When considering the best website builder for small business, there are numerous factors to take into account including ease of use and affordability.
Building a website from scratch can be a challenging endeavor, particularly for individuals lacking technical skills. Nevertheless, having a website can be beneficial as it enables you to broaden your audience, establish credibility, and enhance the experience of your customers.
Website builders have gained popularity due to their user-friendly and cost-effective nature, which allows for easier website construction.
In this blog post, our focus will be on reviewing the top website builders suitable for small businesses.
We have conducted research and performed tests on various website builders in order to aid you in selecting the appropriate one for your business requirements.
Continue reading to discover the most suitable website builder for your small business.
What Is a Website Builder?
An online tool known as a website builder aims to assist individuals and businesses in creating their own websites, even if they have limited coding skills. It provides an inclusive solution that simplifies the process of website creation, making it convenient, effective, and cost-effective.
How Does a Website Builder Work
Website builders simplify the process of creating a site, particularly for beginners, through pre-designed templates and user-friendly drag-and-drop interfaces. Additionally, they offer tools for modifying various aspects of your site’s appearance, such as color themes and typography.
By eliminating the need for technical skills in website design best practices and development, it becomes possible for anyone to create a professional website.
Most website builders usually offer a variety of features, such as search engine optimization (SEO) tools, mobile responsiveness, and third-party integration.
By utilizing these features, users have the ability to boost their website’s presence on search engines, enhance user experience, and engage effectively with their audience.
Website builders place a significant emphasis on responsive design, which is crucial considering the increasing popularity of mobile internet usage. The performance and rankings of a website can be greatly influenced by its mobile optimization.
Website builders typically have a feature that automatically makes sure your website is mobile-responsive, which implies that it adapts to fit different screen sizes.
Different Types of Website Builders
There are different types of website builders, each with its own advantages and factors to consider. The three most common types are template-based, drag-and-drop, and CMS-based website builders. Moreover, website builders can be broadly classified as either online or offline.
Website builders that use templates are a method of building websites that involve step-by-step thinking.
Template-based site makers are widely used, especially by those who desire to create a professional website without having to begin from the beginning. These builders offer a variety of pre-designed templates.
Every website type – blogs, portfolios, eCommerce stores, and others – has its own specific creation.
The process involves choosing a preferred template and subsequently replacing the existing content with your own, while making potential adjustments to design elements such as fonts and colors. However, the overall structure of the template remains unalterable.
Website builders that involve a drag-and-drop feature.
Compared to template-based counterparts, drag-and-drop site builders provide a greater level of flexibility. They come with a user-friendly interface that allows you to select from a variety of pre-made elements such as text boxes, images, and contact forms.
Users have the ability to drag and drop these elements on the web page and customize them further by resizing and repositioning.
This method allows you to create a website exactly how you imagine it, without the need for coding. It is perfect for individuals who desire complete creative control over the appearance of their site.
Website builders that are based on Content Management Systems (CMS)
Website builders that are based on content management systems (CMS) provide the greatest degree of flexibility and scalability. WordPress, for instance, enables you to construct a website using a WYSIWYG builder or modify the website’s code directly.
This allows you to build virtually any kind of website and add a wide range of features, from eCommerce functionality to forums, membership areas, and more.
Although learning how to use CMS-based builders may be more challenging, they are an excellent option for individuals seeking a website that can adapt to their evolving requirements.
The comparison between online and offline website builders, considering each step thoroughly.
Based on how they are accessed and used, website builders can also be categorized as online or offline.
Online website builders are web-based applications that operate in a web browser, meaning there is no need to download or install any software on your computer. The primary advantage of an online website builder is its user-friendliness, offering a range of templates and customization choices to facilitate the creation of a high-quality website.
Most online builders require a subscription and encompass web hosting services within the price. This kind of builder is particularly suited for novices and individuals who desire the flexibility to edit their website from any location.
Hostinger Website Builder, Wix, and Squarespace are among the popular online website builders.
