In 2025, WordPress made building websites super easy with AI. You just type a few instructions into a chatbot, and it puts together a full website for you—layout, words, images, everything—within minutes. (Elementor plugin, ZIPWP etc..)
Sounds awesome, right? And for quick, temporary sites, it is helpful. But here’s the catch: most of these websites end up looking and working the same. If you want a website that really stands out, attracts people, and helps grow your business, doing it manually is still the smarter move.
Why People Like AI Website Builders
AI tools can:
- Build your site layout automatically
- Write simple text based on your topic
- Suggest images and design styles
- Publish a working site quickly
For hobby sites, personal blogs, or early startup ideas, this can save time and effort.
But There Are Some Big Downsides
- No Real Plan Behind It
AI builds fast, but it doesn’t think ahead. It doesn’t plan for your business goals, target audience, or long-term growth. - Same Look, Different Site
Even with different themes, many AI sites feel the same. That makes it hard to stand out or look professional. - Weak SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Google and other search engines prefer websites that are well-organized and unique. AI might add keywords here and there, but it doesn’t understand what your audience is actually searching for or how to get your site ranked higher in search results. - Slow and Clunky
AI-built websites are often packed with bloat—extra code and features you don’t need. All that unnecessary stuff can slow down your site, hurt the user experience, and lower your ranking on Google. - No Focus on the Visitor’s Journey
Great websites guide visitors step by step—from the first click to taking action (like buying or signing up). AI doesn’t plan this path based on real data or behavior.
Why a Manually Built Website Is Still Better
If you’re serious about your website, doing it by hand is still the best way. You get:
- Better SEO
You can choose the right keywords, plan your content, and build a structure that search engines love. - A Unique Look and Feel
Your site will reflect your brand, not a generic template. - Smarter Design Based on Data
You can use tools to see what works and make changes that improve results. - Faster, Cleaner Performance
Less extra code means your site loads faster and works better on all devices. - Easy to Grow and Customize
You have more control to add new features, pages, or tools as your business grows.
Final Thoughts: AI Is a Starting Point, Not the Whole Solution
AI website builders are great for fast, simple projects. But if you want to build something that lasts—something that brings in traffic, builds trust, and supports your business—manual website development is still the way to go.
Use AI to get started if you need to, but don’t stop there. A well-built, carefully planned site will always bring better results.
Conclusion: Use AI Wisely, but Don’t Rely on It
AI-powered WordPress tools are exciting, and they offer real value for certain users. But they’re best viewed as a starting point—not the finish line.
If you want to create a website that ranks well, converts visitors, supports long-term marketing efforts, and grows with your business, there’s no substitute for manual, strategic website development. It takes more time—but it delivers real results.
Don’t rely on AI tools. Hire a real WordPress expert who can build a site with strategy, speed, and purpose. Contact me today!
Nick