| Criteria | Custom Designer | Shopify | AI Builder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Identity | ✔️ 100% unique design tailored to your brand vision | ❌ Limited to pre-made templates | ❌ AI-generated layout, lacks deep branding |
| Performance | ✔️ Code-optimized for fast loading & high Google scores | ⚠️ Shared Shopify resources may slow large stores | ❌ Basic hosting with little optimization |
| Scalability | ✔️ Easily scalable as your business grows | ⚠️ E-commerce focused, less flexible for non-store content | ❌ Difficult to scale beyond a few pages |
| Ownership & Control | ✔️ Full source code, full control, and lifetime usage rights | ❌ Shopify owns hosting, backend is closed | ❌ You are tied to the AI platform |
| Custom Features | ✔️ Any feature or API can be added (booking, CRM, animations, etc.) | ⚠️ Add-ons via apps only, extra cost | ❌ Very limited custom functionality |
| SEO Optimization | ✔️ Hand-coded with advanced on-page SEO + schema markup | ⚠️ Basic built-in SEO | ❌ Basic, AI-level SEO suggestions |
| Security | ✔️ Can be hardened to enterprise-level security | ⚠️ Standard SSL, Shopify controls security | ❌ Minimal control over hosting & firewalls |
| Support & Maintenance | ✔️ Dedicated developer/agency support with customized help | ⚠️ Shopify customer care (general) | ❌ Chatbots or email only, no expert developer support |
| Design Flexibility | ✔️ Pixel-perfect, animated, or interactive design possible | ⚠️ Template-limited customization | ❌ AI chooses structure, limited editing |
| Business Credibility | ✔️ Looks premium and professional to customers, builds trust | ⚠️ May appear generic | ❌ Often looks basic or AI-generated |
| One-time Setup Option | ✔️ Can pay once and maintain independently or on-call | ❌ Always pay monthly to keep site online | ❌ Always tied to the AI system |
Crafting Digital Experiences That Inspire.
At Mapple Web, we’re more than just a web design company we’re your creative partner in building powerful online identities.