Choosing the Perfect Platform - The Best Website Builders for Small Business Success

What is a website builder?

An easy-to-use online tool called a website builder makes it easier to make a website. This means that people and companies can have an online presence without having to know a lot about technology or how to code. With these platforms, it's easy to make a website that looks professional in just a few hours, instead of weeks or months. They usually come with a variety of themes, drag-and-drop tools, and design elements that can be changed to fit your needs.

Website builders are very helpful for small businesses, new businesses, and individuals because they make it easy and cheap to show off goods, services, or personal content to people all over the world. With their easy-to-use layouts and pre-built features, website builders have changed the way websites are made, making it possible for almost anyone to make a website that looks good and works well with little effort.

Wix - Best overall

Wix is a well-known website builder that has become popular thanks to its high level of flexibility and ease of use. I like Wix because it has so many properly designed templates that make it easy to make websites that look great. The drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to change things and arrange material, which is useful for many types of businesses and people.

The Wix app market adds extra features, making it easy for businesses to add e-commerce, bookings, and other functions. The platform also has strong SEO features, mobile optimization, and safe servers. Overall, Wix gives both new and experienced web designers the tools they need to make websites that look great and work well. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to build a strong online presence.

Business tools:

Wix has a flexible website builder with powerful business tools, such as marketing, e-commerce integration, and user management.

Performance:

Thanks to its advanced cloud hosting infrastructure, Wix websites usually work well, with quick load times and stable uptime.

Month Price:

Wix had different eCommerce plans, and the most basic one cost around $23 a month. For example, deals with more features and functions could cost $49 or more per month.

Best for:

Small businesses, creative professionals, and entrepreneurs who want an all-in-one way to build and manage their online profile should choose Wix.

Pros:

Wix has a lot of business tools, an easy-to-use interface, and a huge library of templates. It also puts a lot of emphasis on design and personalization.

Cons:

Advanced users may not be able to access or change all the code, and while it's cheap, the costs can add up if you use a lot of paid features or e-commerce functions.

Squarespace - Best pro templates

Squarespace is unique because it is a flexible and design-focused website builder. This makes it a great choice for creative professionals, artists, and businesses that want to have a nice-looking website. What I really like about it is that it has beautiful designs that are fully responsive and don't need a lot of changes to look great on a website.

Squarespace also has built-in e-commerce features that make it easy to start selling things online, and the writing features are very good. Squarespace doesn't have all the advanced customization options that experienced developers like, but it does a great job of letting people make beautiful websites without having to know a lot about code. This makes it a great choice for people who value design and simplicity.

Website Building:

Squarespace makes building websites easy and focused on the visual aspect, making it great for people and businesses that want to make beautiful, design-focused websites quickly.

Business tools:

Squarespace has some business features, like e-commerce and marketing tools, but its main focus is on design and looks, which makes it perfect for companies that want to present a professional online image.

Performance:

Squarespace usually has good performance, with quick load times and mobile-friendliness, but it might not be able to handle very big websites or eCommerce stores with a lot of visitors.

Month Price:

Squarespace's monthly prices range from about $12 for simple personal websites to $40 for more complex business plans. Plans for online shopping that come with extra benefits cost between $18 and $40 per month.

Best for:

Squarespace is best for creatives, artists, photographers, and small businesses that care about how their designs look and want an easy-to-use platform to show off their goods or work.

Pros:

Squarespace has beautiful templates, an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface, and great choices for customizing the design. Hosting that you can count on and security are also included.

Cons:

When it comes to cons, it might not have all the advanced features and customization options that writers need, and some features, like e-commerce, can be pricey. It might not be the best choice for businesses that want a lot of marketing and data tools either.

GoDaddy - Best for rapid sites

GoDaddy is a well-known website maker and hosting service that serves a wide range of customers, from individuals wanting to start a personal blog to businesses wanting to make a strong online presence. I like that GoDaddy has an easy-to-use interface and a lot of different themes that make it easy to make a website quickly.

