Best website makers for your small business 

Choosing the right website builder is important for your own website’s online presence, but finding the perfect fit can be daunting. Whether you’re experienced or a beginner, this guide will help you navigate and identify the best website maker for a professional and functional business website. 

We’ll explore how to select the best site builder with in-depth reviews and recommendations for specific needs. We’ll also talk about free versus paid website builders, common mistakes to avoid, and equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. 

Criteria for choosing the best website builder 

Before diving into the specifics of individual website-building tools, you need to know what defines a great platform. Here are factors to consider when choosing the best website builder for your business. 

Ease of use 

This is arguably the most important factor, especially for those new to website-building services. An intuitive interface can save you time when building your website’s content and design without dealing with complex settings. Look for features like the following: 

• Drag-and-drop functionality. This feature lets you easily add, remove, and rearrange elements on your website without coding know-how. 
• Intuitive interface. It should be easy to use, with clear menus and simple options for beginners. 
• Onboarding tutorials and guides. Helpful resources and tutorials can guide you through the website creation process, making it easier to get started. 

While drag-and-drop functionality is great for ease of use, some users prefer a platform with more flexibility for advanced customization. If you know coding or are willing to learn, consider a platform that has HTML and CSS code editing for more control over your website’s design. 

Customization options 

Being able to customize your website is important when building a unique online brand. Consider the following factors for personalization. 

• Themes and templates. A wide selection of themes and templates gives you a starting point for design, letting you pick layouts that fit your style and industry. 
• Branding options. You should be able to easily customize your website with your logo, colors, and fonts for a smooth brand experience. 
• Flexibility. A platform that gives you options for re-editing your website after passing milestones is ideal. For instance, adding new elements to your product page after introducing new merchandise. 

Your limits with customization can vary significantly between platforms. Some platforms let you customize more, letting you edit almost every aspect of your website’s design, while others might be more limited. Consider your design skills and how much control you need over your website’s appearance. 

SEO and mobile optimization 

It’s also important to choose a site builder that prioritizes both search engine optimization (SEO) and mobile optimization, since these contribute to more visibility and better user experience (UX). 

• SEO tools. Look for features like the ability to add meta descriptions, customize page titles, create a sitemap, and integrate with Google Analytics. 
• Mobile responsiveness. Your website should be able to adjust to various screen sizes and devices, whether on desktops, laptops, tablets, or phones. 

If you’re looking to attract organic traffic to your website, look for a web builder with proven SEO capabilities. Other website builders offer more SEO tools for adjusting your website’s optimization in search rankings. 

eCommerce capabilities 

If you sell products or services online, look for web builders with eCommerce features that meet your needs. 

• Shopping cart. This cart feature lets customers add and remove items for purchase and then proceed to checkout. 
• Secure payment options. The platform should offer secure payment gateways and integrations with popular payment processors like Stripe and PayPal. 
• Inventory management. If you have a large inventory, you’ll need features for managing stock levels, tracking orders, and handling shipping. 

These eCommerce features are important, especially if you’re looking to expand in the future. Consider your current and future eCommerce needs before making your decision. 

Pricing and value for money 

Many top website builders offer a variety of pricing plans, ranging from free options with limited features to premium plans with advanced capabilities. 

• Free plans. These can be a good starting point for businesses with less budget. However, they’re often limited in terms of features, storage, and branding. 
• Premium plans. These plans offer more features, storage, and bandwidth for a more functional website. 

When evaluating prices, consider the builder’s overall value in terms of features, functionality, and support. At times, getting a premium plan can be a better choice if it has features that help you achieve your business goals faster. 

Customer support and reliability 

Reliable customer support is very important when you have issues or questions about the platform. Make sure your web builder has the following. 

• Support channels. Choose platforms that offer multiple support channels, such as email, chat, and phone support. 
• Uptime and performance. Pick a platform with a good uptime record, ensuring that your website is always accessible to visitors. 

Consider your support needs and how important it is to have access to quick and helpful assistance when you need it. 

