Are you a small business owner who wants to build a professional website but is worried about coding? Don’t sweat it! I have analyzed all CMS (content management systems) and then selected the best 10 website builders for small businesses that will help you create a professional website for your small business.
They offer everything you need in one place: responsive variation design, blog tools, online store options, and even SEO helpers to get your site seen top ranking. Plus, they’re usually budget-friendly CMS, come with hosting, and let you easily design your site using drag-and-drop editing (like moving puzzle pieces!). I tested and reviewed the ten best ones to help you pick the perfect website builder!
- Nearly 7 out of 10 websites (68.7%) use a tool called a Content Management System (CMS) to help them build and manage their website.
- Among these CMS tools, WordPress is the most popular by far, holding over 62% of the market share.
- Other popular options include Shopify (around 6.2%) and Wix (around 3.8%).
- Interestingly, Wix has been growing the fastest in recent years, increasing its market share by a whopping 800% between 2016 and 2023.
- When it comes to the top 1,000 websites by traffic, WordPress is still the leader (around 47%)
Here are the Details of the Best 10 website builders for Small Businesses
WordPress is a popular open-source Content Management System (CMS) used to build websites. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you
Pros
- Beginner-friendly: WordPress is known for its user-friendly interface. Even without coding knowledge, you can manage content, upload media, and edit pages.
- Flexibility: Thousands of free and paid themes and plugins extend WordPress’s functionalities. You can build blogs, online stores, portfolios, and more.
- SEO-friendly: WordPress is built with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in mind, making it easier for your website to rank well in search results.
- Responsive Design: Many themes are responsive, meaning your website looks good on all devices (desktops, mobiles, tablets).
- Open-source: Being open-source means the core software is free to use and modify, with a large community for support and development.
- Affordable: While you’ll need to pay for web hosting, WordPress is free to download and install. Many themes and plugins also have free versions.
Cons
Security: WordPress requires more vigilance on security as a platform vigilance than systems. Regular updates and security plugins are crucial.
Maintenance: Keeping your WordPress site updated (core software, themes, plugins) requires some maintenance. While some tasks can be automated, you’ll need to be proactive.
Limited Control over Design: Free themes might limit design customization. Premium themes offer more flexibility but come at a cost.
Plugin Reliance: Many functionalities rely on plugins, which can add complexity and slow down your website if not appropriately managed.
Shopify, the best website builder for small businesses, offers easy customization, starting with free or $150+ templates. Enjoy a three-day trial and access to third-party apps for added features. Shopify caters to various budgets with three affordable plans for a seamless eCommerce experience.
Pros and Cons of Using Shopify
Wix is a user-friendly website builder for small businesses offering customizable templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and powerful features like SEO tools. It’s ideal for creating professional websites without coding knowledge.m dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Pros and Cons of Using Wix:
Pros
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface.
- Wide selection of professional templates.
- App Market for additional features.
- Mobile optimization and SEO tools.
- Reliable hosting services.
Cons
- Limited design flexibility.
- Dependency on Wix’s platform.
- Costs for advanced features and ad removal.
- Integration limitations.
- Some learning curve for advanced features.
Squarespace is a user-friendly the best website builder for small businesses known for its stylish templates and easy customization. It’s great for anyone, from individuals to businesses, who want a professional-looking site without coding. While pricing can be slightly higher, its customer support via email and live chat helps users along the way.
Joomla, another popular open-source CMS, offers an alternative to WordPress. Another populer website builder for small businesses. Here’s a breakdown of its advantages and disadvantages to see if it suits your website needs
Joomla CMS: Pros and Cons
Pros:
Robust and Scalable: Joomla excels at managing complex websites with a large volume of content or multiple user roles.
Security: Joomla boasts a strong security record due to its robust permission system and focus on user access control.
Flexibility: Similar to WordPress, Joomla offers a vast library of extensions (templates and plugins) to customize your website’s functionality and design.
Multilingual Support: Joomla is built with multilingual capabilities in mind, making it ideal for websites targeting international audiences.
Open-source and Free: Like WordPress, Joomla is free to download and use, with a large community for support and development.
Cons:
Learning Curve: Compared to WordPress, Joomla’s interface can be steeper for beginners. It might require more time to learn and navigate its functionalities.
Fewer Extensions: While many extensions are available, the selection might be smaller than WordPress’s vast library.
Complexity: Joomla’s power can be a double-edged sword. Extensive features might be overwhelming for users who just need a simple website.
Limited Free Themes: Many high-quality themes for Joomla require purchase, whereas WordPress offers a wider range of free options.
Developer Dependence: You might need developer assistance for complex customizations compared to the more user-friendly customization options in some WordPress themes.