It's a great option for people who want an easy, all-in-one answer because it includes tools for building websites, hosting, and domain services. It might not let you change the look as much as some other platforms, but it does come with a set of business tools, such as SEO, e-commerce, and email marketing. For small and medium-sized businesses and individuals who want an easy way to build and manage their websites, GoDaddy is a great choice.

Building a Website:

GoDaddy's website builder is an easy-to-use tool that makes it easier to make a website with drag-and-drop features, templates, and seamless integration with domain and hosting services.

Business tools:

GoDaddy has many business features, such as e-commerce tools, email marketing tools, and search engine optimization (SEO) options, which makes it a good choice for startups and small to medium-sized businesses.

Performance:

GoDaddy's website builder might not work as well as some specialized website builders, but its hosting is stable. Sites with a lot of visitors or a lot of moving parts might not want to use it.

Month Price:

GoDaddy's website builder usually costs around $6 a month for the basic plan and up to $20 a month for business plans with more features. Plans for online shopping can cost anywhere from $15 to $30 a month.

Best for:

Small businesses, companies, and people who want an easy, cheap, and all-in-one way to get online without having to know a lot about computers should use GoDaddy's website builder.

Pros:

GoDaddy is easy to use, has reasonable prices, and has a lot of business tools. It works perfectly with name and hosting services, and the customer service is great.

Cons:

It might not let you change the style as much as website builders that focus more on design. Even though the prices are reasonable, some users may find that specialized eCommerce platforms have more features.

Strikingly - Best for one-page sites

Brilliantly is a great website builder that's perfect for people, entrepreneurs, or small businesses that want an easy way to make beautiful websites with only one page. I like Strikingly because it focuses on being simple and has themes that look good. Its designer is easy to use, even for people who aren't very good with computers, and its main strength is that it can quickly make beautiful, mobile-responsive, single-scrolling websites.

Strikingly might not be the best choice for complex or multi-page sites, but it's great at what it was made to do: make beautiful, fully functional single-page websites quickly and easily. This makes it a great choice for people who value style and simplicity.

Website Building:

Strikingly is an easy-to-use website builder that does a great job of making beautiful one-page websites with its drag-and-drop editor. This makes it perfect for people who want their web presence to be both simple and stylish.

Business tools:

It has basic business features like e-commerce and blogs, but Strikingly's real strength is in its focus on design, which makes it a great choice for creatives and small businesses that want to show off their work.

Performance:

Striking's speed is usually very good, especially for websites with only one page. But it might not be the best choice for people who need sites with lots of pages or a lot of visitors.

Month Price:

Surprisingly, their monthly prices start at about $8 for their basic plan and go up to $49 for plans with more benefits. Plans for online shopping run from $16 to $49 a month.

Best for:

Strikingly is best for people, freelancers, artists, and small businesses that want a stylish and simple online presence but don't have a lot of technical knowledge.

Pros:

Strikingly has beautiful designs, is easy to use, and lets you make a website quickly. This makes it a great choice for people who want a clean, one-page website. It's priced reasonably and works with a number of e-commerce payment methods.

Cons:

Since it's mostly made for single-page websites, it might not work for people who want to make a lot of changes or make their site bigger. Compared to some other platforms, it doesn't have as many advanced business features and tools.

Weebly - Best for e-commerce

Weebly is a powerful website builder known for being easy to use and flexible. This makes it a great choice for people and small businesses who want to make professional websites quickly and easily. Weebly is great because it has a drag-and-drop builder, a large library of templates, and e-commerce features that work well with each other.

This makes it a great choice for online shops. There may not be as much design freedom with Weebly as with some other platforms, but its focus on simplicity and wide range of business tools, from SEO features to email marketing, make it a good choice for people who want to make a website that is both easy to use and useful.

Building a Website:

Weebly is an easy-to-use website builder with a drag-and-drop editor and a huge library of templates that make it possible for people and small businesses to make websites.

Business tools:

Weebly has many business tools, such as e-commerce, SEO features, and email marketing. This makes it a good choice for startups and small businesses that want an all-in-one way to build a strong online presence.

Performance:

Weebly usually has good speed and reliable hosting, but it might not be as scalable as other platforms, which means it might not be the best choice for big or busy websites.

