Building the future: Key trends redefining website creation in 2025

Ahead of unveiling our 2025 product roadmap at Cloudfest this March, we caught up with Gordon Plant, BaseKit’s VP of Product, to discuss the trends he believes will impact the site builder industry in 2025.
From AI’s all-industry-conquering rise to the latest developments in e-commerce, the importance of accessibility and more, we’re diving into the trends poised to redefine how sites are built and experienced over the next year. Here’s what to watch.
#1 Smarter builders: AI’s growing role in web design
There can be no denying that artificial intelligence has significantly impacted the website builder industry. Over the last 12-18 months, companies have launched AI-powered tools to help users design and build better websites faster and with less effort.
These innovations enable users to automate tasks like content editing, content creation (both written and visual), product description generation, layout design, and more.
The true power of this new technology lies in its ability to empower individuals who lack experience in web design, think small business owners and busy entrepreneurs, to create professional websites with as little friction as possible.
Gordon said:
“As we rolled out new AI features in 2024, we focused on the most valuable use cases for website builders. These included allowing users to create unique product descriptions within BaseKit Store by inputting only a few words of text. We also introduced our AI writer, which helps users craft engaging website copy with a customisable tone of voice and response length.
“In 2025, we’ll build on positive partner feedback about these features and introduce more AI into the platform. This will include AI-generated imagery in our new onboarding, AI generated SEO for products and images, plus an enhanced e-commerce feature set, making it easier than ever for individuals using the BaseKit platform to create visually stunning, high-performing websites and stores.”
#2 No limits: redefining creativity in web design
In 2025, site builders are embracing grid-free design options, allowing users to move away from rigid layouts and explore asymmetry, overlapping elements and creative visual storytelling. These innovations make it easier for users to experiment with unconventional designs while maintaining responsiveness.
Gordon said:
“Site builders must balance the possibilities of flexible design and layout on a big screen with the limitations of displaying content on a small screen like a phone. Site owners often create their site on a big screen, but their customers may frequently be using a mobile device and won’t appreciate anything that gets in the way of finding the information they want.
“The challenge in 2025 is to guide site owners toward achieving the best of both worlds. Some solutions lie in UI design, some in AI, and some in helping site owners understand what their own customers really care about.”
#3 Carbon-conscious code: How sustainability is helping shape the web
Sustainability has become a key trend in the website builder industry, and it shows no sign of slowing down in 2025. With website builders moving to offer features that reduce environmental impact, there’s a focus on lighter code, minimalistic design, and lower server usage.
Gordon said:
“Improving the sustainability of our site builder platform has been a key focus for the BaseKit team. In 2023, we introduced the option for our partners to integrate with ImageEngine, an energy-efficient CDN that delivers optimised web images for sites built on our platform. This initiative saved one partner 4.3 tCO2e per month, marking a significant step toward their sustainability goals.”
#4 Web for all: accessibility is a non-negotiable
Website accessibility has evolved from a consideration to a necessity for site builders worldwide, driven by regulatory changes and growing societal emphasis on inclusivity. Ensuring that sites are accessible is no longer optional—it’s essential for reaching the broadest audience and fostering equitable digital experiences.
Gordon said:
“Accessibility is about inclusivity—ensuring that everyone can have a positive experience online. It’s in everyone’s interest to create products that cater to the widest possible audience. That’s why all BaseKit websites are designed to meet WCAG 2.1 standards, providing a solid foundation for accessible, user-friendly design.”
#5 Beyond static: The power of animation
In 2025, web experiences are becoming more engaging than ever, with the rise of playful, interactive elements that captivate users. Features like dynamic cursors, responsive animations, and immersive micro-interactions aren’t just about adding visual flair – they enhance usability, guide user actions, and encourage deeper exploration of site content.
By giving entrepreneurs and small business owners more options for creating moments of delight, site builders can help their users create a digital presence that stands out in a competitive landscape. Expect to see more animation and microinteractions options appear in the UI of your favourite website builder as we move further into 2025.
Gordon said:
“As part of our roadmap this year, we’re introducing more animation features into the BaseKit site builder. One highlight is our new ‘1-click animation effect,’ which lets users apply simple animations—like scale or fade—to an entire site with a single click. Additionally, we’ll offer tools for adding more sophisticated animations to specific elements within our precision layouts, giving users even greater creative control.”