Why Derby Businesses Are Ditching DIY Website Builders (And What They’re Choosing Instead)
Small business owners in Derby are moving away from Wix and Squarespace. Discover why, and what they’re choosing instead.
Why Derby Businesses Are Ditching DIY Website Builders (And What They’re Choosing Instead)
From Pride Park to the Cathedral Quarter, small businesses in Derby are realising something: website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and GoDaddy just aren’t cutting it anymore.
If you’ve ever wrestled with clunky templates, sluggish load times, or confusing back-ends, you’re not alone. The era of “just throw something online” is over, and local business owners are demanding better.
So what’s causing the shift?
1. DIY Builders Look Cheap (Because They Are)
Sure, they’re affordable upfront. But that cookie-cutter look? It screams “I did this myself on a Sunday afternoon.”
Customers notice. And when your website is your first impression, that’s a problem.
“I wanted my business to feel premium. But my old site felt more like a school project.” , Actual quote from a Derby business owner we helped recently
2. Templates Don’t Fit Real Businesses
Your business isn’t generic, so why should your website be?
DIY platforms rely on rigid templates. That means:
- Features you don’t need
- Missing the ones you do
- And layouts that don’t tell your story
At Mapletree Studio, we hand-code every site, tailored to what makes your business different. No fluff. No filler.
3. SEO? More Like S-E-No
DIY builders often skip the technical stuff, clean URLs, fast performance, structured data, and that hurts your Google rankings.
If you’re not showing up when someone searches “[your service] Derby”… your website isn’t working hard enough.
We bake SEO in from the start, using modern tech that Google loves. You get found faster, and climb higher.
4. Slow Load Times = Lost Customers
DIY sites are bloated. They drag. And in 2025, users won’t wait.
According to Google, if your site takes longer than 3 seconds to load, over half your visitors bounce.
Our sites? Minimal, fast, and built to move.
5. You’re Not Alone Anymore
When you use a DIY builder, you’re on your own. No strategy. No support. Just endless late-night Googling.
With Mapletree Studio, you get:
- A real human who listens (hi 👋)
- Local knowledge (we’re just down the A38)
- And a website you’re proud to send people to
So What Are Derby Businesses Choosing Instead?
They’re choosing clarity. Speed. Simplicity. They’re choosing us, and we’re choosing to keep it personal.
We work with one business at a time, building handcrafted websites that feel effortless to use and powerful to own.
Ready to Move On From Wix?
If you’re based in Derby and ready to upgrade, let’s talk.
Minimal websites. Maximum impact. Get in touch →
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Jake Haynes
Founder of Mapletree Studio. Loves minimal design and powerful tech.