Offline website builders function similarly to software programs that require installation on your computer.
You have the option to construct the website on your local device without an internet connection, and later transfer the completed site to a web hosting provider. Offline builders are more dependable as they eliminate concerns about your internet connection while building.
If you are a web developer or designer with experience and desire full control over your site, and if you prefer working offline, then using an offline site builder can be a great choice. However, keep in mind that it can be more complex to use, since you will need to locate a web host and manually upload your files.
Figma, Dreamweaver, and Mobirise are among the offline site builders that are commonly used.
Before making a decision, carefully consider your needs, technical comfort level, and the specific features you’re searching for as the type of web builder you opt for should be based on these factors. It is important to keep in mind that each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Top Website Builder Software for Small Business
1. Wix
It is difficult to find a better way to summarize Wix’s ease of use than a user comment saying, “If you can use PowerPoint, you can create a professional-looking website with Wix.”
Wix offers a wide range of features that can be used by designers, photographers, and content marketers to promote their businesses, create personal blogs, and showcase portfolios, helping them to grow their businesses.
You have the option to select from over 900 online store templates, link a custom domain, and make quick customizations to your eCommerce website.
Furthermore, novices and experts can both benefit from the user-friendly drag-and-drop editor provided by this website builder, as it greatly simplifies the process of building a website while also being highly functional.
The top industries that utilize Wix are Marketing and Advertising, Computer Software, Information Technology & Services, Design, and Non-Profit Organization Management.
2. Web.com
Web.com is a platform for building websites that aids in the creation of professional websites. It provides a range of solutions for websites and marketing, enabling you to achieve your business objectives.
Web.com offers a range of website solutions that include tools for building websites on your own, WordPress websites, professional website design, and e-commerce solutions.
In addition, the platform provides web design services called QuickStart and Designed by an Expert, allowing you to efficiently and effortlessly build websites.
Web.com is used by the following top industries: Consumer Goods, Health, Wellness and Fitness, Business Supplies and Equipment, Marketing and Advertising, as well as Apparel & Fashion.
3. GoDaddy
GoDaddy offers a range of solutions for both small business websites and e-commerce stores as a website builder platform.
The platform has a variety of features that allow users to create visual content such as logos, social posts, and ads even if they lack design skills. This enables beginners to build their own professional-looking websites.
GoDaddy offers a range of marketing tools that can help your small business achieve its company goals.
The top industries that utilize GoDaddy include cosmetics, e-learning, apparel and fashion, health, wellness and fitness, and computer software.
4. Webador
Webador offers a range of products including website builder, webshop, domains, and email, catering specifically to small businesses.
It assists small stores in easily launching their website, designing and building it, and publishing it with their own domain name, thereby helping them start their online presence.
Webador offers various solutions such as business email addresses, the ability to start a webshop, and tools for tracking success, catering to different business requirements.
Webador is used by top industries such as Marketing and Advertising, Arts & Crafts, Health, Wellness and Fitness, and Computer Software.
5. Pixpa
Pixpa is a website builder designed for photographers, artists, and designers that does not require coding.
Creators can easily construct and oversee a visually appealing and professional website that includes a pre-integrated online store, blog, and client galleries.
To get started, there is no need for coding skills. All you have to do is connect your custom domain name and you will be all set.
In addition, the platform provides integrated SEO tools that aid in obtaining a favorable position on search engines, making sure that potential customers can easily find your website.
You can display, distribute, and market your work online to expand your business.
Pixpa is used by the top industries, which include Photography, Arts and Crafts, Design, Computer Software, Writing, and Editing.
6. Siter.io
Siter.io is a website builder that enables you to create and publish websites without the need for coding, offering a no-code solution.
The way it operates is by enabling you to freely design directly in the browser using tools you are already familiar with.
Siter.io is used by top industries, which include Marketing and Advertising, Photography, Arts and Crafts, and Design.
7. HubSpot
The Drag-and-Drop Website Builder by HubSpot is an effective platform that assists businesses in creating and optimizing their websites to establish a strong online presence and generate leads.
