How to choose the right website builder for your business

It’s bit of a no-brainer, but having an impressive and easy-to-use website is essential for any business in 2024.  And the right website builder can make a massive difference. But with so many options, how do you find the one for you? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this maze.

1. Understand your needs

First things first, figure out what you actually need. Are you building an e-commerce site, a portfolio, a blog, or an informational website? Make a list of must-have features like shopping carts, booking systems, or contact forms. Knowing your needs will narrow down the options and keep you focused on what matters most.

For instance, if you’re setting up an online store, you’ll need robust e-commerce features like a shopping cart and secure payment gateways. A portfolio site, on the other hand, will prioritise visual appeal with galleries and multimedia integrations. Understanding your goals is the first step to choosing the right platform.

2. Ease of use

A user-friendly interface is crucial, especially if you’re not a tech wizard. Look for builders with intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, straightforward navigation, and pre-designed templates. Platforms like Wix and Weebly are perfect for beginners, offering visual editors that show changes in real-time.

The easier it is to use, the quicker you can get your site up and running. According to industry expert Owain Williams, ease of use is critical as it impacts how quickly your team can adapt and support website projects (TechRadar).

3. Design and customisation options

Your website is the face of your business, so it needs to look sharp. Ensure the builder offers:

• Professional Templates: A variety of designs tailored to your industry.
• Customisation: Flexibility to tweak colours, fonts, and layouts to match your brand.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Designs that look great on any device.

Customisation is key. Platforms like Squarespace and WordPress offer extensive options, allowing you to make significant changes to templates or even create bespoke designs. This flexibility helps your site stand out and truly reflect your brand.

4. Features and integrations

Different strokes for different folks, right? Make sure the website builder offers the features your business needs:

• E-commerce Tools: For online stores, look for shopping carts, payment gateways, and inventory management.
• SEO Tools: Built-in SEO features can boost your site’s visibility.
• Blogging Capabilities: If you’re into content marketing, ensure the builder supports blogging.
• Third-Party Integrations: Compatibility with your favourite tools, like email marketing services and CRM systems.

Shopify, for example, is a powerhouse for e-commerce with comprehensive tools for product management and payment processing. Platforms like WordPress and Wix support a wide range of plugins to enhance functionality.

5. Scalability

Your website should grow with your business. Choose a builder that offers scalable plans and can handle increased traffic and content. Look for options that allow custom domains and have upgrade paths for more features and capabilities.

Scalability is crucial. Platforms like Shopify and Wix offer scalable solutions that can accommodate everything from small businesses to large enterprises, ensuring your site can handle increased demands as you grow.

6. Support and resources

Good support can be a lifesaver in a pinch. Look for builders that offer:

• 24/7 Customer support: Via chat, phone, or email.
• Comprehensive knowledge base: Tutorials and guides.
• Community forums: Active user communities for advice and shared experiences.

Support is a game-changer. Squarespace and Shopify (a personal favourite of ours!) are known for excellent customer support, offering round-the-clock help and extensive knowledge bases.

7. Pricing

Money talks. Evaluate the cost and what’s included. Does the builder offer a free domain, email, SSL certificate, or are there hidden costs? Watch out for transaction fees if you’re setting up an e-commerce site, as they can add up quickly.

Pricing varies widely. Many builders, like Wix and Squarespace, offer competitive pricing that includes essential features. Be sure to read the fine print to understand all costs, especially if you’re setting up an online store!

Popular website builders to consider

Wix

Wix is a popular choice for small businesses and creatives thanks to its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. With Wix, you get access to hundreds of professional templates that you can customise to fit your brand. The platform also offers an extensive app market, allowing you to add a variety of functionalities to your site. Whether you need SEO tools, contact forms, or social media integrations, Wix has you covered. Its ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) can even build a website for you based on your answers to a few questions, making it a perfect choice for beginners.

Squarespace

Squarespace is known for its sleek, modern templates, making it an excellent option for those who prioritise design. It’s particularly popular among artists, photographers, and small business owners. Squarespace provides robust blogging capabilities, built-in SEO tools, and e-commerce features that allow you to set up an online store with ease. The platform also supports various integrations, such as social media feeds and email marketing services. Additionally, Squarespace offers a comprehensive support system with 24/7 customer service and an extensive knowledge base.

Shopify

Shopify is our go-to platform for e-commerce businesses. It offers everything you need to set up and run an online store, from product management to secure payment processing and shipping options. Shopify’s app store provides a multitude of add-ons that can enhance your store’s functionality, including tools for SEO, social media marketing, and customer reviews. Shopify also offers various themes and customisation options, allowing you to create a unique shopping experience for your customers. Plus, with its scalable plans, Shopify can grow with your business, accommodating everything from small stores to large enterprises.

WordPress.com

WordPress.com is highly customisable and scalable, making it a favourite for bloggers and businesses of all sizes. With thousands of themes and plugins available, you can build virtually any type of website. WordPress.com supports robust blogging capabilities, advanced SEO tools, and seamless integrations with third-party services. It also offers different plans that cater to various needs, from personal blogs to professional business websites. If you need even more flexibility, WordPress.org (the self-hosted version that our own development team uses) allows for extensive customisation and control over your site, but it requires more technical know-how.

Weebly

Weebly is a solid choice for small businesses and beginners due to its simple and reliable drag-and-drop interface. It offers a range of professionally designed templates that are mobile-responsive and easy to customise. It also provides basic e-commerce capabilities, making it suitable for small online stores. Weebly’s App Center allows you to add various features to your site, such as SEO tools, contact forms, and social media integrations. Additionally, Weebly offers good customer support and a variety of resources to help you build and manage your website .

Summing it up

Choosing the right website builder is key to your business’s online success. By understanding your needs, prioritising ease of use, evaluating design and customisation options, considering essential features, scalability, support, and pricing, you can find a builder that helps your business thrive.

Remember, the best website builder is the one that aligns with your specific needs and helps you achieve your business goals. Take your time, explore your options, and take advantage of free trials to find the perfect fit for your business.

If you need an extra hand choosing, get in touch with our award-winning web design & development team. We’d love to hear from you!