Further to this, a business looking to scale needs to be online. Small businesses with websites grow 50% faster than those without (Google Small Business Report). In this article, we’ll ease the daunting task of going through individual website builders alone; we’ll go through the various options and guide you toward the one that fits your needs.
Why Small Businesses Need a Website?
The Role of Websites in Business Growth
In today’s digital world, customers expect every business to have a website. It’s often the first place they look for information, product details, and contact options. Your company might come across as dated or untrustworthy without a website. 75% of users judge a company’s credibility based on its website design (Stanford Web Credibility Research).
Benefits of Having a Website
- 24/7 Availability: Customers can always reach your company.
- Credibility and Trust: Legitimacy is established by expert websites.
- Increased Reach: You can communicate with audiences both locally and internationally.
- Cost-Effective Marketing: Compared to traditional methods, digital marketing is less expensive.
Common Challenges Faced
Numerous small business owners are concerned about the time, expense, and complexity of building a website. Modern website builders, however, provide user-friendly and reasonably priced solutions to these issues.
Why Website Builders Are Ideal for Small Businesses
Website builders are platforms that allow users to create websites without coding. These tools are perfect for small businesses because they:
- Save Money: Costs significantly less than hiring a professional web developer.
- Offer Simplicity: Provide drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built templates.
- Provide Flexibility: Allow users to add e-commerce, blogs, or portfolios as needed.
- Enable Quick Setup: You can launch a site in hours, not weeks.
Key Features to Look for in a Website Builder
Before choosing a website builder, consider the following:
- Ease of Use: Is the interface intuitive for non-technical users? According to Techjury, 38% of visitors will stop engaging with a website if the layout is unattractive. A website builder helps avoid this by providing professional templates designed for user engagement.
- Customization Options: Can you adjust templates to match your brand?
- Cost: Does the platform fit within your budget?
- E-Commerce Features: If you plan to sell products, does it support online stores?
- SEO and Marketing Tools: Does it offer tools to improve search engine rankings and drive traffic?
The Best Website Builders for Small Businesses
1. Wix: Best Overall for Beginners
Wix is one of the most popular website builders, known for its user-friendly drag-and-drop editor and extensive template library.
Key Features:
- Over 800 customizable templates.
- Built-in SEO tools and marketing integrations.
- Wix App Market for additional features like live chat and booking systems.
Pricing:
- Free plan available (with Wix branding).
- Paid plans start at $16/month.
Best For:Small companies in need of a straightforward, eye-catching website.
| Example: A nearby bakery uses Wix to display its menu, take orders, and offer catering information for events. |
2. Squarespace: Best for Design and Branding
Squarespace is ideal for businesses focused on aesthetics and branding. Its templates are visually appealing, sleek, and contemporary.
Key Features:
- Mobile-friendly, award-winning templates.
- Sophisticated analytics to monitor the effectiveness of websites.
- Integrated blogging and e-commerce features.
Pricing:
- Monthly plans start at $16.
Best For:Creative companies such as artists, designers, and photographers.
| Example: An interior design firm uses Squarespace to showcase its work and draw in new customers with sophisticated, high-quality images. |
3. Shopify: Best for E-Commerce
For small businesses that sell goods online, Shopify is the preferred platform. In fact, Shopify powers over 4.4 million online stores globally (Shopify Reports). Shopify can manage inventory and process payments, among other things, thanks to its powerful e-commerce features.
Key Features:
- Over 70 customizable themes for online stores.
- Integrated payment gateways and multi-currency support.
- Abandoned cart recovery tools.
Pricing:
- Plans start at $29/month.
Best For:Retailers, dropshippers, and small e-commerce businesses.
| Example: A handmade jewelry business uses Shopify to sell products worldwide and track sales performance through its dashboard. |
4. WordPress.com: Best for Blogging and Content
WordPress.com is perfect for websites with a lot of content because it combines the simplicity of a managed platform with the flexibility of WordPress.
Key Features:
- Many themes and plugins are available.
- built-in blogging tools for marketing content.
- Free hosting with paid plans for more customization and storage.
Pricing:
- Free plan available.
- Paid plans start at $9/month.
Best For:Small businesses focused on content marketing and blogging.
| Example: A wellness coach uses WordPress.com to share blog posts, offer online courses, and generate leads through email subscriptions. |
5. GoDaddy: Best for Quick Setup
GoDaddy’s website builder is perfect for small businesses that need a website up and running quickly since purchasing a domain and setting up a fully fledged site can’t be faster.
Key Features:
- An AI-powered website development process.
- Social media integration and SEO are built in.
- Basic features of an online store.
Pricing:
- Plans start at $9.99/month.
Best For:Service-oriented companies need fast and useful websites.
| Example: GoDaddy is used by a nearby handyman to display his services, take online reservations, and gather client testimonials. |
6. Weebly: Best for Value
Weebly is an excellent choice for businesses on a tight budget because it provides e-commerce features along with reasonably priced plans.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop builder with themes that adapt to mobile devices.
- Square integration for processing payments.
- marketing resources such as pop-ups and email campaigns.
Pricing:
- Free plan available.
- Paid plans start at $6/month.
Best For:Small businesses looking for an affordable e-commerce solution.
| Example: A flower shop uses Weebly to sell bouquets online and offer delivery schedules. |
Cost Comparison of Popular Website Builders
| Platform | Starting Cost | Best For | Ease of Use |
| Wix | $14/month | Custom websites | Easy |
| Squarespace | $16/month | Creatives | Moderate |
| Shopify | $29/month | eCommerce | Moderate |
| Weebly | Free – $12/month | Budget-friendly | Easy |
| WordPress.com | Free – $8/month | Content-heavy sites | Moderate |
| GoDaddy Website Builder | $9.99/month | Quick setup | Easy |
Steps to Choose the Right Website Builder
1. Define Your Needs
Identify the primary purpose of your website (e.g., e-commerce, blogging, portfolio).
2. Set Your Budget
Determine how much you’re willing to spend on hosting, templates, and additional features.
3. Test Platforms
Most website builders offer free trials. Use them to test interfaces and features.
FAQs about Website Builders for Small Businesses
What is the easiest website builder for beginners?
Can I switch website builders later?
How much does it cost to build a small business website?
Do I need coding skills to use a website builder?
How can I make my small business website SEO-friendly?
What security features should you consider when choosing a website builder?
The Bottomline
Selecting the best website builder is essential to the success of your small business. While Shopify and WordPress.com address specialized needs like e-commerce and blogging, platforms like Wix and Squarespace excel in design and usability. You can choose a builder who shares your vision by assessing your objectives, financial constraints, and technical know-how.
Don’t delay—get your website live today and start attracting customers!
