WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:01.080 --> 00:00:04.950 Eric Karkovack: Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of the WP Minute. 00:00:05.220 --> 00:00:06.630 I'm your host, Eric Kovac. 00:00:07.560 --> 00:00:10.830 Today we'll look at the rise of AI website builders. 00:00:11.070 --> 00:00:15.420 This comes on the heels of a new AI powered tool from wordpress.com. 00:00:15.870 --> 00:00:19.740 Should freelancers be worried about this trend, let's take a deeper look. 00:00:21.660 --> 00:00:24.750 What do AI site builders mean for freelancers? 00:00:26.010 --> 00:00:29.340 Being a freelance web designer often means dealing with disruption. 00:00:29.985 --> 00:00:34.935 Sometimes it's a client who needs a new feature built ASAP, but it can also come 00:00:34.935 --> 00:00:37.155 from a shakeup in the technology we use. 00:00:37.875 --> 00:00:41.355 Artificial intelligence has undoubtedly been a disruptive force. 00:00:41.865 --> 00:00:45.644 It has upended our workflows and made some of us wary of US presence. 00:00:46.245 --> 00:00:50.565 Are these apps here to help us or replace us perhaps? 00:00:50.565 --> 00:00:54.075 AI site builders are the most cringe inducing tools of them all. 00:00:54.435 --> 00:00:57.015 They claim to take the guesswork out of website creation. 00:00:57.810 --> 00:01:02.430 You don't need to know code or how to pick a font pairing, provide a few details 00:01:02.640 --> 00:01:04.230 and you have a functioning website. 00:01:05.250 --> 00:01:08.310 Several companies have released AI based site generators. 00:01:08.640 --> 00:01:09.630 wordpress.com 00:01:09.630 --> 00:01:11.580 is among the latest, our own. 00:01:11.580 --> 00:01:13.260 Matt Eros took it for a spin. 00:01:13.710 --> 00:01:16.440 He chatted with a friendly bot that wanted to know more about 00:01:16.440 --> 00:01:18.540 his website needs within minutes. 00:01:18.660 --> 00:01:20.880 He had a website powered by WordPress. 00:01:21.900 --> 00:01:25.710 These tools aren't producing top agency level websites just yet. 00:01:26.399 --> 00:01:29.850 Maybe they're a novelty for the time being, but they'll improve. 00:01:30.539 --> 00:01:33.449 With that comes the worry of their impact on freelancers. 00:01:33.929 --> 00:01:37.259 Will our potential clients choose a bot over a seasoned expert? 00:01:38.070 --> 00:01:42.149 Let's explore what AI site builders could mean for the future of freelancing. 00:01:42.720 --> 00:01:47.100 Do they signal the end of an era or are they just another tool for the DIY 00:01:47.100 --> 00:01:51.060 crowd who are AI site builders for? 00:01:52.110 --> 00:01:54.899 Before we get bent outta shape, it's important to consider the 00:01:54.899 --> 00:01:58.440 target market for AI site builders that will tell us if they're an 00:01:58.440 --> 00:02:00.090 immediate threat to freelancers. 00:02:00.600 --> 00:02:03.300 These tools are currently aimed at the DIY user. 00:02:03.840 --> 00:02:06.090 They aren't much different from the other quickie builders. 00:02:06.090 --> 00:02:10.590 We've seen that the next iteration of GoDaddy's website tonight, or 00:02:10.590 --> 00:02:12.720 the Wix drag and drop experience. 00:02:13.170 --> 00:02:16.350 Not coincidentally, both companies have introduced AI 00:02:16.350 --> 00:02:17.910 to their budget site toolkits. 00:02:18.870 --> 00:02:21.960 The sites they produce aren't meant to compete with a custom build. 00:02:22.620 --> 00:02:25.050 AI is there to add convenience to the menu. 00:02:25.500 --> 00:02:27.359 For example, the wordpress.com 00:02:27.359 --> 00:02:29.730 builder will generate text and images for you. 00:02:30.600 --> 00:02:34.350 There's simple websites for those who don't want to break the bank with custom 00:02:34.350 --> 00:02:36.269 graphics or high-end functionality. 00:02:36.900 --> 00:02:42.240 A marketing strategy or expert SEO service might be overkill for this market. 00:02:42.990 --> 00:02:44.040 Does that sound familiar? 00:02:44.850 --> 00:02:47.970 It is like the technology is here to remix the same old song. 00:02:48.900 --> 00:02:51.960 There isn't much revenue potential for freelancers in the short term. 00:02:52.410 --> 00:02:53.609 Like other site builders. 00:02:53.730 --> 00:02:57.450 The potential lies in clients who need a more robust website. 