Lately, it seems like you can’t open Instagram or scroll through TikTok without seeing a headline about artificial intelligence. As a freelance Montana web designer (who is now based in Utah but forever rooted in Big Sky Country!), I’m constantly hit with one specific question from friends, family, and clients:
“Aren’t you afraid that AI is going to replace you?”
It’s a valid question. I’ve jumped in and personally tested out all kinds of AI website builders and made the judgement for myself. AI can produce "good enough" websites for a lot of people and it’s only getting better.
Should web designers be preparing for the end of their careers? I don't think so.
In fact, the rise of AI is actually making the human touch in web design more valuable than it has ever been. If you're a small business owner navigating web design for the first time, or you're a seasoned web designer like me, here are my thoughts on how AI is changing things and and why I'm not running for the hills as a local Montana web designer.
AI websites are only as good as the prompts and ideas you give them. Without your own unique creative inspiration, a computer-generated website is going to look... computer-generated.
AI lacks the soul, the personal story, and the "eye for aesthetics" of a creative person scrolling through Pinterest with a dream. It doesn't know the feeling of opening your first physical boutique, the grit it takes to build a wedding venue from scratch, or the specific aesthetic that makes your local community fall in love with your brand.
Because anyone can spin up a "good enough" website in five minutes using AI, the internet is about to become flooded with generic, templated content. Standing out among a crowd of poorly prompted, cookie-cutter sites is going to be the next hot commodity. Having a uniquely crafted, intentional website is about to become your greatest competitive advantage.
Because tools are becoming more accessible, just having a website is going to be even more of a baseline expectation for small businesses. Customers expect to find your hours, your services, and your story online instantly.
But there is a flip side to this tech boom: the debate of morality and ethics.
We are already starting to see a shift in consumer behavior. Many people are intentionally choosing to shop small, shop local, and support independent creators. Some customers may just choose to support your business simply because you don't use AI content on your website. In a world filled with bots, authenticity is the highest currency. People buy from people, not algorithms.
Just like when drag-and-drop builders first hit the market years ago, creative professionals aren't disappearing; we’re just adapting to serve you better. Instead of traditional coding from scratch, the way a Montana web designer supports busy business owners is shifting into new, exciting offers:
If your dreams are bigger than your computer skills, don't let the noise of AI overwhelm you. Use technology where it helps you save time, but never sacrifice the heart and soul of what makes your business yours.
Whether you need a completely custom, strategic website built in two weeks, or you specifically want to collaborate with a Montana web designer who understands the grit and hustle of running an independent business, I'm here to help.
Ready to build a website that stands out from the generic crowd? Explore my website packages and let's bring your unique vision to life.