Best website builders: Detailed reviews and comparisons 

Now you know what to look for in a web builder, let’s have detailed reviews of some of the best builders on the market, comparing their features and pricing details. 

Disclaimer: Prices and rates are subject to change without prior notice. It’s best to regularly refer to the respective web builders’ pages for more information, especially about pricing. 

Best website builders for specific needs 

While the web builders above have features for various users, certain platforms excel in specific areas. Here are some of the best website builders tailored to specific needs. 

For small businesses 

Web.com is a great choice for small businesses because it has an intuitive interface and a range of customization options. It also provides a comprehensive set of marketing, SEO, and eCommerece tools to boost your business online. 

For eCommerce 

Shopify and GoDaddy are top choices when creating a solid online store. Shopify has an easy-to-use interface, plenty of apps, and secure payment methods for a smooth eCommerce experience. On the other hand, GoDaddy offers a user-friendly platform with essential e-commerce features like online store setup, inventory management, and payment processing. 

For portfolios and creatives 

Squarespace and WordPress.com are fit for creatives, photographers, and designers looking to display their work beautifully. Squarespace features templates that prioritize aesthetics, whereas WordPress.com provides thousands of customizable themes to help you build a distinctive and eye-catching portfolio. 

Free vs. paid website builders: Which one should you choose? 

One of small business owners’ most common questions is whether to use a free or paid website builder. The answer depends mainly on your needs, budget, and long-term goals. 

Who should use free website builders? 

Free website builders are a good option for: 

• Hobbyists and individuals creating personal websites 
• Startups and small businesses with very limited budgets 
• Businesses that need a simple online presence 

Who benefits from paid options? 

Paid website builders are a better choice for: 

• Businesses that require scalability and advanced features, such as marketing tools 
• eCommerce businesses that need secure payment options and integrations 
• Businesses that prioritize SEO and site ranking 
• Businesses that need a professional and customized online presence 

Free builders are good for exploration, but they’re often limited in SEO, customization, and branding features. Some free builders also display their ads on your website, which can affect its professional appearance. 

Common website builder mistakes to avoid 

When choosing and using a website builder, there are some common mistakes that small business owners should avoid, such as the following. 

Choosing a builder without SEO capabilities 

SEO is important for attracting organic traffic to your website; neglecting it can affect your website’s visibility and ranking on search engines. When choosing a web builder, pick platforms with plenty of SEO tools and features, such as metadata customization, sitemaps, and Google Analytics integration. 

Picking a platform without scalability 

Scalability is a web builder’s ability to keep up with your business as it expands and changes. When choosing a platform, make sure it can support your long-term objectives and demands (higher traffic, more content, and additional functionality). 

You may outgrow your website builder’s capabilities, forcing you to migrate your site to a new platform. Look for features like flexible pricing plans, e-commerce capabilities, integration with third-party apps, and ample storage and bandwidth.  

Ignoring mobile optimization 

A website builder that prioritizes mobile optimization helps keep your site responsive and adapt to different screen sizes and devices. This optimization provides a consistent UX for visitors on desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. 

Neglecting mobile optimization can alienate a significant portion of your audience and negatively impact your website’s search engine ranking. Google and other search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites. So, overlooking this aspect can hurt your visibility in search results. 

Overlooking customer support needs 

When choosing a web builder, explore their support channels, such as phone, email, or chat support. Consider also their support team’s availability, whether they provide assistance around the clock. 

See if they have solid community forums for resolving issues and seeking assistance from fellow users. Overlooking these features can cause you delays when you require help, which can cause user-end issues.  

Choose the best website builder for your needs 

The ideal website builder for your small business depends on your needs, budget, and future objectives. Think about what matters most to you, whether it’s user-friendliness, customization options, SEO features, eCommerce functionality, or customer support.  

If you want to create a website professionally and affordably, Web.com offers the resources to establish your online presence. With its easy-to-use website builder, custom domains, and a variety of templates, you can design a website that supports your business’s success online.