Month Price:

Basic plans on Weebly start at about $6 a month, and advanced e-commerce plans cost up to $26 a month. This makes it a cheap option for businesses on a budget.

Best for:

Weebly is best for people, small businesses, and companies that need an easy-to-use, low-cost website builder with built-in business tools.

Pros:

Weebly's strong points are that it is easy to use, has reasonable prices, and has many business tools. It also provides a safe and reliable hosting atmosphere.

Cons:

Weebly might not be as flexible as some other platforms when it comes to making very specific or extensive changes to a website. Also, there aren't as many design and template choices as there are with some rivals.

IONOS - Best multilingual

IONOS, which used to be called 1&1 IONOS, is a trustworthy web host and website builder that provides a wide range of services for both individuals and companies. I like IONOS for its strong hosting infrastructure, domain registration, and easy-to-use website builder. Because it has so many features, this platform can be used by a wide range of people, from beginners to expert developers.

Because it focuses on security, reliable performance, and scaling, IONOS stands out. This makes it a great choice for people who need a safe and reliable online presence. Even though the website builder might not have as many customization options as some specialized platforms, IONOS does a great job of offering Web Hosting, domains, and website creation all in one place.

Building a Website:

IONOS has an easy-to-use website builder with a variety of design choices, so people with different levels of technical knowledge can use it. However, it might not have as many templates as some other platforms.

Business tools:

IONOS has many tools for businesses, such as e-commerce features and SEO tools, which makes it good for small to medium-sized companies that need a complete web solution.

Performance:

IONOS has fast loading times and safe hosting, which makes it a good choice for businesses that need a reliable online presence.

Month Price:

The basic plan for IONOS starts at about $5 per month, and more advanced plans can cost up to $15 per month. This means that both businesses and people can find options that fit their budgets.

Best for:

IONOS is best for small to medium-sized businesses and people who want a platform that combines web hosting, domains, and website building into one easy-to-use package.

Pros:

IONOS combines hosting and website making, which makes having an online presence easier. It doesn't break the bank and has good performance and protection features.

Cons:

It has a website builder, but it doesn't have as many templates as some specialized platforms, and you may not be able to make as many complicated changes as you'd like. It might also not be able to meet the wants of large businesses with complicated requirements.

WordPress.com - Most flexible

WordPress.com is one of the best website builders out there because it can be used in a lot of different ways. I really like that WordPress.com is open source, which means that it can be changed in a lot of ways and is useful for making websites that are all different types, from simple blogs to complex e-commerce systems.

It's a great choice for people who like being artistic and want to use the power of a lot of plugins and themes. Some website builders may be harder for beginners to learn, but this one is great for developers, businesses, and writers who want full control, the ability to grow their online presence without limits, and the ability to scale.

Building a Website:

WordPress.com is an open-source, very flexible platform that is known for being easy to use. It can be used to make websites of all types, from simple blogs to complex e-commerce sites, though it may be harder for beginners to get started.

Business tools:

WordPress.com has a huge library of plugins and themes that companies can use to make their online presence unique by adding e-commerce features, SEO tools, and other tools that are perfect for their needs.

Performance:

WordPress.com's performance can change depending on the hosting choice you choose, and it may need more technical tweaking than other website builders. Picking the right hosting plan is very important for getting the best results.

Month Price:

WordPress.com has a wide range of monthly plans, with prices starting at about $4 for simple personal websites and going up to $59 or more for advanced business and e-commerce plans.

Best for:

Businesses and individuals who want full creative power and the ability to grow should use WordPress.com. For developers, bloggers, and businesses that want full customization choices, it's perfect.

Pros:

WordPress.com gives you a lot of freedom, a large community, and a huge selection of plugins and styles that can make your site do more. It's very flexible and gives you full artistic freedom.

Cons:

It might be harder for new users to find their way around, and some premium themes and apps may cost extra. Maintenance and safety steps must be taken correctly, which may require technical knowledge or extra money.

Gator Builder - Best budget builder

The Gator Builder website builder from HostGator is easy for anyone to use. It's perfect for people and small businesses that want a simple but effective way to get online. I like how simple Gator Builder is, how nice its themes look, and how easy it is to use its drag-and-drop editor. It makes making responsive and beautiful websites easy, and you don't need to know a lot about computers to do it.

