What a website builder offers
Website builders such as Wix, Jimdo or Squarespace provide templates, image editing and hosting in one package. You choose a template, replace the text and images, and publish the website. The start-up costs are low, but you pay an ongoing subscription.
Most of the work is yours: planning the page structure, writing the text, choosing suitable images and checking everything on mobile devices. If you enjoy design and have the time, you can end up with a usable first website this way.
Where website builders fall short
The templates decide what is possible. For technical search engine optimisation, you have less control over loading time, page structure and code. Many templates load more scripts than necessary, which can slow the website down on mobile phones.
Lock-in is the bigger issue. The website only runs on the provider's platform and usually cannot be moved elsewhere in full. If the provider changes its prices or features, you have to go along with it or rebuild. Multiple languages and integrations with a CRM, appointment booking or inventory management are also often limited or cost extra.
What an agency adds
An agency starts with planning: what are the website's goals, who should visit it and which pages does it need? The text, design and technology build on that. The design follows your brand rather than a template that other companies use too.
On top of that come technical search engine optimisation with fast loading times and a clean structure, multilingual pages in German, French, Italian or English, and integrations with a shop, CRM or appointment booking. The one-off costs are higher than with a website builder, but you save your own time and get a website that can grow with your business.
The middle way: an agency website with an admin panel
Many SMEs want a professionally built website but would like to change text, images, news or job vacancies themselves. That is what websites with an admin panel are for. The agency builds the structure, design and technology, and you manage the content through a simple interface.
This keeps the design and technology stable, and you do not depend on the agency for small changes. Agree in advance which areas you want to edit yourself, and whether the source code and content belong to you if you change service provider.
The agency builds the structure, design and technology, and you manage the content through a simple interface.
The key criteria compared
Cost: a website builder is cheaper at the start, but you pay subscription fees for as long as you use it. An agency costs more upfront, plus hosting and maintenance. Compare the costs over several years, not just the entry price.
Time and quality: with a website builder you invest your own hours, while with an agency you pay for expertise in text, design and technology. Control: either way, make sure the domain is registered to your company. With an agency website, you should also get access to the server and the content.
Which option suits your SME
A website builder suits you if you need a simple website with a few pages, offer only one language, have time for the text and design, and do not need integrations with other systems.
An agency suits you if the website should bring in enquiries, you work in several languages, you want to be found on Google in your region or you want to connect a shop, CRM and bookings. If you are unsure, describe your goals in a call. Glavento then prepares a written quote that you can compare with other offers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from a website builder to an agency website later?
Yes, but usually not by simply transferring it. You can reuse the text and images, while the design and technology are generally rebuilt. Make sure the domain is registered in your name and that the old addresses redirect to the new pages when you switch.
Is a website builder site harder to find on Google?
Not automatically. For simple pages with good content, a website builder can be enough. The limits show in loading time, fine technical control and multilingual pages, especially if you want to rank for highly competitive search terms.
Can I change the content of an agency website myself?
That depends on how it is built. With an admin panel, you change text, images and news yourself, with no programming skills. Before the project starts, agree which content you want to manage yourself, so that the admin panel is designed for it.