Should you use AI to create a website?

With the rise in AI technology you’ve probably noticed one of it’s abilities is to create websites and content for websites. This can be great for people who have no knowledge of code or site builders. However there are some points to be aware of. Lets discuss reasons you would use AI to create your website and some reasons why you might want to avoid it!

Reasons to use AI to create your website

You have limited expertise in creating websites, and your budget is small

If you have never created a website before, then you might consider using AI as your helping hand. It can answer a lot of questions you may have throughout the process and can act as some type of mentor. However, this might not be as easy as it sounds. You’ll still need to be aware of what you’re asking the AI system to get an accurate response. Another reason it might suit your needs is if you currently have a low budget for your website and you need to get online with something basic and fast. This can be a good starting point; however, you will probably want to invest in professional website design later down the line.

A neat and easy design

AI-created websites usually look nice. Due to the ability of AI to churn out basic code, you will find alignment and structure are almost perfect and done very quickly. This is very pleasing to the eye. If you’re looking for something non-functional just for people to check out when they go to your company’s domain, then an AI website might be perfect for you.

You don’t need to change anything

These days, professional sites usually come with a CMS or maintenance packages, so content can always be updated quickly. While this suits many people, for some, it is unnecessary, which can also be an unnecessary expense. If a website that is static is all you need, then go for the simple AI-generated website.

Why not to use an AI website

You’re a serious business that understands the value of a high-quality website

So your business is already doing amazing. Now you want to invest in your online presence and scale even further to the next level. Naturally, you’re going to want a professional web designer/web developer to build your website. Using a professional almost eliminates any risks of basic mistakes that could ruin your company’s reputation. The main issue with AI websites is that when they’re used by a layperson to build a website, the AI is the ‘boss’. The creator is relying on the AI to be correct and guide them, even when in many cases it’s not. This is a very new technology that is prone to serious errors. Not something you want to risk your company’s reputation for. A CMS or hand-coded website by a professional will always be the best way to go.

You need something bespoke

AI is learning from existing material. And while the designs can look nice, you can guarantee the design is already out there being used hundreds or thousands of times already. Even with the best prompting, it’s not able to design anything unique. If your company prides itself on being different and your brand image is important to you, then a custom design is the only choice.

Maintenance problems

If you or no human created the website, then when it comes to maintenance, you might run into some frustrating issues. Technology can sometimes throw unexpected curveballs. A professional web developer should be able to help you should this situation arise. However, if the site is AI-generated, this becomes significantly worse, as the code in the background is unlikely to have been documented by the AI while it uses random and unconventional practices. Should this happen, then there is the potential for it to be a permanent or expensive problem, one that could end up with the site owner needing to go to a professional anyway. If you are looking for information on website maintenance, then click here.

Conclusion

While AI can offer convenience and generate visually pleasing designs, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before using it for your website design. AI can be helpful for beginners with limited expertise or those with a tight budget, providing guidance and basic designs. However, its limitations become apparent for serious businesses that value a high-quality, unique online presence. Relying on AI as the “boss” of the design process carries risks of errors and potential damage to your company’s reputation.

Moreover, if you require a bespoke design that reflects your brand’s individuality, AI-generated websites may fall short since they lack the ability to create truly distinctive designs. Maintenance issues can also arise due to unconventional coding practices employed by AI, leading to frustrating and potentially expensive problems.

Ultimately, investing in professional web developers and designers offers greater control, expertise, and the assurance of a high-quality, tailored website that aligns with your specific business needs. The involvement of professionals ensures meticulous attention to detail, mitigates risks, and provides ongoing support for maintenance and updates.

Consider your long-term goals, brand image, and the value you place on a unique and seamless user experience. By making an informed decision based on your specific requirements, you can achieve a website that effectively represents your business, establishes credibility, and drives success in the digital landscape. Check out our website design services here.