This website builder allows companies to create visually appealing, responsive, and high-performing websites without requiring extensive technical knowledge, thanks to its user-friendly interface and extensive feature set.
The top industries that use HubSpot are computer software, information technology and services, marketing and advertising, financial services, and education management.
8. Framer
Framer allows you to easily make a bold product announcement without needing a large marketing team or spending a lot of time in preparation.
Especially beneficial for small businesses, you can easily create landing pages within a few days with a small team.
After launching your website, it is equally simple to maintain and update it. Publishing any new changes can be done within seconds.
Framer is commonly used by top industries such as Marketing and Advertising, Computer Software, Information Technology and Services, Financial Services, and Education Management.
9. Canva
Canva, the renowned design tool, is available to assist you in creating your one-page website right away!
With Canva Website Builder’s easy-to-use editor and stylish templates, you can quickly promote business events or enhance your personal branding.
With its custom, mobile-responsive one-page website templates that can serve various purposes, Canva Website Builder can provide you with the beginning you require.
If you lack technical expertise and coding skills but wish to create a basic one-page website, Canva Website Builder could be a great option for you.
Canva Website Builder has something to offer you, whether you’re an entrepreneur creating an online menu, a content creator working on event pages, or just a side hustler creating your portfolio.
The top industries that use Canva include Marketing & Advertising, Technology, and Higher Education.
10. Squarespace
Squarespace is a platform for building and hosting websites, enabling users to create and manage their own websites without requiring advanced technical knowledge.
Squarespace offers users a range of customizable templates, tools for drag-and-drop functionality, and integrated features like e-commerce capabilities. These resources assist users in designing a website that looks professional.
Squarespace is frequently utilized by small businesses, photographers, artists, and individuals seeking to establish an online presence, due to its provision of hosting, domain registration, and 24/7 customer support. This makes it an all-encompassing solution for creating and maintaining a website.
In terms of major website builders, Squarespace is widely regarded by most users as the most visually appealing option. Additionally, it is considered relatively straightforward to implement, ranking second only to Wix.
The industries that most frequently utilize Squarespace are marketing and advertising, design, non-profit organization management, photography, and writing and editing.
11. Shopify – Best for e-commerce
If you have been conducting research on online store builders, it is likely that you have observed Shopify as the most widely used option.
Shopify is considered one of the largest e-commerce platforms as indicated by its statistics, with 1.7M merchants utilizing it for online selling.
Shopify is an ideal platform for small to medium-sized businesses due to its sharp focus on selling online, which includes more advanced e-commerce features compared to most other website builders.
If you are a beginner in business, you have the option to choose other website builders designed for small businesses, which provide a free or more affordable plan.
The top industries that utilize Shopify are retail, apparel and fashion, marketing and advertising, consumer goods, and internet.
12. Weebly – Best for simple editing
Weebly is a well-known platform for small businesses that helps them build websites.
Weebly, while not as advanced as Shopify, provides a user-friendly platform for beginners to create a website from scratch.
The platform provides businesses with personalized ordering, advanced item settings, and self-serve (QR code) ordering features to assist in enhancing their online presence and promoting growth.
Square Online is primarily used by marketing and advertising, information technology and services, retail, food and beverages, and real estate industries.
13. BigCommerce – Best for growing businesses
BigCommerce is the next website builder for small businesses on our list of the best ones.
Similar to Shopify, BigCommerce has a primary focus on e-commerce. It provides small business owners and merchants with the ability to construct their own websites without the need for coding skills.
It provides features like customizable templates, tools for designing websites, managing products and orders, along with integrated payment processing.
In addition, Bigcommerce provides strong security features and round-the-clock support in order to assist businesses in expanding their online presence and ensuring a seamless shopping experience for their customers.
The top industries utilizing BigCommerce are retail apparel & fashion, marketing and advertising, health, wellness and fitness, and consumer goods.
