If you have a small business, you know it needs to have an online presence. The days of being able to succeed without some kind of website or online store are far behind us.
Fortunately, making your mark online has never been easier thanks to many companies offering easy-to-use website builders. That means you no longer need to hire a dedicated designer to construct your website. Many of these sites appreciate that you might not have expert knowledge, offering simple drag-and-drop interfaces and intuitive methods that help your website rank highly on search engines.
With so many services out there, how do you know what’s best for your business? Read on, and we explain what to look for when buying a website builder and everything you need to know about the best ones for you.
Why do you need a website builder?
You wouldn’t own a business located out of sight, or that had no apparent contact details. Neither should you deprive your online presence. While many companies can benefit from Facebook or Instagram pages, nothing can beat the simplicity of a traditional website found via Google, Bing, and other search engines. Google is still the first port of call for many consumers trying to find a business, product, or service, making a dedicated website worthwhile. It’s also useful to be able to utilize SEO (Search Engine Optimization) practices so you’re high on the search results.
Many website builders are relatively inexpensive, so it’s a no-brainer decision, whether you want to sell online or you simply want to make sure people know you exist.
What to look for when buying a website builder
Like any service, you need to know what to look for when purchasing a website builder. Many options are out there, but some will be impractical for your needs. Don’t waste time or money simply because you didn’t know what you were looking for. Crucially, consider what your budget is and stick to it. Marketing can be expensive, and that’s also the case with website builders.
Consider which features you need. Do you need e-commerce functionality so you can sell products directly from your site? If not, don’t bother paying extra for such tools. Similarly, your business might simply require a website to offer updates or to showcase your work, such as if you’re a creative business with a portfolio to highlight. That’s where a blogging platform might be a superior option compared to more comprehensive website building services. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve broken down the best options.
BEST OVERALL
Wix
This website builder is one of the most straightforward options out there. It even offers a limited free plan.
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Combo: $13 per month
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Unlimited: $17 per month
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Pro: $22 per month
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VIP: $39 per month
BEST FOR UNLIMITED STORAGE
Squarespace
This well-known name is popular for a reason, thanks to providing unlimited storage at a great price.
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Personal: $16 per month
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Business: $26 per month
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Basic : $30 per month
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Advanced : $46 per month
BEST FOR FLEXIBILITY
HostGator
This web hosting company also offers useful templates that will get your website started within seconds.
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Shared hosting: $2.75 to $5.95 per month
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Cloud hosting: $4.95 to $9.95 per month
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WordPress hosting: $5.95 to $9.95 per month
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Reseller hosting: $19.95 to $24.95 per month
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VPS hosting: $29.95 to $49.95 per month
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Dedicated hosting: $118.99 to $148.98 per month
BEST VALUE
Weebly
This simple website creation service keeps costs down for your small business.
BEST FOR E-COMMERCE
Shopify
Almost too powerful in scope, Shopify is the ideal resource for those launching a significant online selling presence, but it takes some mastering.
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Basic: $29 per month
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Main: $79 per month
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Advanced: $299 per month
BEST FOR SPEED
GoDaddy
A famous name in web hosting over the years, GoDaddy is straightforward and effective, even if it’s not the prettiest.
BEST BLOGGING PLATFORM
WordPress
Simply want to be friendly with your customers? WordPress is an easy blogging solution, but it can get complicated.
