Building Websites with AI: What You Need to Know

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Last Updated on April 17, 2025

a robot sitting at a desk, looking at a monitor, and building a website.

AI is transforming online marketing. From social media posts to content and even the way websites are created. AI offers speed, convenience, and, in many ways, accessibility. 

Everyone is talking about AI website builders. But are they the right choice for your next project? In this article, Bridget Willard and I look at the benefits and drawbacks of AI-powered website builders and see how they compare to WordPress and static sites.

“In the early 21st century, all of mankind marveled at its own magnificence as we gave birth to AI.” – Morpheus, The Matrix

Why AI for Web Development?

AI website builders like Wix ADI, Framer AI, Bookmark, and even WordPress promise to revolutionize web design. They automate everything from layout creation to SEO optimization, making them a tempting option for startups, small businesses, and even seasoned developers like you looking to save time. But are they all they’re cracked up to be? Click on the image below to get into the conversation.

The Pros of Using AI Website Builders

AI isn’t as new as we think. Back in 2023, you could use AI to build a simple website, create images, and write content. Making an AI-based website – Easier than making a pizza.

Speed and Convenience

Right at the top. Need a website yesterday? AI tools can generate a functional site in minutes—ideal for urgent launches or campaigns. That said, WordPress themes like Neve offer complete starter sites that are ready to go with images and content in 3 minutes. Standardized text isn’t anything new.

Cost Efficiency

AI platforms are often budget-friendly compared to hiring a developer or agency. Perfect for small businesses with limited resources.

Automation & Maintenance

Routine tasks like updates, performance optimization, and basic security are handled automatically, saving you time down the road.

Accessibility

No coding skills? No problem! AI removes technical barriers, empowering entrepreneurs and creatives alike. That may be a good thing for beginners, but are you really learning anything? 

Scalability

As your business grows, AI builders make it easy to add pages or features without starting from scratch.

Built-in Features

E-commerce, SEO tools, and booking integrations—modern AI builders come packed with everything you need to get started.

Responsive Design

Your site will look great on mobile, tablet, and desktop—automatically adapting layouts for different devices.

The Cons of Using AI Website Builders

We talk a lot about “touching the grass” during the day, but not a lot about being able to build a website by hand. Why is that?

“How can we expect the advanced stuff to work if we fail HTML?” Warren Laine-Naida

Generic Designs

AI-generated layouts can feel cookie-cutter, lacking the emotional branding or storytelling that human designers bring. That said, WordPress powers half of the web, and websites have looked a lot alike for many years now.

Customization Limitations

Need a unique feature or integration? You might hit a wall with pre-packaged AI solutions.

SEO Risks

AI-generated content may lack originality or trigger duplicate content issues, hurting your rankings. How’s that for ironic?

Lack of Learning

If you don’t try something and it fails, you can’t learn. The thrill of putting together a WordPress website is like building a LEGO model. And, if you have ever put together an HTML page with a line or two of CSS, you know the thrill that it brings.

Data Privacy Concerns

AI platforms collect user data for personalization, raising potential compliance issues with GDPR and similar regulations, not to mention intellectual property.

Hidden Costs

While affordable upfront, limitations may require costly intervention later if you need custom development.

Shallow Brand Understanding

AI struggles with nuance like brand differentiation. Abstract concepts like tone and emotional resonance are lost on AI, producing sites that may feel impersonal.

Platform Dependency

If your chosen platform changes its pricing or goes offline, you could lose control over your site.

Security

AI doesn’t care about your business or the integrity of your WordPress plugin. It doesn’t have loyalty. It’s only impetus is to be efficient. As Rob Cairns says, “AI writes code. It doesn’t write secure code.” On top of that, AI-written code doesn’t necessarily prioritize plugin compatibility or backward compatibility.

“Of the 10 vulnerabilities listed by OWASP, three are specific to access and misuse of privileges: insecure plugin design, insecure output handling, and excessive agency.” TrendMicro

Licensing

What happens when the AI tool is now a paid tool? Will AI-written code comply with the GPL license in WordPress? Will the plugin team allow it if you decide to run a freemium model?

Human Cost

We often forget about the human cost of AI-assisted code. Sure, AI can build a website. But what about the developer that lost work because of it? Or the writer? When we overly rely upon artificial intelligence, will we just talk to Alexa and ask her to order us a refrigerator? Why even look it up on Google?

Static Websites vs. CMS Platforms: How Does AI Fit In?

FeatureStatic Websites via AICMS/Page Builders via AI
Ease of UseVery highModerate
CustomizationLimitedMore flexible
ScalabilityGood for small projectsBetter for growing businesses
SEO OptimizationBasicAdvanced with plugins
MaintenanceMostly automatedRequires manual oversight
CostLower upfrontHigher due to plugin fees

How Does AI Compare with Traditional Web Development?

Static Websites (HTML/CSS/JavaScript)

  • Pros: Full control over design and performance; lightweight and fast; no third-party dependency.
  • Cons: Time-intensive; requires high skill levels; challenging to scale dynamically.

AI Impact: Automates repetitive coding tasks but may produce inefficient code requiring manual refinement.

WordPress (CMS)

  • Pros: User-friendly; extensive plugin ecosystem; scalable for blogs or e-commerce.
  • Cons: Performance drag from plugins, security risks, limited design freedom without coding knowledge.

AI Impact: Enhances speed/security but may oversimplify plugin recommendations or misalign with specific needs.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use AI to Build Your Website?

It depends.

If you need a quick, affordable solution for a basic site, AI builders are a fantastic option. But if your project requires scalability, unique branding, or custom features, you will benefit from human expertise – you and your team’s expertise. AI is an assistant, not the lead designer.

If you have never built a website before, do it without AI first. Everything you do wrong will teach you what to do correctly. The feeling you get when something you have built works is the best feeling ever. 

If you can build a website with HTML and CSS, then you can build a website when there is no AI and no CMS page builder like WordPress. Also, if something goes wrong and you didn’t build it, how will you know how to fix it?

In most cases, the sweet spot lies in combining all three approaches: let AI handle repetitive and time-consuming tasks, use a page-building CMS for the heavy lifting, and leverage your skills and creativity for managing and fine-tuning it all. 

Sources

Article image thanks to Google Gemini AI image creator 17.04.2025 10:20