Which website builder is ideal for a small business?
I’m in the early stages of launching a business and need to create a website. My main focus is on having a professional-looking site and attracting visitors.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Squarespace, Wix, Shopify, WordPress, or any other website builders you’ve tried?
Any recommendations or tips would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
There are several factors to consider when recommending a website builder. For ecommerce or product-based businesses, I find Shopify to be excellent. It has an easy-to-manage UI and is simple to set up on your own.
If your website is more of a supplemental part of your business, such as a place for customers to check hours, specials, or read occasional blog posts, Wix is incredibly user-friendly. Even without prior experience, you can create a good-looking website.
However, if your website is central to generating leads and running your business, WordPress is the best choice. Although it may feel clunky and less intuitive compared to the other options, it offers extensive customization and better site speed optimization.
I usually don’t recommend Squarespace, but that’s a personal bias. I’ve used it a few times and wasn’t fond of the design or layout options.
It really depends on the type of business you’re planning to start. Personally, I use WordPress with Elementor, which allowed me to custom-build my blog and add numerous plugins for analytics, postings, email marketing, and more. It’s also more cost-effective than platforms like Shopify. I paid about $70/year for hosting and got a free domain, whereas Shopify is around $30/month.
However, if you need services like Print on Demand or inventory tracking, you might want to choose a platform that’s already equipped with those features.
If you’re still undecided, you can check out my reviews on Shopify or Ecwid (which has a free plan).
I hope this helps.
Shopify is the go-to for e-commerce.
Choose WordPress if you need a budget-friendly option and can handle maintenance tasks like security, hosting, and SEO yourself.
Webflow is ideal if you prioritize design and customization.
Squarespace is great for quickly creating a polished, above-average website.
P.S. I’m starting a small web design portfolio for a one-time fee of $99. Let me know if I can assist you.