Drupal is a powerful open-source Website builders for small business content management system (CMS) used to build many websites you encounter online. Here’s a quick rundown of its pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your project
Pros:
Highly flexible and customizable
Robust security
Scalability
Open-source and cost-effective
Cons:
Steep learning curve
Not as user-friendly
Adobe offers two central website content management systems (CMS):
Adobe Experience Manager (AEM): This is a powerful, enterprise-grade CMS geared towards large businesses and complex websites.
Adobe Commerce (formerly Magento): This is an e-commerce platform specifically designed for online stores.
Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)
Pros:
Highly scalable and secure: AEM can handle large amounts of traffic and data, making it suitable for big businesses. It also has robust security features.
Omnichannel marketing: AEM integrates with other Adobe marketing tools, allowing for a unified customer experience across different channels.
Customization: AEM is highly customizable, with many features and extensions to build complex websites and workflows.
User-friendly interface: The admin interface is easy to navigate, even for non-technical users.
Cons:
Costly: AEM has a significant licensing fee and often requires additional development costs.
Complexity: AEM’s power comes with complexity. Setting up and managing it requires a team with technical expertise in AEM and potentially Java development.
Steep learning curve: Due to its complexity, there’s a learning curve for both content creators and administrators.
Adobe Commerce
Pros:
E-commerce powerhouse: If you’re running an online store, Adobe Commerce offers a comprehensive set of features for product management, payments, marketing, and customer loyalty programs.
Scalability: It can handle high sales volumes and large product catalogs.
Security: Built-in security features meet various global payment security standards.
SEO friendly: The platform helps your online store rank higher in search engine results.
Cons:
Cost: Similar to AEM, Adobe Commerce has licensing fees and may require additional development costs.
Complexity: While more complex than AEM, it must be more involved than beginner-friendly CMS options.
Focus on e-commerce: Adobe Commerce might need to be more balanced if you need a simple website.
8. PrestaShop
PrestaShop is a free and open-source e-commerce platform Website builders for small business, so it’s a popular choice for businesses that want to set up an online store. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you:
Pros
Cost-effective: PrestaShop itself is free to download and use. You’ll need to pay for web hosting, domain name, and potentially some modules or themes, but overall it’s a budget-friendly option.
Easy to use: PrestaShop has a user-friendly interface, so even with little technical experience, you should be able to set up and manage your store.
Customization: PrestaShop offers a wide range of themes and modules that allow you to customize the look and feel of your store and add new features.
Scalability: While it might not be ideal for massive online stores, PrestaShop can handle a decent product catalogue and can grow with your business.
SEO friendly: PrestaShop has built-in SEO features to help your store rank higher in search engine results.
Cons
Limited scalability: PrestaShop can need help with large stores with complex needs or many products.
Technical knowledge might be needed: While user-friendly, some customization or troubleshooting might require technical expertise or hiring a developer.
Security concerns: Because it’s open-source, PrestaShop can be more vulnerable to security breaches if not properly maintained.
Module costs: While PrestaShop is free, many modules and themes you might need for advanced features cost extra.
9. Google Systems
There are several advantages to using a Content Management System (CMS) offered by Google Systems for your website:
Ease of Use: Google CMS systems are typically designed with a user-friendly interface, allowing users to edit and update content without needing coding knowledge.
SEO Integration: Many Google CMS products are built with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in mind. They often include features that help improve your website’s ranking in search results, such as title tag optimization and meta descriptions.
Security: Google offers a high level of security for its products and services. A Google CMS would benefit from this inherent security focus.
Scalability: A Google CMS solution may be able to scale well as your website grows in size and complexity. This can be important for businesses that expect to see an increase in traffic over time.
Integration with Other Google Products: If you use other Google products like Google Analytics or Google Ads, a Google CMS may integrate seamlessly with them, providing a more unified experience for managing your online presence.
Cons of using a Website CMS from Google Systems
Limited Customization: Some Google CMS products may offer a limited number of themes and plugins compared to other open-source options. This could restrict your ability to achieve a highly customized website design.
Vendor Lock-In: By using a Google CMS, you may become reliant on Google’s platform and pricing structure. Switching to a different CMS in the future could be more difficult.
Potential for Dependence on Google: While Google offers generally reliable services, if there were ever disruptions with a Google CMS, it could impact your website’s functionality.
10. Webflow
Webflow is a platform that helps people and Website builders for small business create websites without knowing how to code. It’s like having a mix of the best website builders for small businesses and a content management system (CMS) in one place, which is great for designers and developers.
Pros and Cons of Using Webflow:
- Customize your site without coding.