14. Gator Website Builder by HostGator – Best for e-commerce
Gator Website Builder is another tool that we will include in our compilation of the top website builders for small businesses.
The hosting company HostGator has developed this tool, which offers a comprehensive solution for building and hosting websites.
If you are planning to launch an e-commerce store or desire to enhance the functionality of your site, Gator may not be the most suitable option as it is a straightforward solution and does not offer advanced features.
The top industries that utilize Gator include Marketing and Advertising, Information Technology and Services, Computer Software, Internet, and Consumer Goods.
15. Duda – Best for integrating SaaS platforms
Duda is a suitable web design platform for web professionals, agencies, and businesses of any size.
With its strong collaboration and client management features, it is well-suited for creating and managing websites at a large scale.
The platform allows users to build websites with various features designed for different devices like desktops, tablets, and mobile phones, while ensuring they comply with Google PageSpeed optimization standards.
Duda is utilized by various industries, including Marketing and Advertising, Design, Internet, Graphic Design, and Computer Software.
16. WordPress.com – Best for complete control
WordPress.org is frequently mistaken for WordPress.com.
The main distinction lies in hosting. WordPress.org requires you to host your own site, whereas WordPress.com provides hosting services and simplifies the process of launching your website.
WordPress.com is not only a content management software but also a platform for creating websites.
You can use it to easily create websites, forums, membership sites, resumes, portfolios, blogs, and other things.
The top industries that make use of WordPress are marketing and advertising, computer software, information technology and services, internet, and writing and editing.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Website Builder
When making a decision about which website builder to use, take into account the following factors:
Features and Functionality
When considering your options, it is important to take into account the type of website you wish to create. If you are developing a basic blog or portfolio site, a simple website builder should suffice.
If you intend to sell products, you must have a website builder that has eCommerce capabilities. Additionally, depending on the purpose of your website, features such as social media integration, SEO tools, and customizable forms may also be necessary.
If you want to build a website, your best choice is to find a website builder that provides various options for any type of website.
Mobile Responsiveness
It is crucial to select a website builder that can create mobile-responsive websites due to the fact that over half of internet traffic originates from mobile devices. Make sure the templates available are optimized for viewing on mobile devices.
When searching for a website builder, make sure to choose one that allows you to effortlessly create both a desktop and mobile website without the need for complex configurations, despite the existence of numerous user-friendly options available.
SEO-Friendliness
To attract traffic, your website should be easily found by search engines. Thus, search for a website builder that includes SEO features such as the ability to edit meta descriptions, title tags, and alt text.
Certain website builders that are optimized for search engine optimization (SEO) also have the capability to connect seamlessly with tools such as Google Analytics, enabling the monitoring of your website’s performance.
Scalability and Flexibility
When selecting a website builder, it is important to consider your plans. If you have intentions to expand your website or business, it is crucial that the website builder has the ability to support this growth. The decision-making process should take into account the website builder’s capacity to add pages, create new sections, and incorporate additional features to the site.
In order to select the right eCommerce website builders, small business owners must choose those that have crucial online store features.
When considering your options, make sure to select a user-friendly website builder that provides various web hosting plans, allowing you to expand your website as your business develops.
Hostinger Website Builder is an ideal alternative to platforms like Wix for rapidly expanding websites as it is accessible with all Hostinger plans.
Value for Money
To ensure you are getting good value for your money, it is important to compare the pricing plans of various website builders. Although free plans can be a good starting point, they often have restrictions such as branded domains and advertisements on your site.
If you are looking to shape the future of your website, opting for paid plans is a wiser choice as they provide additional features and enhanced control.
Before selecting a website builder for your project, it is important to conduct thorough research and carefully consider your budget and required features. Numerous cost-effective website builders provide added value through offerings such as free domain registration and supplementary features.
User Reviews and Reputation
When considering a website builder, it is important to examine feedback from other users in order to gauge its reputation. It is essential to note that every website builder will inevitably have negative reviews, but if several users consistently mention particular problems, it should be seen as a warning sign.
