World Blockchain Summit: An Insight into WebsiteAI with James Blunden

At the World Blockchain Summit, Mark Walker, Editorial Director of The Fintech Times, sat down with James Blunden, Co-founder and COO of WebsiteAI, to discuss the innovative AI-driven website builder tailored for the Web3 space. Blunden provided an in-depth look into how WebsiteAI aims to revolutionise website creation for decentralised finance (DeFi) developers and beyond.

Introducing WebsiteAI

Blunden explained that WebsiteAI is the first AI website builder designed specifically for the Web3 ecosystem. The tool allows users to create websites entirely through AI prompts. Initially developed for DeFi developers, who often launch projects without a web presence due to lack of experience or high development costs, WebsiteAI seeks to address these issues by offering a cost-effective and quick solution. Unlike traditional web development platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Weebly, which can be time-consuming and stressful, WebsiteAI promises to create fully customised, hosted websites in under five minutes.

AI Models at Play

Walker inquired about the type of AI utilised by WebsiteAI. Blunden detailed that the platform employs both conversational AI and machine learning models. Originally, WebsiteAI functioned as a simple Telegram bot guiding users through steps such as logo creation and content input. However, it has since evolved, incorporating sophisticated AI models similar to those used by OpenAI’s GPT. These models enable users to specify their needs and preferences, resulting in a tailored website in just a few minutes. WebsiteAI also includes a domain registration service, streamlining the entire process.

Target Audience and Use Cases

Blunden highlighted that the primary users are individuals or companies lacking the technical expertise to build websites. The AI-driven tool offers a foundational platform that users can either use as-is or further customise with additional development. This flexibility caters to both novices seeking a straightforward solution and more experienced users looking to expand and enhance their web presence.

DeFi Focus and Token Integration

Statistics indicate that the majority of WebsiteAI’s 1,000 hosted websites belong to the DeFi sector, identifiable by their distinctive naming conventions. Blunden noted that WebsiteAI integrates its own token into the website creation process. Users holding a significant supply of these tokens gain access to premium templates and a revenue-sharing programme. Currently, all profits from website creation are funnelled back into this programme, providing passive income to token holders. This model aims to build a strong user base and product utilisation before focusing on profit.

Revenue and Growth Strategy

Discussing future revenue models, Blunden acknowledged the challenge of finding comparable Web3 projects. Instead, WebsiteAI looks to the early growth strategies of big tech firms like WordPress, emphasising user acquisition through product simplicity and word-of-mouth. The goal is to reach 50,000 users within the next year by making the platform accessible even to those with minimal technical knowledge. Despite its infancy, the company is confident in AI’s potential to continually enhance the user experience.

Diversity and Creativity of Websites

Walker queried the uniqueness of websites generated by WebsiteAI. Blunden clarified that while current templates might appear similar, the AI ensures that the content, logos, and other customisable elements are unique to each user’s input. The team plans to expand the number of available templates to further enhance uniqueness.

Competitive Landscape

When asked about competition with established web builders like GoDaddy and WordPress, Blunden expressed optimism. He believes WebsiteAI’s AI-driven approach gives it a competitive edge, offering faster and potentially more aesthetically pleasing results. The ongoing development and learning capabilities of their AI models are seen as critical advantages in this competitive space.

Expanding Horizons

WebsiteAI’s participation in the World Blockchain Summit in Dubai aims to gauge interest, form strategic partnerships, and gather user feedback. Blunden mentioned potential collaborations with decentralised storage providers like Filecoin, indicating a future where WebsiteAI integrates more deeply with other blockchain technologies.

Global Reach and Language Support

Blunden discussed the geographical distribution of their user base, noting significant interest from the United States, followed by Europe and emerging interest in Asia. To cater to a global audience, WebsiteAI supports multiple languages, including Spanish, Italian, Chinese, and German. The team continues to refine and expand these language options to overcome barriers and ensure accessibility.

Looking ahead, WebsiteAI plans to incorporate e-commerce capabilities, allowing users to create online shops with secure payment systems. Discussions with fiat payment providers and compliance with privacy regulations are ongoing to ensure these features are robust and user-friendly.

In summary, WebsiteAI represents a significant step forward in merging AI with Web3, offering an innovative solution for website creation that is both accessible and scalable. As the platform evolves, it aims to cater to a diverse, global audience while maintaining a competitive edge through continuous AI advancements.