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Getting your small business a website is a big step towards becoming more visible online and meeting more people. This choice is often filled with both excitement and doubt, especially when you’re trying to figure out which website builder to choose. Thank goodness that running a small business has taught me useful lessons in this area. As I started this project, I was presented with a multitude of choices, all of which promised to make making a website easy and quick. But there were so many options that it seemed impossible to find the right medium for my needs. But after a lot of careful study and hands-on testing, I found the hidden gems in the world of website builders.
Through my experience, I learned that having too many choices can be stressful, but it can also be a chance to learn and explore. Each website maker has its own set of features and functions that can be used to meet the needs of different businesses. With options like easy-to-use interfaces and powerful e-commerce features, there is an answer for every business idea.
To make things easier for other small business owners going through this process, I set out to review and compile a full list of the best website builders. Using my own experiences and the things I’ve learned along the way, I carefully tried both well-known platforms and lesser-known gems, looking at how well they worked in different business situations. I’ve learned how important it is for each business to match its website builder choice with its own unique goals and ambitions. There’s a great platform out there for everyone, whether you’re a new artist who wants to show off your work or an established store owner who wants to grow your online presence.
What is a Website Builder?
Website builders are platforms with drag-and-drop interfaces that make it easy for people who don’t know how to code to make a website. Most of the time, these platforms come with built-in storage for pictures and videos, the ability to add a custom domain, hosting, pre-made themes, and more.
There are also often third-party apps that let you add things like shopping carts and tools for collecting leads. For really advanced marketing efforts, more advanced plans might even come with custom email addresses and SEO analytics tools.
Best Small Business Website Builders Comparison Table
We made our own website to test which is the best website builder for small businesses. We started by looking at how easy it was to sign up and how simple the price plans were. Next, we looked at how simple it was to make a site that looked good and had all the features small business owners will need, like online shops, contact forms, and SEO tools.
Feature | Shopify | Wix | Squarespace | GoDaddy | Weebly |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Focus | E-commerce | General website builder | General website builder | General website builder | General website builder |
Ease of Use | Moderate | Easy | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Design Flexibility | High | High | High | Moderate | Moderate |
E-commerce Features | Extensive | Basic (on higher plans) | Moderate | Basic (on higher plans) | Basic |
Marketing Tools | Good | Moderate | Good | Moderate | Moderate |
SEO | Good | Good | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate |
Best Small Business Website Builders
Website builders have made it far simpler than ever before to design your own website regardless of whether or not you have any prior experience with coding. In addition, there are website builders that are specifically developed for particular applications, such as blogs and online stores. Easy to use, reasonably priced, and with opportunity for expansion are the characteristics of the best website builders.
Shopify
![Best Small Business Website Builders](https://www.compsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/qe-493.jpg)
Feature | Description |
---|---|
E-commerce | Robust platform for building online stores |
Customization | Extensive theme and app options for tailored designs |
Payment Options | Supports various payment gateways for convenience |
SEO Tools | Built-in tools to optimize store visibility |
Analytics | Detailed analytics dashboard for tracking performance |
Shopify is clearly the best choice for anyone who wants to build a huge online store. It has helped me build the best online shop, whether I’m selling jewellery I made myself or the newest tech gadgets. Shopify is a complete platform for managing all aspects of an online store.
Its wide range of tools makes it easier to keep track of inventory, make payments, and combine shipping options without any problems. Some people may find it hard to learn, but its focus on functionality and scalability makes it great for ambitious entrepreneurs like me.
The Good
- Wide range of e-commerce features
- Excellent scalability for growing businesses
- Strong customer support
The Bad
- Higher pricing tiers may be prohibitive for small businesses
- Steeper learning curve compared to simpler platforms
Wix
![Best Small Business Website Builders](https://www.compsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/qe-494.jpg)
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Drag-and-Drop | Intuitive website builder with easy drag-and-drop |
Templates | Diverse collection of templates for quick setup |
App Market | Access to a variety of apps for extended functionality |
SEO Tools | Basic SEO tools to improve website visibility |
Mobile Editing | Ability to edit and optimize sites for mobile devices |
Since I switched to Wix, I’ve really liked how easy its drag-and-drop design is to use, especially for people who are just starting to build websites. Users can make websites that look great without having to deal with complicated code thanks to the large number of customisable themes and design features.
But because Wix focuses on looks, you might have to give up some advanced features that other platforms offer. Whatever the case, Wix is a good choice for people who want an easy-to-use and artistically appealing online presence.
The Good
- User-friendly interface
- Affordable pricing plans
- Versatile app market for added functionality
The Bad
- Limited customization compared to some competitors
- Template-based design may lack uniqueness
Squarespace
![Best Small Business Website Builders](https://www.compsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/qe-495.jpg)
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Design Options | Elegant templates with customizable designs |
Integrated CMS | Built-in content management system for easy updates |
E-commerce | Seamless integration for setting up online stores |
Blogging Tools | Robust blogging features for content creators |
Analytics | Comprehensive analytics for tracking site performance |
Squarespace has a reputation for being the most stylish website builder, and its focus on design and looks has caught my attention. As an artist, I like that the site has a lot of beautiful templates and content management tools that I can use to put together a digital portfolio that looks great.
