Which Website Builder Should You Use For Your Business?
In this brave new digital age, every business needs an online presence to stay competitive. With so many website building platforms available, it can be tough for small business owners to decide which platform to choose. In this post, we’ll compare six popular website building platforms: Squarespace, Wix, WordPress, Webflow, Shopify, and Weebly. We’ll analyze the features and pros and cons of each platform and make recommendations for which platform is best suited for small businesses.
Need help building your site or just not sure where to start? We can help with that! But more on that later – let’s dive in:
Wix
Wix is a popular website builder that offers a lot of customization options and features. This platform is known for its drag-and-drop interface, which allows users to create a website quickly and easily. Here are some of the pros and cons of using Wix:
Pros:
Customization options: Wix offers a lot of design options, including templates, widgets, and apps. This platform also allows businesses to customize their website using HTML and CSS.
E-commerce capabilities: Wix offers built-in e-commerce tools that allow businesses to sell products and services directly on their website.
Free plan: Wix offers a free plan that allows businesses to create a basic website at no cost.
Cons:
Limited SEO capabilities: Wix websites are not as SEO-friendly as some other platforms, which can make it more difficult for businesses to rank higher in search results.
Slow loading times: Wix websites can be slow to load, which can negatively impact the user experience.
Limited design flexibility: While Wix offers a lot of customization options, some businesses may find the design flexibility limited compared to other platforms.
Pricing:
Free Plan
Professional Plans ranging from $16 - $45/month (billed annually
Website + Ecommerce Plans ranging from $27 - $59/month (billed anually)
Click here for a full pricing/feature breakdown.
Best for: Small businesses that want a website builder with a range of features and templates, and are willing to pay for more customization options.
WordPress
WordPress is a popular content management system that is used by millions of websites worldwide. This platform is known for its flexibility and customization options, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes. Here are some of the pros and cons of using WordPress:
Pros:
Customization options: WordPress offers a wide range of customization options, including themes, plugins, and widgets. This platform allows businesses to create a unique website that meets their specific needs.
SEO-friendly: WordPress websites are optimized for search engines, which can help businesses rank higher in search results.
Open-source software: WordPress is an open-source software, which means that it is free to use and can be modified and distributed by anyone.
Cons:
Steep learning curve: WordPress can be difficult to use for beginners, and businesses may need to hire a developer to help them create their website.
Security concerns: Because WordPress is an open-source software, it can be vulnerable to security threats if not properly maintained.
Hosting and maintenance: WordPress websites require hosting and regular maintenance, which can be an added cost for businesses.
Pricing:
Free Plan
Personal Plan: $4/month (billed annually)
Premium Plan: $8/month (billed annually)
Business Plan: $25/month (billed annually)
Commerce Plan: $45/month (billed annually)
Click here for a full pricing/feature breakdown.
Best for: Small businesses that need a powerful and flexible website builder with a range of customization options, and are willing to invest more time and effort into building and maintaining their website.
Webflow
Webflow is a website builder that combines design and development capabilities. This platform allows businesses to create responsive websites that are optimized for desktop and mobile devices. Here are some of the pros and cons of using Webflow:
Pros:
Design flexibility: Webflow offers a lot of design flexibility, including the ability to create custom animations and interactions.
Responsive design: Webflow websites are optimized for mobile devices, which can improve the user experience for mobile users.
Code export: Webflow allows businesses to export their website's code, which can be useful for developers who want to customize their website further.
Cons:
Limited e-commerce capabilities: Webflow's e-commerce capabilities are limited compared to other platforms, which may not be suitable for businesses that rely heavily on online sales.
Steep learning curve: Webflow can be difficult to use for beginners, and businesses may need to hire a developer to help them create their website.
Limited SEO capabilities: Webflow websites are not as SEO-friendly as some other platforms, which can make it more difficult for businesses to rank higher in search results.
Pricing:
Free Plan
Core Plan: $19/month (billed annually)
Growth Plan: $49/month (billed annually)
Click here for a full pricing/feature breakdown.
Best for: Small businesses that need a highly customizable website with advanced design features and e-commerce capabilities, and are willing to invest time in learning how to use the platform.
Shopify
Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows businesses to create an online store quickly and easily. This platform offers a wide range of features and integrations that make it a popular choice for businesses that want to sell products online. Here are some of the pros and cons of using Shopify:
Pros:
E-commerce capabilities: Shopify is designed specifically for e-commerce, and offers a wide range of features, including payment processing, inventory management, and shipping options.
Easy to use: Shopify's interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it accessible for beginners.
SEO-friendly: Shopify websites are optimized for search engines, which can help businesses rank higher in search results.
Cons:
Limited design options: Shopify's design options are limited compared to other platforms, and businesses may need to hire a developer to create a custom website.
Transaction fees: Shopify charges transaction fees for each sale made on the platform, which can add up for businesses with high sales volumes.
