Wix vs. a Custom Website — Which Wins for a Maryland Local Business?
Wix is the path of least resistance — drag, drop, pay $29 a month, you have a website. But for a Maryland service business competing for 'roofer near me' or 'plumber in Bowie' searches, a Wix site is almost always the wrong call. Here's why, in plain English.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Wix | Custom (Visual Works) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $29–$59 forever | $0 (or $95/mo hosting) |
| Page speed (mobile) | 55–75 Lighthouse | 95+ Lighthouse |
| Local SEO + schema | Generic / limited | Built-in, per-city |
| Design control | Template + drag-drop | Pixel-perfect custom |
| Code ownership | You can't leave | Yours, forever |
| Launch time | Weeks of fiddling | Days, not weeks |
| Long-term cost (3 yr) | $1,800+ | One flat fee + optional $95/mo |
The verdict
If you're a hobby blog, Wix is fine. If you're a Maryland contractor trying to rank in Google's local pack, hire a custom designer. The page-speed gap alone is worth thousands per year in missed leads.
Frequently asked
Will Google rank a Wix site?
Yes — but slower and lower than a properly-built custom site. Wix's bloated JavaScript and limited schema control put you at a structural disadvantage for competitive local keywords.
Can I switch from Wix to a custom site without losing SEO?
Yes. We map every existing URL to its new destination with 301 redirects so you keep your search equity.
Is Wix cheaper than custom?
Only on day one. Over 3 years, a custom site is cheaper than a $29/month Wix plan — and outranks it.
Related reading
- Squarespace vs. Hiring a Professional Web Designer in Maryland
- The GoDaddy Website Builder Alternative for Maryland Service Businesses
- WordPress vs. Custom Code — Which Is Better for a Maryland Business Website?
- DIY vs. Hiring a Professional — The True Cost for a Maryland Business
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