How To Build Your Own Website Using AI in 2024

Weekly #113 | The latest AI tools to speed up micro web development

In 2024, building your own website is a core part of any micro empire plan. But you no longer need to rely on expensive web developers or designers for a simple online presence. Thanks to AI, creating a website is now faster, smarter, and more accessible than ever before. The key lies in knowing where to look, what tools to use, and how to future-proof your brand against the whims of external platforms.

Speed & Research: The AI Advantage

Building a website is no longer a drawn-out process. With the right AI tools, you can have a professional-looking site up and running in hours, not days or weeks. But speed is just one part of the equation. The real game-changer is knowing where to research and which tools to leverage.

AI-based platforms like Framer, Create XYZ, Claude, and even Cursor AI are at the forefront of all this. Framer (one of my fave tools right now) allows you to design and publish responsive websites with ease, while Create XYZ helps you turn ideas into functional React apps with its intuitive interface.

Claude + Cursor AI is an excellent combo for content generation and code assistance, ensuring that your site not only looks good but functions seamlessly.

My current workflow looks like this:

  1. Generate ideas & product specs using ChatGPT

  2. Create interactive app/site prototypes in Claude

  3. Make the site/app useable using Cursor AI (with Claude integration)

  4. Deploy using Supabase + Google’s Cloudflare

If I’m wanting more design control, I’ll use Framer between Steps 1-3. If your needs are simpler, you can use Framer to design, test, and deploy all-in-one. This is what I recommend for most people.

If you’re a developer type, Webflow or Bubble.io may be more your cup of tea.

Experimentation with Purpose

New tools are emerging constantly. It's tempting to try every new AI tool that comes along, and in the early stages, this experimentation is crucial. However, once you find tools that work well for you, it's wise to stick with them. The only time to reconsider is when a tool emerges that is 10x better than what you currently use.

This mindset prevents you from being paralyzed by choice and allows you to focus on what really matters—building and refining your brand or business. AI tools are evolving rapidly, but so too should your discernment in choosing which to integrate into your workflow.

Owning Your Brand, Owning Your Data

One of the most compelling reasons to build your own website is control—control over your brand, your content, and your data.

Depending on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or any other third-party service for your brand’s online presence is a gamble. These platforms can remove your account or change their policies without warning, leaving you vulnerable. If you recall Issue #109, my own LinkedIn account was “permanently restricted.” It was super nerve-wracking.

By building your own website, you ensure that your brand’s digital home is something you own entirely. This approach aligns with a growing trend toward “decentralization” —where you host your data and grant other tools and platforms permission to share it, not the other way around.

The future of the web is one where control and ownership of data return to the individual, as I’ve discussed in my piece on UTXO versus account-based blockchain systems.

Automating Content with a Personal Touch

Publishing to socials using NotionSocial

Social media remains a critical component of any brand strategy, but managing it can be time-consuming. This is where automation tools come into play. Platforms like NotionSocial allow you to store your content in your own Notion database and then publish it across social media channels.

The advantage here is clear: you retain a copy of all your content, and if the tool is advanced enough, it will also sync your stats, giving you a comprehensive overview of your performance. Automation shouldn’t mean losing the personal touch; it should mean efficiency with control.

The AI Revolution: Do You Still Need Designers and Developers?

With AI tools doing the heavy lifting, the need to pay thousands for basic web design and development is fading. AI can handle the basics—layouts, design elements, even content creation—leaving you with more time and resources to focus on the strategic aspects of your brand.

However, this doesn’t mean that designers and developers are obsolete. Their expertise becomes invaluable at higher-levels, when your needs go beyond the basics. Complex functionality, unique design requirements, and custom integrations are areas where domain expertise still reigns supreme.

Conclusion

As a micropreneur, your time is your most valuable asset. In 2024, the tools at your disposal allow you to build and control your digital presence without the overhead of hiring expensive developers. AI empowers you to move fast, stay lean, and retain full ownership of your brand. Experiment wisely, automate your outreach, and keep your focus on what truly matters—growing your micro empire. The future favors those who are the most adaptable, and with the right AI tools, you’re equipped to lead the charge.

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