If you're trying to build a website for your service business, you've probably looked at Wix, Squarespace, and maybe wondered if a custom site is worth it. They all claim to be easy, affordable, and perfect for small businesses. So what's the real difference?
In this guide, we'll compare the actual pros and cons of each option for contractors, plumbers, electricians, and other local service providers.
Wix: The DIY Option
Wix is popular because it's cheap and has drag-and-drop tools. You can get started for free, and paid plans range from $16-$45/month.
Pros:
- Easy to use if you have time to learn
- Lots of templates to choose from
- Affordable monthly pricing
Cons:
- Templates look generic. Your site will look like everyone else's
- SEO is limited. Harder to rank on Google compared to custom-coded sites
- Slow load times, especially on mobile
- You're locked in. Can't export your site if you want to leave Wix
- Ongoing monthly fees add up ($192-$540/year)
Squarespace: The "Premium" Template
Squarespace markets itself as the high-end template builder. Plans start at $16/month for a basic site, $23/month for a business site.
Pros:
- Nicer-looking templates than Wix
- Better for visual businesses (photographers, designers)
- Built-in analytics and email tools
Cons:
- Still a template. Limited customization
- Not built for service businesses. More suited for e-commerce or portfolios
- Click-to-call buttons and service pages feel like afterthoughts
- Ongoing monthly fees ($192-$276/year minimum)
- SEO is better than Wix but still not custom-level
Custom Websites: The Real Deal
A custom website is built from scratch by a developer or agency. No templates. No monthly subscriptions to a platform. You own the code.
Pros:
- Unique design that stands out from competitors
- Full SEO control. Easier to rank on Google
- Faster load times (critical for mobile users)
- You own it. No platform lock-in
- Can be optimized specifically for lead generation
Cons:
- Traditional agencies charge $2,000-$10,000+
- Can take weeks or months to complete
- Requires ongoing developer relationship for updates
Which One Should You Choose?
If you're a local service business, here's the honest answer:
- Wix: Only if you have time to DIY and don't care about ranking on Google
- Squarespace: Good for photographers and creatives. Not ideal for contractors
- Custom site (traditional agency): Great if you have $5,000+ to spend and 2-3 months to wait
- Custom site (BizWebFix): Best value. $300 one-time for a custom landing page built for lead generation
Real example: An HVAC company in Arizona spent 3 weeks building a Squarespace site. They got 1-2 calls per month. After switching to a custom BizWebFix landing page, they started getting 6-8 calls per month. Same budget. Better results.
The BizWebFix Approach
We built BizWebFix specifically for service businesses that need a website that converts, not just looks pretty. For $300 one-time:
- Custom design (not a template)
- SEO-optimized for local search
- Click-to-call buttons and mobile optimization
- Free hosting forever
- 2 weeks unlimited revisions
- 7-day free trial
Skip the Templates. Get a Custom Site for $300.
7-day free trial. Free hosting forever. No monthly fees.
Start Free Trial →Bottom Line
Templates are fine if you're starting a blog or portfolio. But for a service business trying to get phone calls and rank on Google, a custom site is the only option that makes sense. You don't need to spend $5,000. You just need to avoid the platforms that lock you into monthly fees and generic designs.