Which Website Builder Should I Use for My Online Business?
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Choosing the right platform for your website feels a lot like picking a new home for your business on the internet—and in a way, that’s exactly what it is! With so many options like Wix, Squarespace, WordPress, and Showit, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which website builder is the best fit for you.
I have varying amounts of experience with all four of those popular platforms, and while I may have my preferences, I don’t think there are any “bad” decisions; there just may be one that stands out as a better fit for your business.
I’m going to break down the key features of each platform so you can make an informed decision on where to set up your digital home. And if WordPress catches your eye, make sure you read until the end. I’ve got a special challenge that might be just what you need to kickstart your website project!
Understanding Your Website Needs
Before you choose a website builder, you need to consider what you actually need from your online space:
Goals: What’s the primary purpose of your website? Whether it’s showcasing your portfolio, selling products, booking appointments, or publishing content, your goals will heavily influence your choice of platform.
Functionality: List the features and functionalities that are the must-haves for your business. This could include things like ecommerce capabilities, social media integration, email marketing tools, and blog functionality.
Ease of Use: How comfortable are you with technology? Some platforms cater to beginners with drag-and-drop interfaces, while others offer more control at the cost of a steeper learning curve. Consider how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in learning the platform as well as the time and effort you’ll need to put into maintaining your site.
Scalability: Think long-term. As your business grows, will your website be able to grow with it? Check if the platform can handle increased traffic, more products, and additional pages without compromising performance.
Taking the time to carefully consider these aspects will help you narrow down the field and choose a website platform that not only meets your current needs but also supports your future growth.
Navigating Popular Website Builders
Let’s take a look at four of the most popular website builder you might be considering. Each platform has its strengths, so consider what aligns best with your vision for your online presence.
Getting Started with Wix
Wix is super beginner-friendly, which makes it a top pick for anyone who’s just starting out and wants to get a website up without much fuss. Its drag-and-drop setup means you don’t have to know anything about coding to make a site that looks good and works well.
Built-In Tools: What’s cool about Wix is that it comes with everything you might need, like an online store, booking services, and more, all without needing to add extra plugins or software.
User-Friendly Design: Wix has loads of templates to choose from, so you can find one that fits your style and start customizing it right away. This website builder is all about making web design simple, whether you’re setting up a blog, a portfolio, or a small business site.
Customization Limits: While Wix is great for ease of use, it’s a bit limited if you want to get really specific with your site’s design or features. If your business grows and you find yourself needing more specialized functions, you might feel boxed in.
For anyone who’s after a straightforward way to build a site that looks professional and is easy to manage, Wix is a solid choice. It’s particularly handy for small businesses, artists, and bloggers who want to get online quickly without diving deep into web development.
Exploring Squarespace for Your Website
Squarespace stands out for its sleek design templates and intuitive interface, making it another excellent option for beginners and those looking to create visually stunning websites. Its all-in-one platform offers a seamless experience for users looking to blend elegance with functionality.
Design-Forward Templates: Squarespace is celebrated for its beautifully crafted templates. Whether you’re an artist, a restaurateur, or a consultant, you’ll likely find a design that speaks to your brand’s aesthetic. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to help your content look polished with minimal effort.
Ease of Use with a Creative Edge: Squarespace’s editor allows for more creative layout designs compared to Wix, without requiring you to dive into coding. This makes it a favorite among creatives and small business owners who want their website to have a custom feel without the custom price tag.
Integrated Features: From blogging to ecommerce, Squarespace includes various built-in features, reducing the need for third-party apps. Its integration with scheduling tools and social media platforms also means you can manage much of your digital presence from one place.
Considerations for Growth: Like Wix, Squarespace might present limitations if you’re looking for deep customization or specific functionalities not covered by the platform. However, for the vast majority of small businesses and personal sites, it offers more than enough flexibility and scalability.
