Best website builders for small business | Pros & Cons, Cost

If you own a business, you probably know the importance of a website at present. Almost everything is digitalised, and people want everything at a mouse’s or thumb’s click. 

Small business owners looking to thrive in this digital world must have an attractive, user-friendly website. However, only some excel in website design, and small business owners often do not have the expertise or may have budget constraints to hire an entire team for this. But when it is a necessity, we have to find a way. That’s where website builders can help you. But with so many website builders, how do you pick the right one? 

We will discuss it today, highlighting some popular ones and giving tips on creating a website that wows!

What is the need for website builders?

When you want to create a website for your small business, a website builder can help. It makes it easy to create and manage your digital space. They’re user-friendly platforms where you can be something other than a coding expert. All you need to do is drag and drop your way and create a fabulous website!

Website builder is like having a DIY store for your online shop. They offer templates, tools, and features to customize your site without the fuss. Read the article till the end as we explore the best ones to help your small business shine in the digital spotlight!

Read More : How to make small business websites easily?

Best Website Builders for Small Business:

Appy Pie Website Builder

Starting a new venture and need a hassle-free website? Appy Pie has got you covered! Its straightforward drag-and-drop editor makes building your site a snap, with plenty of customizable templates to choose from. Plus, its built-in SEO tools help your site shine in search engine results, ensuring you get noticed online.

If you’re diving into the online world and want a website builder that’s simple and effective, Appy Pie is a great choice. It streamlines the process, letting you focus on growing your business rather than grappling with complex web design.

Cost:

• Plans start at $18 per month, if you want more advanced features available at higher tiers. 

Features:

• User-friendly drag & drop interface.
• Many customizable templates available.
• In-built SEO tools for better search engine rankings.
• Mobile-responsive designs for a seamless look on all devices.
• Integration with various third-party apps and services.

Pros:

• Easy to use, making it perfect for beginners.
• No coding skills needed for setup and customization.
• Wide selection of templates and design options.
• Includes essential SEO features to boost your online presence.

Cons:

• Limited advanced customization compared to other platforms.
• More advanced features require higher plans, which can increase costs.
• Adding many features or apps might slow down your site.

WordPress

Imagine you’re starting a small business and want an easy-to-manage website. Well, that’s where WordPress shines! It’s quite easy to use. WordPress offers many themes and features, giving your site a dazzling look.  The best part? Google loves WordPress, boosting your site in search results. 

So, if you’re entering the business world and need a website builder to create a fantastic website, WordPress is your go-to hero. It’s simple, effective, and makes your online presence a breeze!

Cost:

• Shared hosting costs from $3 to $25 per month, and domain names typically cost around $10 to $15 per year.

Features:

• WordPress offers a user-friendly interface, making creating and managing website content simple.
• You can choose from numerous themes to customise the look of your website.
• WordPress has a vast library of plugins, which allow you to easily add functionalities like contact forms and SEO tools.

Pros:

• It’s accessible for beginners, making it popular for those new to website development.
• A large community ensures a wealth of tutorials, forums, and help is available.
• Regular updates enhance security and provide new features, keeping your website up-to-date.

Cons:

• Advanced customisation may require coding knowledge, limiting options for non-tech users.
• Being widely used makes WordPress susceptible to attacks, necessitating diligent security measures.
• As you add plugins and features, the website may slow down, impacting user experience.

GoDaddy

GoDaddy stands out as the best web hosting for small businesses. It keeps things simple, making it a breeze for anyone.

Small businesses need websites that are easy to create and look impressive. GoDaddy nails it on both fronts. They offer a variety of sleek templates that you can customise easily. 

So, if you’re diving into the online world for your small business, GoDaddy’s got your back – simple, stylish, and budget-friendly.

Cost

The plan starts at around $10 per month. More advanced plans with additional features can cost up to $25-$30 monthly.

Features:

• GoDaddy comes packed with easy-to-use website templates, making it a cakewalk to create a professional-looking site.
• Their drag-and-drop builder lets you customise your site without any coding headaches.
• GoDaddy offers built-in tools for SEO, helping your site get noticed on the internet.

Pros:

• Friendly customer support – it’s like having a friend on standby who has precise info about it.
• Affordable pricing, perfect for small businesses or anyone on a budget.
• Quick setup and domain registration save you time and hassle.

Cons:

• Customisation options may be limited for some clients.
• It is not as feature-rich as some high-end competitors, so it might not suit everyone’s needs.

Read More : How to Create a Website for your Business in 7 Steps?