HostGator's hosting services work well with Gator Builder, so you can be sure of reliable performance and easy upkeep. You might not be able to customize it as much as some other platforms, but it's a great choice for people who want an easy-to-use, efficient, and reliable website for their personal projects or small businesses.

Website Building:

Gator Builder is an easy-to-use website builder with a drag-and-drop editor that makes it easy for people and small businesses to make websites.

Business tools:

Gator Builder has basic business features like e-commerce, but its main strength is in how easy it is to use and how nice it looks, so it's perfect for people who want an effective and aesthetically pleasing online presence.

Performance:

Gator Builder has good performance and solid hosting, which makes sure that websites load quickly and stay stable.

Month Price:

The starter plan for Gator Builder starts at about $3.84 per month, making it a cheap option for people and small businesses on a budget.

Best for:

The best people to use Gator Builder for making websites are those who want something that is easy to use and quick, like small businesses and personal projects.

Pros:

Gator Builder is easy to use, has reasonable prices, and has themes that look good. It works well and doesn't cause any problems when used with hosting services.

Cons:

It might not be good for people who want a lot of customization choices, and it might not have as many advanced business features as other platforms.

Zyro - Best for beginners

Website builders like Zyro are becoming more popular because they are easy to use and don't cost a lot of money. Zyro's approach to being easy to use is new, and their drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to make websites quickly. It's a great option for small businesses, new businesses, or people who want a cheap way to have an online presence.

Zyro's AI-powered tools, like those that create content and logos, add a unique touch and speed up the process of building a website. While Zyro may not offer as many customization options as some more well-known platforms, it does a great job of making building a website easy and affordable, making it a good choice for people who want to build a digital presence without spending a lot of money.

Building a Website:

Zyro has an easy-to-use website builder with AI-powered features that makes it very simple for people and small businesses to have a professional online presence even if they don't know much about computers.

Business tools:

Zyro has e-commerce features and a variety of website-building tools, but its main strengths are its low cost and ease of use, which makes it a great choice for users who want to save money.

Performance:

Zyro usually works well, with fast loading times and safe hosting, but it might not be able to handle larger or more popular websites as well as it could.

Month Price:

Zyro's monthly prices start at about $2.61, making it affordable for people on a budget. Plans that cost more have more benefits and can go as high as $8.61 per month.

Best for:

People on a budget, new businesses, and startups that want an easy, cheap, and simple website builder should use Zyro.

Pros:

Zyro's pros include being easy to use, having AI-powered tools for making content and logos, and being affordable.

Cons:

It might not be suitable for users who need a lot of customization choices or advanced features, and it might not be able to handle larger websites well.

What to Look For in a Website Builder for Small Business

Easy to Use:

Pick a platform with a simple interface and easy-to-use tools so that you or your team can handle and update the website quickly.

Design Flexibility:

Choose a builder that gives you design freedom so you can change the templates and give your site a professional, one-of-a-kind look that fits your brand.

Mobile Responsiveness:

Make sure the builder gives mobile-responsive design so that users can have the best experience on phones and tablets. This is important for reaching more people.

eCommerce Capabilities:

If you want to sell goods or services online, look for eCommerce features like catalogs of goods, safe payment handling, and management of stock.

Speed and Security:

Choose a platform that puts speed and security of your website at the top of its list of priorities. These will not only improve the user experience but also help your site rank higher in search engines and keep customer data safe.

Value for Money:

Think about how much you can spend and what qualities you need. Check out different builders' price plans and see if the one you choose is a good deal for the features it offers. Make sure it fits your business's needs and your budget.

How did we test and rank web builders for small businesses

Builder System:

We looked at how easy each website builder was to use, how well it worked, and what features it had. This meant checking out the platform's user interface, how easy the drag-and-drop builder was to use, the design choices, the ability to make changes, and how well it worked with other apps or services.

Performance:

To test how well the builders worked, we made sample websites and looked at how fast, stable, and responsive they were overall. For users to have a smooth browsing experience, you need to have reliable hosting and load times.