Limited customization: Shopify's customization options are limited compared to other platforms, which may not be suitable for businesses that want a highly customized website.
Pricing:
Basic Shopify: $29/month (billed annually)
Shopify: $79/month (billed annualy)
Advanced Shopify: $299/month (billed annually)
Click here for a full pricing/feature breakdown.
Best for: E-commerce businesses with large sales volumes and more complex website applications, who need a platform that is specifically designed for e-commerce.
Weebly
Weebly (by Square) is a website builder that offers a drag-and-drop interface and a wide range of features. This platform is known for its ease of use and affordable pricing options. Here are some of the pros and cons of using Weebly:
Pros:
User-friendly interface: Weebly's drag-and-drop interface is easy to use, even for beginners. This platform also offers customer support and tutorials to help businesses get started.
Affordable pricing: Weebly's pricing options are affordable compared to other website builders, with plans starting at $6 per month.
E-commerce capabilities: Weebly allows businesses to sell products and services directly on their website.
Cons:
Limited customization: Weebly's customization options are limited compared to other platforms, which may not be suitable for businesses that want a highly customized website.
Limited design options: Weebly's design options are limited compared to other platforms, and businesses may need to hire a developer to create a custom website.
Limited SEO capabilities: Weebly websites are not as SEO-friendly as some other platforms, which can make it more difficult for businesses to rank higher in search results.
Pricing:
Free Plan
Personal Plan: $6/month (billed annually)
Professional Plan: $12/month (billed annually)
Performance Plan: $26/month (billed annually)
Click here for a full pricing/feature breakdown.
Best for: Small businesses that need a simple and user-friendly website builder with a range of templates and e-commerce capabilities.
Squarespace
Squarespace is an all-in-one website building platform that is designed to help businesses create professional-looking websites quickly and easily. Squarespace offers a wide range of templates, design options, and features that make it a popular choice for small businesses. Here are some of the pros and cons of using Squarespace:
Pros:
Beautiful templates: Squarespace offers a wide range of templates that are professionally designed and visually stunning. These templates are easy to customize and allow businesses to create a unique website that stands out from the competition.
User-friendly interface: Squarespace's drag-and-drop interface is easy to use, even for beginners. This platform also offers tutorials and customer support to help businesses get started.
E-commerce capabilities: Squarespace allows businesses to sell products and services directly on their website. The platform offers built-in payment processing and inventory management tools.
SEO-friendly: Squarespace websites are optimized for search engines, which can help businesses rank higher in search results.
Cons:
Limited customization: While Squarespace offers a lot of design options, some businesses with large-scale e-commerce or design needs may find the customization options limited compared to other platforms.
Pricing:
Personal Plan: $16/month (billed annually)
Business Plan: $23/month (billed annually)
Basic Commerce Plan: $37/month (billed annually)
Advanced Commerce Plan: $49/month (billed annually)
Click here for a full pricing/feature breakdown.
Best for: Small businesses that need a professional-looking website with a range of features and customization options.
Bunker Hill Media is a full-service web design shop that specializes in creating beautiful, custom Squarespace websites for businesses. Squarespace is a website builder that offers a wide range of features and design options, making it a popular choice for businesses that want a professional-looking website without the need for coding knowledge. Here are some of the benefits of working with us to create a Squarespace website for your business:
Custom design: Bunker Hill Media can create a custom Squarespace website that is tailored to your business's specific needs and goals. Our team will work with you to create a website that reflects your brand and stands out from the competition.
User-friendly interface: Squarespace's drag-and-drop interface is easy to use, even for beginners. Once we have built your site, it’s incredibly easy to maintain and add content.
SEO-friendly: Squarespace websites are optimized for search engines, which can help your business rank higher in search results. We’ll help you optimize your Squarespace website for SEO and improve your online visibility.
E-commerce capabilities: Squarespace allows businesses to sell products and services directly on their website, making it a great option for e-commerce businesses. We can help you set up an online store on your Squarespace website and optimize it for sales.
Mobile-responsive design: Squarespace websites are mobile-responsive, which means that they are optimized for mobile devices. This is important because more and more people are accessing the internet on their mobile devices, and having a mobile-responsive website can improve the user experience for mobile users.
A beautiful website, fast: We’ll build your website and have it live in 30 days or less!
Choosing the right website builder for your small business can be a daunting task. Each platform offers different features and benefits, and it's important to choose a platform that meets your business's specific needs and goals. Squarespace, Wix, WordPress, Webflow, Shopify, and Weebly are all great options for small businesses, depending on their unique needs and budget.
If you're looking for a custom Squarespace website for your business, Bunker Hill Media can help. Our team can create a beautiful, professional-looking website that is tailored to your business's specific needs and goals. Contact us today to learn more about our Squarespace web design services and how we can help your business succeed online.
