Should You Design Your Website with AI or an Agency?
We’ll share our insights on whether to build your website with AI or an agency.
Should You Design Your Website with AI or an Agency?
There’s no denying that impressive steps have been taken in the development of AI technologies over recent years. We now have AI website builders that allow for the generation of code and design of web pages based on customer data.
However, just because you can build your website with these tools doesn’t mean that you should. While you could accuse us of bias, we’re confident that you’ll see the most value in the use of human web design services. Here’s why.
Importance of the Human Touch
Professional web designers have real-world experience and understanding of what works when it comes to visitor engagement. Taking thefingerprint as an example, James has been working in the creative industry for more than 20 years. His strengths in design creation, problem-solving, and impactful communication are vital when it comes to the creation of stand-out websites.
Clients of thefingerprint can count on a level of expertise and creativity that simply can’t be matched by AI. These qualities make the difference when it comes to the creation of websites in line with our client’s needs. This has been reflected in our design of the Yearsley Shoot Website, based on the owner’s preferences and brand colours. We also developed a new website for Utility Line, going “above and beyond to make sure that the site looks fantastic”.
Such companies could have automated the web design process, using drag-and-drop platforms with pre-designed templates. They would inevitably have ended up with websites that looked all too familiar and lacked distinctive brand identity. Rather than being engaged, the visitors of these websites would likely have been bored, irritated, and tempted to go elsewhere.
Weighing up the Pros & Cons
Of course, the AI website builders aren’t completely without merit. The choice of templates and drag-and-drop features can be handy for those without web design expertise. And GenAI is the winner in terms of cost-effectiveness, speed, and efficiency. However, reliance on such platforms can come at a significant long-term cost, as the lack of visitor engagement results in lost business.
Just as ChatGPT can be used for the creation of basic content outlines and the generation of ideas, so the AI website builders can be used as effective tools. There are advanced AI systems that can be used for the analysis of customer data. The results may point to pain points and benefits that should be factored into new website builds. Simple mock-ups can also be created to guide professional web designers in the creation of sites that meet client expectations. You can use AI text generators to produce reasonably persuasive website content as well.
The key is to see AI as a tool rather than a complete replacement for human creativity and intuition. While it can be used as a means of saving time and effort, there’ll always be a need for human input if you want to ensure the highest quality and uniqueness. AI can’t rival an expert web designer when it comes to the creation of original imagery or the organisation of content for the best user experience. And it doesn’t come close to the professional web designer’s ability to see and overcome problems.
Looking to the Future
It would be a mistake to completely ignore or avoid the use of AI. However, AI developments are increasingly enabling the automation of basic tasks and boosting web design productivity. Such tools can also free up time for expert designers to innovate and achieve outstanding business results.
AI could potentially help with these elements of web design:
- Brainstorming design and content concepts
- Making websites more adaptable based on visitor behaviour
- Creating no-code websites that can be further developed for better results
- Using visitor data insights for customisation and personalisation.
If you’re looking to realise the ultimate blend of technological benefits and human web design expertise then thefingerprint should be your first choice. We promise to spend time learning about your business and the kind of digital impression that you’d like to make. From the choice of colours to the writing of impactful text, you’ll be assured of a website that meets and exceeds expectations.
Give us a call on 07740348521 or email design@thefingerprint.co.uk to find out more about our web design services.
If you enjoyed this article then do have a read of Why Writing a Blog is Important for Business and SEO, Why Use WordPress, or thefingerprint wins Design Agency of the Year for a third year!