Squarespace is ideal for those who prioritize design and need a comprehensive set of tools at their fingertips. Its balance of aesthetics and functionality makes it a popular choice for individuals and businesses aiming to establish a strong online presence with minimal fuss.
Going All-In on WordPress
If you’re aiming for a website that can adapt and grow right alongside your business, you can’t go wrong with WordPress. It’s perfect for anyone who wants complete control over their site’s look, feel, and functionality.
Customization at Its Finest: The beauty of WordPress lies in its flexibility. You can modify just about anything, choose from a vast selection of plugins for extra features, or even link up with other tools and services you love.
A Supportive Community: With WordPress, help and inspiration are always just a click away. Thanks to a massive network of users and creators, you’ll find a wealth of resources, advice, and new tools constantly being developed.
Ready to Grow With You: Start off small or aim big from the get-go—WordPress can handle it. It’s built to support your journey from a simple blog to a full-fledged ecommerce powerhouse without skipping a beat.
Worth the Effort: It’s true, diving into WordPress comes with a bit of a learning curve. But for those ready to learn or team up with a web designer, the result is a highly personalized, powerful website that truly stands out.
For anyone serious about a customizable and scalable online presence, WordPress is hard to beat. It’s well-suited for both beginners willing to learn and professionals needing advanced functionality.
Designing with Showit
Showit offers a unique blend of simplicity and design freedom, making it a fantastic choice for creatives who want to stand out without getting tangled in technical details.
Drag-and-Drop Ease: Showit takes the drag-and-drop concept to the next level, allowing for unparalleled creativity in your design process. You’re not just arranging blocks; you’re crafting a visual story tailored to your brand.
WordPress Integration for Blogging: One of Showit’s standout features is its seamless integration with WordPress for blogging. This gives you the best of both worlds: Showit’s design flexibility combined with WordPress’s powerful blogging capabilities.
User-Friendly for Beginners: Showit’s interface is designed with the non-tech-savvy user in mind. It makes building and customizing your site an intuitive process, even if it’s your first time creating a website.
Subscription Includes Hosting: Like Squarespace and Wix, Showit is a hosted platform, so there’s no need to find a separate hosting provider. Your subscription covers everything, simplifying the process.
Showit is particularly appealing to those in visually driven industries—photographers, designers, and artists—who need their website to visually echo their work’s uniqueness while maintaining an easy-to-manage backend.
Deciding on the Best Platform for Your Business
Choosing which website builder to use for your site boils down to aligning your business goals, technical comfort level, and the specific functionalities you need. These are my rough thoughts on when you might choose each website platform:
For those prioritizing speed and ease over customization, Wix and Squarespace offer quick solutions.
If you’re focusing on content creation, especially blogging, and want a site that can grow with your business, WordPress is a solid choice.
If you place a lot of importance on design, Showit provides an unmatched level of creative control.
The Case for WordPress: Why It Might Be the Right Choice for You
Choosing WordPress for your website means you’re looking for more than just an online space—you’re aiming for a platform that grows with you and lets your brand’s personality shine through.
It’s true, choosing WordPress for your website builder means there’s more to learn at the start, but don’t let that put you off. The effort is worth it for the control and flexibility it offers, allowing you to create a site that really feels like yours, adapting and expanding as your business does.
Introducing the 30-Day WordPress Website Challenge
Feeling a bit unsure about diving into WordPress?
I’ve got just the thing to ease you into it: My 30-Day WordPress Website Challenge.
It’s a straightforward, step-by-step guide sent straight to your inbox, designed to take the overwhelm out of the equation. Over 30 days, you’ll receive 20 lessons covering everything from the basics of branding to the specifics of setting up the tech.
As a former computer science teacher, I strive to break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand steps so that you can actually get your site launched by this time next month! You’ll get practical advice and tasks along with a curated list of resources for when you want to learn more about a topic.
And the best part? It’s free! Also, since the lessons arrive in your inbox, you can come back to each step at any time if you want to make some changes or just need a little extra time.