Compare
Custom website vs website builder
By Umair Nawaz, founder of Lirevon Updated How we check facts
A custom website is built for your company by a developer or agency. A website builder is a tool, such as a drag-and-drop editor, where you build the site yourself from templates. Both can get a tree company online. They differ in cost, speed, control and how much of your time they take.
We sell one of these options, so read this with that in mind. We try to be fair. Costs are rough ranges, not quotes.
Side by side
| Question | Custom fast website | DIY website builder |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies. A small custom site roughly costs from a few hundred to several thousand dollars or more. Get a quote. Lirevon includes a 5-page site in Core ($497 a month plus setup). | Typically a low monthly fee for the plan, plus your own time. Plans change, so check current prices. |
| Speed to launch | Depends on the agency. Usually days to weeks, since someone else does the work. | Can be same day if you have the words and photos ready. Most owners take longer. |
| Page speed | Can be built very light and fast, with no extra code you do not need. | Often fine, but templates and add-ons can slow the site. Test it on a phone. |
| Who does the work | The agency writes, designs and fixes it. | You do. You write the text, pick photos and fix problems. |
| What it cannot do | Costs more up front, and changes may need to go through the agency. | Less control over speed and structure. Time spent on the site is time not spent on jobs. |
Who each option suits
A custom site suits you if
You want a fast site that is built for calls and estimates, you would rather not spend evenings editing pages, and you want it tied to booking and follow-up.
A website builder suits you if
You are on a tight budget, you enjoy doing it yourself, and you are fine with a simple site that you update on your own.
A builder is fine to get online cheaply. A custom site is worth it when you want it fast on a phone, built around calls and bookings, and handled for you. Either way, you should own your domain.
Related: page speed, click-to-call, companies without a website and our offers.
Questions people ask
Is a website builder good enough?
For many small companies, yes. A simple, clear site with your phone number, services and photos can work well. The cost is your time, and speed on phones needs checking.
Why does site speed matter?
Many visitors are on a phone, often in a hurry. A slow page can lose them before they call. A light, simple site loads faster.
Can I start on a builder and move later?
Yes. Many owners do. Keep your text, photos and domain name so a move later is easy.
What does Lirevon include?
The Core plan includes a 5-page fast website or landing page, plus text-back, an AI receptionist, booking, reviews and a monthly report. See the pricing page for details.
How much does a custom website cost?
It varies. A small custom site roughly costs from a few hundred to several thousand dollars or more, so get a quote. Lirevon Core includes a 5-page site.
How much does a website builder cost?
Typically a low monthly fee for the plan, plus your own time. Plans change, so check current prices.
How many pages does a tree company website need?
A small site can work with five pages: home, services, service area, about, and contact or booking. A service you sell a lot, such as stump grinding, can get its own page.
Should my site have a call button?
Yes. Most visitors are on a phone, so a tap-to-call number and a booking link should be easy to find at the top of every page.
Who should own the domain name?
You should. Register it in your own name, whoever builds the site, so you can move to another builder or agency later.
More comparisons: see all comparisons. Or read all our FAQs.