Ashcroft vs a web agency vs Wix: which is right for a small business?
Most small business owners we speak to have looked at all three options and feel stuck. Agencies sound expensive, Wix sounds like a lot of work, and it's hard to know what a monthly plan actually includes. Here's an honest side-by-side, including where we're not the right fit.
Side by side
| Web agency | Wix / DIY builder | Ashcroft | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Usually £1,000 to £5,000+ | £0, plus a paid plan | £0. We build it first, you pay only if you love it |
| Monthly cost | Hosting and maintenance, often extra | Roughly £10 to £30 for most business plans | £99, everything included |
| Time to launch | Typically 4 to 12 weeks | However long your evenings allow | Live within 48 hours of approval |
| Who does the work | The agency | You | Us |
| Changes after launch | Often charged by the hour | You make them yourself | Included. Just call or email |
| Contract | Project fee, sometimes a retainer | Monthly or yearly plan | 3 months, then month-to-month |
| Best for | Large, complex or custom projects | Hands-on owners on a tight budget | Local businesses who'd rather not deal with it |
Option 1: A web design agency
An agency designs and builds a site for you as a one-off project. The good ones produce excellent, fully custom work, and if you need something complicated, like a large online shop or bookings linked to other systems, an agency is often the right call.
The catch for most small businesses is the upfront bill, and what happens afterwards. Once the project ends, updates, hosting and fixes are usually charged separately, so a simple price change can mean another invoice.
Option 2: Wix, Squarespace and other builders
Website builders are the cheapest way to get online, and they've improved a lot. If you're comfortable with technology and enjoy tinkering, you can make something decent.
The real cost is time. You write the words, choose the photos, get it looking right on phones, set up your domain and email, and keep it all up to date. Many owners start a site, run out of evenings, and end up with something half-finished that quietly puts customers off.
Option 3: A managed website, like Ashcroft
A managed website sits in the middle. We design and build a professional site for your business, then look after hosting, security, updates and changes for one monthly fee. You don't pay anything until you've seen the finished design and you're happy with it.
To be fair about the trade-offs: over several years, £99 a month adds up to more than a basic Wix plan, and you won't be editing the site yourself at 11pm. We're also not the right fit for very large or complex projects. For those, a good agency is the better choice.
Common questions
Is Wix cheaper than a managed website?+
On price alone, usually yes. The difference is time: with Wix you design, write, update and troubleshoot the site yourself.
Do I own my domain with Ashcroft?+
Yes. Your domain is registered for your business, and if you ever decide to leave, we'll help you move it.
When is an agency the better choice?+
When you need a large or complex site, such as a big online shop, bookings tied into other systems, or a fully custom brand build.