Shopify

Shopify is another great website builder for small businesses. It is simple to use, and everything happens swiftly, from showcasing your products to managing orders. Plus, the design templates are stylish and customizable, and you will feel like they were made just for your business. 

The best part is that Shopify doesn’t just create a website; it crafts an online experience. 

So, if you’re a small business and looking for the best platform for e-commerce websites, Shopify must be your pick.

Cost

• Plans range from $29 to $299 per month.

Features:

• It’s an easy-to-use platform for setting up online stores.
• Wide range of customisable templates for a personalised storefront.
• Integrated payment options for seamless transactions.

Pros:

• Robust and reliable hosting, ensuring smooth website performance.
• App store with various plugins to enhance functionality.
• Excellent customer support for timely assistance.

Cons:

• Transaction fees on external payment gateways can add up.
• Advanced features may require additional costs.

IONOS

IONOS is also a top-notch choice for building a website for your small business. It packs a punch with a bunch of templates. You pick the one that suits your business vibe, and your site will look like a million bucks.

But wait, there’s more! IONOS has this magic tool, SEO (Search Engine Optimization). It means your site pops up when people search for businesses like yours.

Cost

• Basic plans start at around $7 per month and additional features can cost up to $20-$30 per month.

Features:

• IONOS offers an easy-to-use website builder with drag-and-drop functionality.
• You can directly register a domain name through IONOS.
• IONOS provides email hosting services with custom email addresses.

Pros:

•  IONOS offers competitive pricing for its services.
• Their hosting services are known for their reliability and uptime.
•  IONOS provides 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat.

Cons:

• It may have less advanced features compared to other hosting providers.
• The interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
• There’s a tendency for aggressive upselling of additional services.

How to Choose the Best Website Builder?

Let’s break down the quest for the best website builder for SEO in plain and simple terms.

• Figure out your goals: First, figuring out your goals is like setting the GPS for your website. Ask yourself: What do you want your site to do? Sell stuff, showcase your talents, or share your thoughts? Knowing this sets the tone.

• Ease of use: Now, ease of use is crucial. It’s like picking a car you can drive comfortably. If you’re a tech whiz, go for the sports car (a sophisticated builder). If not, maybe a reliable sedan (a user-friendly builder) suits you better.  

• Features and flexibility: Think of them as the tools in your toolbox. You want the best website builder for artists that gives you the right tools for your job. Need an online store? Make sure your builder can handle it.

• Budget-friendly: You don’t want to break the bank. It’s like shopping for clothes—find something that looks good on you without emptying your wallet.

• Customer support: Customer support is like having a reliable friend on speed dial. You want someone you can count on to help when things go wrong.

So, finding the best website builder is like shopping for a personalised tool kit. Know your goals, choose a comfortable ride, grab the right tools, stick to your budget, and have a reliable buddy by your side.

5 Tips to Build a Successful Website

Building a website isn’t just about the platform – it’s about making it shine. Here are some tips to help you stand out:

• Make it easy to navigate: Consider your website a comfy bookstore. You walk in, and everything is nicely organised. Well, your site needs clear navigation, too. Make it easy for visitors to find their way around. Nobody likes getting lost in a virtual maze.

• Make your content engaging: Now, let’s talk about content. Imagine your website as a captivating storybook. People love stories, so tell yours! Share what makes you or your business unique. It’s like inviting readers into an exciting adventure.

• Mobile optimisation: Next up is mobile optimisation, a fancy term for making sure your website looks fantastic on smartphones. We all live on our phones, so your site must look slick and be easily read on those tiny screens.

• SEO Magic: Sprinkle in some keywords related to your content. Think of it like planting signposts for search engines to find you. Help people discover your online treasure trove!

• Regular updates: Think of your website as a garden. If you let it grow wild, it will attract few visitors. Regular updates keep your site blooming and buzzing.

So, there you have it – the recipe for a stand-out website. 

Now, you can create your digital space with the help of website builders!

Alright, folks, let’s wrap this up! Picking the right website builder for your small business is a big deal, but don’t sweat it – with the right know-how, you can rock the online scene. It’s like giving your online space a personality!

So, what’s the bottom line? Your website is your digital face, so choose wisely. If you’re into simple and breezy, Wix is your pal. Need more oomph? WordPress has your back. Are you selling stuff? Shopify’s got the goods. Whatever you pick, make sure it mirrors your business spirit. Now, take charge and conquer the online world – it’s yours for the taking!

FAQ’s