- Ideal for teams or clients sharing projects.
- A variety of templates are available.
- Extensive knowledge base and community support.
- Ad-free premium plans.
- Limited integrations like social media marketing.
- Difficulty in creating multilingual sites.
- Lack of mobile app or mobile-building support.
- No live chat or telephone support.
Credit: Steve Builds Websites
In today’s digital age, a website is a necessity. However, for those who need more coding expertise, building one can seem daunting. That’s where the best website builder for small businesses comes in —user-friendly platforms that empower anyone to create a professional-looking website.
Here are some critical criteria to consider when choosing a website builder:
Ease of Use:
Look for a website builder with an intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality, allowing users to create and customize websites without coding knowledge.
Template Selection:
Consider the variety and quality of templates offered by the website builder, ensuring some options suit your industry and aesthetic preferences.
Mobile Responsiveness:
Ensure the website builder offers mobile-responsive templates, allowing your site to look and function seamlessly on smartphones and tablets.
Features and Functionality:
Evaluate the features and tools provided by the website builder, such as e-commerce capabilities, SEO tools, blogging platforms, and integration options for social media and third-party apps.
Cost:
Consider the pricing plans and features the website builder offers, ensuring they align with your budget and provide value for money based on your requirements.
Customer Support:
Look for a website builder that offers reliable customer support, including various channels such as email, live chat, and phone support, as well as an extensive knowledge base or community forums for self-help resources.
Performance and Reliability:
Assess the performance and uptime of websites built using the platform, ensuring that the website builder provides reliable hosting and infrastructure to support your online presence.
By carefully considering these criteria, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the website builder that perfectly aligns with your needs and helps you establish a successful online presence.
Benefits of Website Builders for Your Small Business
In today’s computerized age, having a solid online nearness is significant for the victory of any little trade. This is where website builders offer many benefits to help your small business thrive in the digital landscape.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Traditional website development can be expensive, involving hiring web developers and designers and ongoing maintenance costs. Website builders offer affordable subscription plans with many features, eliminating the need for hefty upfront investments.
- User-Friendly Interface: Website builders are designed, making them accessible even to those with little technical knowledge. With drag-and-drop functionality and customizable templates, you can easily create and update your website without coding skills.
- Mobile Responsiveness: With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, your website must be mobile-friendly. Website builders automatically optimize your site for various devices, ensuring a seamless browsing experience for your visitors regardless of the screen size.
- SEO-Friendly Features: Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for improving your website’s visibility on search engines like Google. Many website builders offer built-in SEO tools and features such as meta tags, keyword optimization, and sitemaps, helping you rank higher in search results.
- Support and Maintenance: Most website builders provide customer support and regular updates to ensure your website runs smoothly. Whether you encounter technical issues or need assistance with customization, you can rely on their support team to help you resolve any issues promptly.
Overall, the best website builder for small businesses offers a cost-effective, user-friendly, and efficient solution for those looking to establish a solid online presence.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, This guide underscores the significance of a robust online presence for the best website builder for small businesses. Prioritizing affordability, user-friendliness, and essential features aids entrepreneurs in informed decision-making. Highlighting cost-effectiveness, ease of use, scalability, mobile responsiveness, and integrated marketing tools, the guide recommends Wix, WordPress.com, Squarespace, Square Online, and Shopify. Entrepreneurs can use this resource to choose a website builder aligned with their budget and business goals for success online.
FAQs:
- What is a website builder, and how can it help your small business?
Ans: The best website builder for small businesses is a user-friendly platform that allows you to create a website without knowing how to code. It provides pre-designed templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and various features to help you build a professional-looking website.
- What are some critical factors for small businesses when choosing a website builder?
Ans:
- Template variety and customization: Options to tailor the site to your brand.
- E-commerce tools: Ability to sell products or services online.
- Essential features: Built-in SEO tools, analytics, and features to manage your website effectively.
- Cost: Pricing plans that align with your budget and provide necessary features.
- How much does it typically cost to build a website?
Ans:
- Domain name: $12 – $60 per year
- Hosting: $100 – $500 per year
- Website builder: $100 – $500 one-time fee
- SSL certificate: Free – $250 one-time fee
- What are some benefits of using a website builder for small businesses?
Ans: Here are some of the benefits of using the best website builder for small businesses:
- Cost-effective
- User-friendly interfaces
- Scalability to grow with your business
- Mobile responsiveness
- Integrated marketing tools
- Do website builders include marketing tools tailored for small businesses?
Ans: Yes, website builders frequently incorporate marketing features such as SEO optimization, email marketing, and seamless social media integration, enabling small businesses to reach their target audience and expand their customers efficiently
