Do I Need a Developer to Build a Website?
No, most businesses don't need a developer anymore. AI website builders can create professional, mobile-responsive websites in minutes without any coding. Developers are only necessary for complex web applications, custom databases, or highly specific technical requirements - which most business websites don't need. AI handles about 80% of website use cases.
Last updated: December 2025
When You DON'T Need a Developer
AI can handle all of these website types. Save your money.
Business Landing Pages
Company info, services, contact details - AI creates these perfectly.
Restaurant Websites
Menus, hours, location, reservation links - all handled by AI.
Professional Portfolios
Showcase your work beautifully without touching code.
Service Business Sites
Plumbers, lawyers, consultants - AI knows what you need.
Event & Campaign Pages
Promotions, launches, signups - quick and professional.
Simple Product Showcases
Display products with links to existing stores or contact.
When You DO Need a Developer
These projects genuinely require professional development help.
Complex E-commerce
Large product catalogs, inventory management, shipping integrations, subscription products, complex checkout flows.
Alternative: Consider Shopify for managed e-commerce
Web Applications
User dashboards, login systems, data processing, real-time features, SaaS products.
Alternative: Try Bolt.new for AI-assisted app development
Custom Integrations
Specific CRM connections, custom APIs, legacy system integration, proprietary software links.
Note: Check if pre-built integrations exist first
Complex Animations
Webflow-level interactions, 3D elements, scroll-triggered animations, immersive experiences.
Alternative: Framer AI for design-focused sites
Developer Cost vs AI Builder
| Website Type | Developer Cost | AI Builder Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Business Site | £500-1,500 | £10 | 98% |
| Portfolio Website | £800-2,000 | £10 | 99% |
| Restaurant Website | £1,000-2,500 | £10 | 99% |
| Landing Page | £300-800 | £10 | 97% |
| Web Application | £5,000-50,000+ | Needs developer | - |
Free to try - see if AI can handle your needs
Quick Decision Guide
1 Do you need user accounts/logins?
Yes: You likely need a developer or tools like Bolt.new
No: AI builders can handle this →
2 Do you need to store/process data?
Yes: Consider a developer or app builder
No (just display info): AI builders work perfectly →
3 Is it an e-commerce site with 100+ products?
Yes: Use Shopify or hire a developer
No (few products or just showcase): AI builders handle this →
If you answered "No" to all above:
You don't need a developer. AI website builders like ChilledSites can create exactly what you need in minutes for a fraction of the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a developer to build a website in 2025?
For most business websites, no. AI website builders can create professional, mobile-responsive sites without any coding. You only need a developer for complex web applications, custom databases, or highly specific technical requirements.
What can AI website builders NOT do?
AI builders have limitations with: complex e-commerce (inventory management, shipping integration), user account systems, custom databases, real-time features, specific third-party integrations, and highly customized functionality.
How much does a developer charge for a website?
Freelance developers typically charge £500-£3,000 for simple sites, £3,000-£10,000 for mid-complexity sites, and £10,000+ for complex applications. Agencies charge even more. AI builders cost £10-50 for comparable simple sites.
Skip the Developer. Try AI First.
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