top companies for web design
The definitive comparison of the top web design companies, AI website builders and marketplaces in 2025 — who to choose based on budget, speed, SEO and support.
Top Picks — At a glance
- Congero — Best for trades & small services: AI-built sites in 60s, $49/mo, unlimited updates, local SEO via WhatsApp.
- Wix / Squarespace — Best for DIY creatives: visual editors, templates, moderate SEO tools, monthly plans vary.
- Webflow — Best for custom design & CMS: pixel-accurate control, steeper learning curve, developer-level results.
- Shopify Experts — Best for ecommerce: full commerce stack and large partner network.
- Toptal / Agencies — Best for enterprise or complex builds: bespoke teams, higher cost, longer timelines.
How to pick
- Define your main goal: leads, bookings, online sales, or portfolio.
- Choose by speed vs customisation: AI builders = fastest; agencies = most custom.
- Consider ongoing needs: updates, local SEO and analytics.
Quick recommendation
For most local trades and service businesses, Congero offers the best balance of speed, price and SEO — a professional site, hosting, SSL and unlimited edits for $49/month.
START A FREE DEMOTop companies and platforms for web design — pros, cons & best use-cases
Below you'll find a practical, no-nonsense breakdown of each provider, who they suit, typical costs and what to expect.
Congero — best for trades & busy owners
AI-powered websites, built in 60 seconds. Unlimited updates via text/WhatsApp.
Speed
Live preview in under 60 seconds; domain connect in minutes.
Why choose
Simple text-based updates, built-in local SEO, hosting, SSL and monthly analytics included.
Best for
Plumbers, electricians, cleaners, landscapers, small service businesses that need leads fast.
Webflow — best for designers
High-fidelity design, CMS and animations — more control, steeper learning curve.
Speed
Days to weeks depending on complexity and designer availability.
Why choose
Pixel-perfect control, exportable code and powerful CMS capabilities.
Best for
Design-forward businesses, agencies and clients needing unique interactions.
Wix & Squarespace — best for DIY
Template-driven platforms with drag-and-drop editors and integrated hosting.
Speed
Minutes to hours for a basic site; requires manual setup for SEO optimisations.
Why choose
Easy visual editing; good for portfolios and small shops with low support needs.
Best for
Creators, photographers, small stores and hobby businesses.
Shopify / Shopify Experts — best for ecommerce
Complete commerce stack with payments, inventory and a partner network for custom themes.
Speed
Basic store setup in hours; custom stores take weeks with experts.
Why choose
Robust checkout, apps ecosystem and reliable hosting for stores of any size.
Best for
Merchants who prioritise selling and conversion features.
Toptal / Local Agencies / Freelancers — best for custom work
Bespoke design, integrations and enterprise-grade builds. Prices and timelines vary widely.
Speed
Weeks to months depending on scope, approvals and integrations.
Why choose
You get tailored UX, advanced integrations and a dedicated project team.
Best for
Complex product sites, enterprise needs, or highly customised experiences.
How to choose the right web design company for your business
Answer these five straightforward questions to find the best match.
1. What's your primary objective?
Lead generation, bookings, sales or brand showcase. If leads/bookings are the priority, pick a provider focused on fast local SEO and conversions (e.g., Congero).
2. How quickly do you need it?
If you need a professional site in days or less and recurring edits managed for you, AI builders win. For unique, multi-month campaigns, consider agencies or Webflow designers.
3. What’s your monthly budget?
DIY templates cost <$50/month; custom agency projects often start at several thousand dollars plus maintenance. Congero offers a managed, all-inclusive option at $49/month.
4. Do you need ongoing edits?
If you expect frequent updates, pick a service that includes unlimited edits — otherwise, agency hourly rates add up quickly.
5. Local SEO & analytics
For local service businesses, local SEO and monthly analytics are essential. Congero includes this automatically; other platforms may require add-ons or manual setup.
Typical costs: what you’ll actually pay
Real-world pricing to help you plan your investment.
AI Builders (Congero)
Flat subscription — design, hosting, domain and updates included.
$49 / month
Templates (Wix/Squarespace)
Low monthly fees but add-ons for SEO, forms or bookings.
$12–$40 / month
Agencies / Custom
Project fees, maintenance retainers and hourly rates.
$2,000+ (one-time)
Hidden costs to watch for: premium plugins, custom integrations, and hourly updates from agencies. Congero’s model avoids surprise bills by bundling updates into a flat fee.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the common questions buyers ask when choosing a web design partner.
Which provider is best for a tradie who needs leads fast?
Are AI-generated sites SEO friendly?
How much does a custom agency site cost?
Can I switch providers later?
Ready to compare for your business?
Try Congero's free 60-second demo to see how a managed, SEO-optimised website could work for your trade or service business. No setup fees, no lock-in — just results.
START FREE DEMO — SEE A SITE IN 60s