00:02:58.079 --> 00:03:02.970 That realization could take a while to come to fruition, though the 00:03:02.970 --> 00:03:05.549 technology will improve to a point. 00:03:06.570 --> 00:03:08.760 The site builders we see today will evolve. 00:03:09.150 --> 00:03:11.880 Just think of how far AI has come in the past two years. 00:03:12.375 --> 00:03:15.705 The technology continues to boost its speed and capabilities. 00:03:16.215 --> 00:03:18.885 We'll see similar improvements in everything that relies on it, 00:03:19.425 --> 00:03:22.275 but it's fair to wonder how far this will take a site builder. 00:03:22.845 --> 00:03:25.245 The user experience may become more polished. 00:03:25.725 --> 00:03:27.735 Their design capabilities may level up. 00:03:28.155 --> 00:03:32.205 A better understanding of user context could mean better generative content. 00:03:32.895 --> 00:03:35.865 Yet an automated tool can only do so much, right. 00:03:36.540 --> 00:03:40.350 There must be a line when a professional is needed, like when a user doesn't 00:03:40.350 --> 00:03:43.950 know what features they need to achieve their goals, or the project 00:03:43.950 --> 00:03:46.049 becomes too big to do themselves. 00:03:46.470 --> 00:03:50.400 This is where we come back to the level of clientele these tools serve. 00:03:50.970 --> 00:03:53.310 It's hard to imagine them climbing the ladder to 00:03:53.310 --> 00:03:56.100 institutional or enterprise users. 00:03:56.280 --> 00:03:58.829 They're not likely to build complete solutions. 00:03:59.640 --> 00:04:03.120 Now, there may come a time when large organizations use a builder to 00:04:03.120 --> 00:04:04.829 generate a wire frame of their site. 00:04:05.295 --> 00:04:08.475 From there, they can build features and customize the look. 00:04:08.925 --> 00:04:10.395 Freelancers might do the same. 00:04:11.175 --> 00:04:14.954 AI becomes a starting point in that scenario, not the sole 00:04:14.954 --> 00:04:16.485 engine behind the project. 00:04:16.815 --> 00:04:18.735 Humans will still need to be involved. 00:04:19.964 --> 00:04:22.515 For freelancers, it's all about positioning. 00:04:23.835 --> 00:04:27.795 Perhaps the current class of AI site billers won't steal potential clients. 00:04:28.215 --> 00:04:31.875 Maybe they're not intended for projects we consider to be worthwhile. 00:04:32.445 --> 00:04:34.695 That doesn't mean we should rest on our laurels. 00:04:35.235 --> 00:04:39.105 Companies selling AI as a solution have big advertising budgets. 00:04:39.465 --> 00:04:43.785 They can position their services as a cure-all for anyone who needs a website. 00:04:44.205 --> 00:04:47.595 Squarespace, Wix and others routinely use this playbook. 00:04:48.315 --> 00:04:50.085 Those tools have a place in the market. 00:04:50.325 --> 00:04:53.955 However, freelancers and agencies must position themselves 00:04:53.985 --> 00:04:55.365 as the better alternative. 00:04:55.965 --> 00:05:00.465 We should emphasize our expertise and attention to detail and communicate that 00:05:00.465 --> 00:05:03.195 AI is a helpful tool, not a magic wand. 00:05:03.765 --> 00:05:06.375 Our other advantage is in customer service. 00:05:06.615 --> 00:05:09.285 We develop one-on-one relationships with clients and 00:05:09.285 --> 00:05:10.635 learn about their organization. 00:05:11.115 --> 00:05:15.015 We offer sound advice based on experience, not algorithms. 00:05:15.645 --> 00:05:19.815 As professionals, we guide clients through their entire online journey. 00:05:20.205 --> 00:05:23.415 We're there for the first build and the maintenance that comes after. 00:05:24.195 --> 00:05:27.284 We also help them adapt to an ever-changing landscape. 00:05:28.095 --> 00:05:32.534 That's the type of value a bot can't match and probably never will. 00:05:33.765 --> 00:05:34.335 All right. 00:05:34.425 --> 00:05:37.005 That's a wrap for this episode of the WP Minute. 00:05:37.395 --> 00:05:40.575 I'd love to know your thoughts on the role of AI site builders. 00:05:40.785 --> 00:05:43.335 Hit me up on Blue sky@kas.com. 00:05:43.455 --> 00:05:46.515 That's KAR ks.com. 00:05:47.085 --> 00:05:50.895 And don't forget to visit the wp minute.com/subscribe 00:05:51.075 --> 00:05:53.475 to receive our newsletter and become a member. 00:05:53.805 --> 00:05:57.285 Please take a moment to support what we do and make your voice heard. 00:05:57.675 --> 00:05:59.925 Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time.