[ SHORT ANSWER ]
Wix is a good choice if your budget is small, you have time to write and build the site yourself, and you don't expect many enquiries from Google. A custom website pays off when your site needs to bring in new clients: you get copy that sells, speed, SEO from day one, and a site that is entirely yours.
When Wix is all you need
- You're testing an idea and don't know yet if the business will take off.
- You need a "digital business card", and clients find you through referrals.
- You enjoy writing and have time to learn the tool.
In those cases there's no point spending more. A simple website is better than none.
When a custom website pays off
- You want new clients to find you on Google and in AI search tools like ChatGPT.
- People visit your site but don't send enquiries.
- You don't have time to write copy or deal with the technical side.
- You want a site you can take to any developer.
Side by side
| Comparison | Wix / DIY | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | low | from €1,200 |
| Ongoing cost | monthly subscription | domain and hosting (first year included) |
| Your time | a lot | ~2–3 hours in total |
| Copy | you write it | included |
| Design | template | custom |
| Speed and SEO | basic, up to you | from day one |
| Moving elsewhere | can't be exported, you start over | the code and content are yours |
Is Wix bad for Google?
No. A Wix site can be found on Google. The problem is rarely the tool and more often the content: copy that doesn't answer what people search for, headings without the service or the town, a Google profile that isn't connected. The same goes for expensive sites. That's why I always include copy and SEO in the build, not just design.
What about WordPress?
WordPress sits somewhere in between: it's flexible and yours, but it needs regular updates and plugins. It's a good choice if you need a system where you publish a lot of content yourself. For most small businesses, a simpler, fast site does the same job with less maintenance.
My honest recommendation
If your website doesn't need to bring in work, go with Wix and don't spend more. If you need a site that brings in enquiries while you do something else, the money you put in comes back through clients. See what's included or the pricing.