon, AI generated websites draw from existing templates and sites. Unfortunately, this means that the original coder’s work can become plagiarised. Without proper checks, you could be publishing content that infringes on intellectual property or breaches terms of use.

6. Missed opportunities for growth

Not only is a generic AI-generated website unlikely to be scalable, but when the time comes to grow, you won’t have a team on-hand to guide you through it. When we build a new website, we do so with an understanding of the client’s goals in mind. We aim to build their site in such a way that it can grow with their business – allowing for more features, content, and users down the line. 

Secondly, when it comes to lead generation, AI builders may not include integrations with CRM systems like Hubspot, analytics tools, or conversion features like lead generation forms. This means you could miss out on potential customers due to lack of a dedicated lead funnel.

7. Lack of industry experience

AI can mimic human creativity and behaviour, but – unlike our team – it doesn’t have the 20 years of real-world expertise in website design and development to help it make the best decision. The most effective websites are shaped by real user empathy, creative thinking, and long-term strategy. There’s real value in our approach to creating human-first experiences that users trust.

How to use AI to benefit your website build

It’s worth noting that AI tools aren’t inherently bad. As discussed in our last blog on AI, they can be a great starting point when used carefully.

For example –

• To suggest initial ideas for content, site structure or pages
• To help research your industry or competitor websites
• To assist with content creation. Eg. to find specific data or references that support your argument, or to proof read content.

It’s important to make sure there is always a human expert overseeing any AI-assisted work; never publish AI-generated content without human oversight. With the right balance, AI can speed up workflows and assist with ideation, but it should never replace professional judgement.

What is the alternative to an AI built website

For smaller businesses, you may lean towards template-based builders like Wix or Squarespace, which can be a low-cost option. However, this can mean the site is less equipped to grow with your business. If you do choose to go down this route, however, we’d still recommend investing in content writing and SEO support, and undergoing an accessibility audit.

Ultimately, if you want your business to stand out in an increasingly competitive industry, a custom-built, bespoke website by a dedicated Manchester agency is your best option. 

Working with a full-service web agency means you get strategic planning, bespoke design, expert development, and conversion-focused UX all in one place, seamlessly working in tandem. Most importantly, however, everything is aligned to your business goals. With long-term strategy, industry standards and best practice in mind, your site will be secure, scalable and future-proofed.

Get in touch

AI is changing how we work, and there’s potential to use it in ways that support your marketing. But when it comes to building your website, relying solely on AI can result in costly limitations, security issues, and a lack of brand impact.

Need support planning your next website? Explore our web design services to see how we can help.

Or – get in touch with Jon and Rich for a chat about your business goals.