If you’re a small business owner, then you know that getting a business website is essential in today’s digital age. Not only does it give customers a way to find out more about your business, but it also allows you to reach a wider audience. But how do you choose the right website builder for your business?
In this article, we will compare the top 5 website builders and discuss the features that are important to look for when making your decision. We’ll also talk about how much these builders cost and provide some tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.
What is a website builder?
A website builder is a platform that allows you to create a website without the need for coding or web design knowledge.
Cutting edge payroll software
- Powerful and easy to use
- HMRC & RTI compliant
- Used by payroll pros
The CRM platform to grow your business
- Great for entrepreneurs
- Powerful data analytics
- Manage sales and data
Powerful web builder and advanced business tools
- Great for startups
- Powerful web page builder
- E-commerce available
Supercharged content planning
- Great for marketing
- Better than lists or sheets
- Manage social media
Create a new website in 10 minutes. Easy.
- Launch your website fast
- Powerful data intuitive
- No coding skills needed
These platforms provide everything you need to get started, including templates, hosting, and sometimes even domain names. All you need to do is add your own content and images.
Important features to look for
When choosing a website builder, there are several important features to look for.
| Feature | Good to know… |
|---|---|
| Usability | The first is ease of use. You should be able to easily create and edit your website without any problems. |
| Flexibility | The second is flexibility. Your website builder should allow you to change the look and feel of your website whenever you want. |
| Technical suport | And finally, you’ll want a platform that provides good customer support in case you run into any problems. |
Is it actually a good idea to use a website builder?
Now that we’ve gone over some of the features to look for in a website builder, you might be wondering if it’s actually a good idea to use one.
There are both pros and cons to using a website builder.
| Pros of using a website builder | Cons of using a website builder |
|---|---|
| On the plus side, they’re easy to use and don’t require any coding knowledge. | However, there are some downsides to using a website builder. One is that you might not be able to create a completely custom website. |
| They’re also usually quite affordable. | Another is that you may need to upgrade to a paid plan in order to get certain features or remove branding from your site. |
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a website builder is up to you. If you need a simple website and don’t mind the limitations, then a website builder could be a good option. But if you want complete control over your website, then you might want to hire a web developer instead.
How to choose the right website builder for your business
The best way to choose the right website builder for your business is to first identify your needs.
- Do you need a simple website or something more complex?
- Do you need e-commerce functionality or not?
Once you know what you need, you can then start looking at the different features each builder offers and compare them side by side.
Top website builders compared
Now that we’ve gone over what to look for in a website builder, let’s take a look at some of the top platforms available.
1. Squarespace
Squarespace is a popular website builder that offers users a simple, yet powerful platform.
It’s easy to use and comes with everything you need to create a beautiful website.
The downside is that it’s not as flexible as some of the other options on this list and can be more expensive.
2. WordPress
WordPress is a popular content management system that can be used to create both simple and complex websites.
Over 35% of all websites on the internet are powered by WordPress.
While it is more complex than some of the other builders on this list, it is also very flexible and can be customised to fit your specific needs.
It’s free to use but you’ll need to pay for hosting and a domain name.
It’s also not as easy to use as some of the other builders on this list.
One of the biggest strengths of WordPress is the huge range of available plugins. These can be used to add extra functionality to your website, such as an online store or contact form.
3. Wix
Wix is one of the most popular website builders on the market. Over 110 million people have used Wix to create a website. Wix is suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.
Wix has a drag-and-drop editor which makes it easy to create and customise your website. You can also use Wix to create a professional website for your business.
Wix offers a free plan and a premium plan. The free plan is suitable for small businesses and personal websites. The premium plan starts at $13 per month and includes more features and support.
4. Shopify
Shopify is a popular e-commerce platform that allows you to create an online store.
It’s easy to use and comes with everything you need to get started.
The downside is that it’s not as flexible as some of the other options on this list and can be more expensive.
Shopify costs $29 per month for the basic plan and goes up to $299 per month for the advanced plan.
You’ll also need to pay for hosting, which starts at $14 per month.
5. GoDaddy website builder
One of the most popular website builders on the market. It is suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises. It offers a wide range of features and an easy-to-use interface.
The cost of GoDaddy website builder depends on the plan you choose. The cheapest plan starts at $0.99 per month, while the most expensive plan costs $24.99 per month.
There is also a free trial available so you can try out the features before you commit to a paid plan.
The main advantages of GoDaddy website builder are its ease of use and its wide range of features. However, it is worth noting that it does not offer a bespoke web development service.
If you are looking for a website builder that offers a wide range of features and an easy-to-use interface, then GoDaddy website builder is a good option for you. However, if you are looking for a bespoke web development service, then you should consider another option.
How much should a website builder cost?
The cost of a website builder will vary depending on the platform you choose and the features you need. However, in general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $50 per month for a basic website. If you need e-commerce functionality, you can expect to pay more.
Free website builders
There are a few free website builders out there but they generally have limited features and can be more difficult to use. We recommend avoiding them unless you’re very experienced with web development.
Website builder vs. bespoke web development
If you’re trying to decide between a website builder and bespoke web development, there are a few things to consider.
Website builders are typically much easier to use and more affordable.
However, they are not as flexible and may not have all the features you need.
Bespoke web development is more expensive but will give you a completely custom website.
For your website project, the decision should come down to what you need and what you can afford.
Conclusion
There are a lot of different options out there, so it’s important to choose the best website builder for your small business. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options and find the perfect platform for your needs.
FAQ
The answer to this question will depend on your specific needs. However, some of the best website builders for small business include Squarespace, WordPress, Wix and Shopify.
The cost of a website builder will vary depending on the platform you choose and the features you need. However, in general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $50 per month for a basic website. If you need e-commerce functionality, you can expect to pay more.
The answer to this question will depend on your specific needs. If you need a simple website, then a website builder may be the better option. However, if you need a more complex website, then you may want to hire a web developer.
There are a few free website builders out there but they generally have limited features and can be more difficult to use. We recommend avoiding them unless you’re very experienced with web development.
The answer to this question will depend on your specific needs. However, some of the best website builders for ecommerce include Shopify, Squarespace and Wix.
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, some of the most popular website builders for blogs include WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace. Each of these platforms has its own unique set of features and pricing plans, so be sure to do your research before choosing one.