When it comes to building or upgrading your website in 2025, you have two choices: hire a web design company or use a no-code platform. Both options come with their own set of benefits. In this blog, we’ll compare both choices to help you decide which one is the best for your business.
1. What is a Web Design Company?
A web design company creates websites tailored to your business. They provide website design and development services that include:
- Custom website design
- Full website building (both front-end and back-end)
- E-commerce websites
- Mobile-optimized websites
- Continuous support and maintenance
Hiring a web design company means getting a website that’s built exactly to your specifications. You get a professional touch and a custom solution.
2. What is a No-Code Platform?
A no-code platform is a tool that allows anyone to create a website without needing to know how to code. These platforms are easy to use, with drag-and-drop features. Some popular no-code platforms are:
- Wix
- Squarespace
- WordPress (with no-code tools)
- Shopify (especially for online stores)
They’re a fast and affordable way to get a website up and running. However, they might not offer the level of customization and flexibility that a custom-built site can provide.
3. Cost Comparison: Web Design Company vs. No-Code Platform
Web Design Company (India – Startup Level):
When you hire a web design company in India, especially a startup agency, the cost is significantly more affordable than Western markets. You’re paying for a custom website tailored to your business. Here’s what to expect:
Initial Design & Development: $480 to $2,400
Maintenance: $120 to $600 per year
The price depends on the complexity and features of your website. A custom-built website may cost more, but it’s designed specifically for your business needs and offers better flexibility and control.
No-Code Platform (e.g., Wix, Webflow, Shopify):
No-code platforms are cheaper to get started with. Most operate on a subscription model, making them attractive for startups with smaller budgets. Here’s the typical cost breakdown in the Indian context:
Basic Plans: $6 to $30 per month
E-commerce Plans: $20 to $60 per month
Additional Features: Extra costs for premium themes, third-party apps, and integrations
While no-code platforms are inexpensive initially, you may face limitations if your website requires advanced functionality as your business grows.
4. Customization: Web Design Company vs. No-Code Platform
Web Design Company:
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a web design company is that you can get a fully customized website. They can build the site to fit your brand’s style, goals, and specific needs. With a web design company, you can have:
- Custom layouts
- Advanced features (e.g., booking systems, custom e-commerce tools)
- Full control over website design and structure
You aren’t restricted by templates, and you get a unique website tailored to your business.
No-Code Platform:
With a no-code platform, you are mostly limited to the templates and tools they provide. While it’s easy to use and quick to build, customization can be restricted. If you need anything beyond the platform’s features, you might not be able to add them easily.
5. Time to Build the Website
Web Design Company:
Building a website with a web design company can take several weeks. The process includes:
- Consultation: Understanding your business needs and goals
- Designing: Creating the visual layout and structure
- Developing: Building out the features and functionality
- Testing and Launch: Ensuring everything works correctly
This process usually takes anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the website.
No-Code Platform:
No-code platforms allow you to build a website quickly. You can have a simple website ready in a matter of hours or days. However, if you need to add extra features, it might take more time and effort to figure out how to make them work.
6. Scalability: Which Option Grows with Your Business?
Web Design Company:
A web design company can build a website that grows with your business. As your business expands, a custom-built website can be updated to include new features, handle more traffic, and support your business needs. It’s easy to scale with a custom solution.
No-Code Platform:
While no-code platforms are great for small businesses, they may not be the best option as your company grows. As you need more features or your website traffic increases, you might encounter limitations. At some point, you may need to upgrade to a custom-built solution to keep up.
7. Maintenance and Support
Web Design Company:
When you hire a web design company, you often get ongoing support. This can include:
- Regular updates to your site
- Fixing any issues or bugs
- Adding new features when needed
Ongoing support ensures your website runs smoothly and stays up-to-date.
No-Code Platform:
With a no-code platform, the support is usually limited to their help center or customer service. If you run into issues, you may need to troubleshoot them yourself or rely on the platform’s support team.
8. SEO and Performance
Web Design Company:
A professional e-commerce website developer can build your website with SEO (Search Engine Optimization) in mind. This includes:
- Fast loading speeds
- Mobile optimization
- Proper SEO setup (meta tags, schema markup, etc.)
These steps help your website perform well on search engines, improving your visibility and attracting more visitors.
No-Code Platform:
Most no-code platforms offer basic SEO tools, but you may not have full control over advanced SEO techniques. If SEO is a big priority for your business, a custom-built website may be a better option because you can have more control over optimization.
9. When to Choose a Web Design Company
Consider hiring a web design company if:
- You need a custom website with specific features
- You want a unique design that stands out
- You need ongoing support and maintenance
- Your business plans to scale, and your website needs to grow with it
10. When to Use a No-Code Platform
A no-code platform is a good option if:
- You need a simple website that’s easy to manage
- You’re on a tight budget and need a quick solution
- Your website doesn’t require many advanced features
Conclusion
Deciding between a web design company and a no-code platform depends on your specific needs. If you need a custom-built website with advanced features and scalability, hiring a web design company is the right choice. If you need a simple, budget-friendly solution and don’t need many features, a no-code platform is a great option.
Weigh your long-term goals and current website requirements to make the best choice for your business.