Resources:

The tools that each web builder offered were looked at. These included support, knowledge bases, and community forums. For companies that need help or information, having great customer service and a lot of documentation can be very important.

E-commerce:

For makers that offer e-commerce features, we looked at how deep and wide these features went. This meant looking at how easy it was to set up an online store, manage product lists, process payments, and use marketing tools.

Price:

We looked at how each web builder set their prices and what plans they had, thinking about how much value they gave for the money. This meant looking at the tools that come with each plan as well as any extra fees for premium templates, domains, or integrations with third-party apps.

What is the easiest website builder to use?

Finding the easiest website maker is often a matter of personal taste and requirement. But Wix is often mentioned as one of the easiest website tools to use. Its drag-and-drop interface, large library of plugins, and many properly designed templates make it very simple for people who have never made a website before to do so.

It also has on-screen instructions and an ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) tool that makes building a website even easier. Even though how easy it is to use is important, you should also think about what your project needs. This is because different builders may be better at certain things, like e-commerce, writing, or customizing designs.

Is a website good for small business?

In this day and age, websites are not only helpful, they're often necessary for small businesses. A well-designed website can be used as a storefront 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It lets small businesses reach customers all over the world, build trust, and show off their goods or services. It lets businesses compete with bigger ones by giving them an inexpensive way to sell and advertise.

Websites also make it easier for customers to connect with each other and make purchases by increasing customer interaction, giving customers useful information, and facilitating online transactions. In a world where being online is seen as a sign of trustworthiness, small businesses can reach more people and do better in a competitive market by having a professional website.

How do I take my small business online?

Putting your small business online requires a number of important steps. First, make a clear online plan by writing down your goals, budget, and target audience. Pick a domain name that is easy to remember and fits your business. Next, choose a web host that you can trust and a website builder that is easy for anyone to use to make your site. Make a professional website that works on all devices and has good material, like descriptions of your products or services, pictures, and contact information.

Make security a top priority and make sure that your website is safe for you and your buyers. Use good SEO techniques to make your website more visible in search engines. Lastly, use social media, email marketing, and online ads to get people to visit your website and buy things from you. To keep your online profile strong and help your business grow, make sure you regularly update your site, ask customers for feedback, and look at website analytics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a website builder, and why should I use one for my small business?

An online tool that makes it easier to make a website is called a website builder. Website builders are helpful for small businesses because they make it easy to make websites without having to know a lot about code.

2. What factors should I consider when choosing a website builder for my small business?

Take into account how easy it is to use, how flexible the design is, how well it works, how much it costs, and whether it's mobile-friendly.

3. Is it better to use a free or paid website builder for my small business?

There are some free website makers that look good, but paid ones usually have more features, can be customized more, and look more professional. For small businesses that want to build a strong online footprint, they're often a better choice.

4. Which website builder is the most cost-effective for small businesses?

Whether or not a website builder is worth the money relies on your needs and budget. There are cheap options like Wix, Weebly, and Zyro, but the best one for you will rely on your needs.

5. What is the easiest website builder for beginners with no technical skills?

Wix and Weebly are great for people who are just starting out because they have easy-to-use layouts and drag-and-drop editors.

6. Which website builder offers the best e-commerce capabilities for small businesses?

shopify services, BigCommerce, and Wix are well-known for their e-commerce features, which makes them the best options for companies that want to sell goods or services online.

7. Can I customize my website with a website builder, or will I have limitations?

Most website builders let you change things about your site, but the amount of change you can make varies. For example, WordPress and Wix let you make a lot of changes.

8. Do website builders provide security for my small business website?

Basic security features like SSL certificates and safe hosting are often built into website builders. However, it's still important to take extra steps to protect your site and customer data.

9. Are there any ongoing costs associated with using a website builder for my small business?

Yes, you will have to pay for hosting, domain registration, and any extra services or apps you use. When you make your budget, keep these costs in mind.

10. What are the best practices for SEO with a website builder for my small business?

To improve your website's search engine ranking, do Keyword Research, make sure it's mobile-friendly, optimize on-page content, use descriptive alt tags for pictures, and build quality backlinks.