Pay Monthly Websites : A Deep Dive into Wix Vs Fine Web’s ‘Grow As You Go’ Concept

Pay Monthly Websites: A Deep Dive into Wix Vs Fine Web’s ‘Grow As You Go’ Concept

Two contrasting forces in the web design industry the goliath of ‘self-build’ software WIX and a leading creative design agency Fine Web who have launched a rival ‘ built for you’ pay monthly website service go head to head in todays blog.

Full transparency, we are the creators of the ‘Grow As You Go’ pay monthly service by Fine Web but are also fans of the ‘self build’ giant WIX and will give the pros and cons of both in this article for consumers who need an affordable web solution.

Introduction to Pay Monthly Websites

Before we jump into the comparison, let’s first understand what ‘Pay Monthly Websites’ really mean. These are subscription-based services that provide you with a complete website solution for a fixed monthly fee. But not all pay monthly websites are created equal. Some are DIY platforms, while others offer a fully managed solution. This is where our players today, Wix and Fine Web, fall on opposite sides of the divide.

Wix: The DIY King

Wix, with its comprehensive set of tools, has earned the reputation of being a go-to platform for those who prefer a DIY approach to website creation. Here's what you can expect:

Flexibility: Wix offers a vast range of templates, a drag-and-drop editor, and a host of other features that allow you to tailor your site to your specific needs.

Functionality: With an expansive app market, Wix lets you extend the capabilities of your website. From eCommerce to blogging, it’s got you covered.

Cost-effectiveness: The price is competitive, particularly for those starting out who want to keep their initial costs low.

Challenges: The DIY nature of Wix means that you will need to invest significant time and effort into learning the platform and designing your site. Additionally, any issues you run into will typically be yours to solve.

Fine Web: ‘Grow As You Go’ – A Tailor-Made Solution

At Fine Web, we do things differently. We offer a comprehensive, 'Grow As You Go' approach. So, what does this mean for you?

Professional, Custom Design: Each Fine Web site is crafted by our team of experienced designers, tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

Fully Managed Solution: We handle everything from updates and maintenance to troubleshooting, freeing up your time to focus on what you do best - running your business.

Scalability: With 'Grow As You Go', your website evolves as your business does. As you expand, we enhance your site's functionality and design to match your growth.

Transparent Pricing: Our pricing is simple and clear. A fixed monthly fee of £50 per month covers the design, and maintenance, with no unexpected charges. If you choose to add functionality or pages we have an affordable pricing structure.

Challenges: While the benefits are plentiful, Fine Web’s services may not be the best fit for those who prefer to have a hands-on approach to building and managing their websites.

The Hidden Costs of Wix

While Wix offers a competitive pricing structure on the surface, there are some hidden costs that you should be aware of:

Domain Registration: Your Wix subscription does not include a domain name, which you'll need to purchase separately. Wix does offer a free domain for the first year with their annual plans, but it costs around $14.95 per year thereafter.

Premium Apps: Wix has a vast App Market with a range of extensions to improve your website's functionality. However, not all apps are free. Some of the most useful ones come at an additional monthly cost, which can quickly add up.

Email Accounts: Wix does not include email accounts in their pricing plans. If you want a professional email address matching your domain name, you'll need to pay for Google Workspace, which costs $6 per month, per user.

Bandwidth & Storage: While Wix’s lower-tier plans may seem attractive, they come with restrictions on bandwidth and storage. If your website grows and needs more resources, you'll need to upgrade your plan.

E-commerce Features: If you're looking to set up an online shop, you'll need to choose one of Wix's Business & eCommerce plans, which are significantly more expensive.

Fine Web: Transparent, No-Contract Pricing

Fine Web’s 'Grow As You Go' plan offers a transparent, no-contract policy that stands out in the industry. Here's what you can expect:

No Hidden Costs: Fine Web’s pricing is simple, upfront, and all-inclusive. Our fixed monthly fee covers design, hosting, maintenance, and ongoing updates. You won't find any hidden extras to surprise you.

No Contract: We're confident in the service we offer and believe you will be too. That's why we don't tie you into a long-term contract. You can opt out of our service at any time if it's not meeting your expectations.

Included Domain & Email: Unlike Wix, our monthly fee includes a domain name and professional email addresses. This ensures you maintain a professional appearance without any additional costs.

Scalable Solutions: Our 'Grow As You Go' model means your website scales with your business. You won't need to worry about upgrading plans or running out of resources – we take care of that for you.

Wix Vs Fine Web: A Cost Perspective

When considering the cost, the choice between Wix and Fine Web depends on your unique needs and circumstances. Wix can be an affordable choice if you're willing to manage your site and navigate the platform's extras. However, the hidden costs can add up and may lead to a higher overall price than initially expected.

On the other hand, Fine Web offers a comprehensive, fully managed service with a transparent, all-inclusive monthly fee. It might appear to be more costly initially, but considering the professional design, maintenance, scalability, included domain and email, and no contractual obligations, it provides excellent value and peace of mind for business owners.

Wix Vs Fine Web: The Verdict

Both Wix and Fine Web have their strengths and are suited to different types of users. If you love the process of creating your website from scratch and have the time and skillset to do so, Wix offers a cost-effective and flexible solution.

Please remember the costs advertised are for yearly subscriptions and to get optimal performance there will be a number of premium add-ons you will have to purchase. Check out some of their reviews on Sitejabber

You can also check out Fine Webs Trust Pilot scores here. Fine Web also encourage prospective clients to chat to our clients for feedback on our professionalism.

If you are a business owner who values your time and would rather leave website design and maintenance to professionals, then Fine Web's 'Grow As You Go' service is the ideal solution. With Fine Web, you can concentrate on growing your business while we ensure your website keeps pace.

If on the other hand you prefer to build a website youself and have some technical understanding and the time to commit you can contact Wix here.