Squarespace does have e-commerce features, but they might not be as complete or extensive as Shopify’s. If you choose Squarespace, you can focus on visual storytelling to improve your brand’s online profile.
The Good
- Sleek and modern design aesthetics
- All-in-one platform for website building and hosting
- Excellent customer support and resources
The Bad
- Limited third-party integrations
- Higher pricing tiers may not be suitable for all budgets
GoDaddy
![Best Small Business Website Builders](https://www.compsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/QW-23-1024x425.jpg)
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Website Builder | Easy-to-use website builder for quick setups |
Domain Hosting | Domain registration and hosting services |
Marketing Tools | Basic marketing tools for promoting websites |
Customer Support | 24/7 customer support for assistance |
SSL Security | Secure Socket Layer encryption for website security |
When it comes to web hosting and domain services, GoDaddy turns out to be a trusted partner. Its website builder might not have as many features as some competitors, but its combined services are what make it stand out.
I’ve made it easier to buy domains, set up email addresses, and host websites with GoDaddy by putting everything on one easy-to-use platform. GoDaddy is a great option for people who want to keep their domain-related services simple and centralised.
The Good
- Affordable pricing plans
- Domain registration and hosting in one place
- Beginner-friendly interface
The Bad
- Limited customization options
- Less flexibility compared to more advanced platforms
Weebly
![Best Small Business Website Builders](https://www.compsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/qe-496-1024x525.jpg)
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Drag-and-Drop | Simple drag-and-drop editor for easy site building |
App Center | Access to a range of apps for additional features |
E-commerce | Integration with Square for setting up online stores |
Mobile Editing | Mobile-responsive themes and editing capabilities |
SEO Tools | Basic SEO tools for optimizing website visibility |
Weebly was my first step into the online world because it’s an easy-to-use tool for making simple websites, blogs, and online stores. It’s easy for anyone to use because it has a drag-and-drop layout that makes building websites simple.
But I think Weebly’s ability to customise and connect to apps may not be as good as those of its competitors. Also, Weebly is still a good choice for people who want to start their digital journey but want an easy and inexpensive way to host their website.
The Good
- Intuitive interface for quick site creation
- Seamless e-commerce integration
- Affordable pricing options
The Bad
- Limited customization compared to more advanced platforms
- Less suitable for complex websites or businesses with specific needs
Key Considerations When Choosing a Website Builder
There are a few important things to keep in mind when picking a website builder to make sure you get the right one for your needs. Here are some important things to think about:
- Easy to Use: Look for a website builder that is simple and easy to understand, even for people who aren’t very tech-savvy. The platform should have a simple layout, drag-and-drop features, and pre-made templates that make it easy to build and customise your website.
- Features and Functionality: Think about the website builder’s features and functionality, such as whether it lets you add custom domain names, does e-commerce, has writing tools, SEO features, and works with other apps and services. You should pick a platform that has all the tools you need to make the website you want.
- Design Templates: Look at the website builder’s collection of design templates and themes. You should look for a platform that has a variety of properly made templates that you can change to fit your brand’s style and look.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Make sure the website builder has mobile-responsive design choices so your site will look good and work well on smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Mobile accessibility is important for making sure users have a smooth experience and for search engines to find your website.
- When picking a website builder, think about how your business will grow and how much space you will need in the future. If you want to start with a simple personal website and then add e-commerce or business websites later on, you should choose a platform that can grow with your needs.
- Customer Support: Look at how much help and support the website builder gives to customers. Look for platforms that offer a wide range of ways to get help from customers, such as community forums, live chat, email support, and help documents. When you’re having technical problems or need help with your website, quick and efficient customer service can be very helpful.
- Plans and Prices: Check out how much different website builders cost and what plans they offer for membership. Think about things like how much the subscription costs, whether there are free or trial versions, and whether there are any extra fees for special features or add-ons. Pick a plan that fits your budget and gives you the features you need without any extras you don’t need.
- Flexible and Customisable: Check to see how flexible and customisable the website builder is. Pick a platform that lets you make your website fit your specific needs and tastes. For example, you should be able to add your own code, use third-party tools, and change style elements to make your website truly unique.
Questions and Answers
Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, Square Online, WordPress.com, GoDaddy Website Builder, Zyro, BigCommerce, Gator Website Builder, and Volusion are some of the most popular website builders for small businesses.
Individual business owners and proprietors of small firms are Wix’s typical customers. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise to find a rather solid lineup of business features for administration, marketing, branding, customer support, e-commerce, and other areas of company operations. When taken as a whole, it is a satisfactory package for a small firm.