10 best website builders for small businesses

Nowadays, having a website for your business is not just an option but a crucial marketing strategy that helps attract customers and keep them engaged. According to statistics, 97% of customers say websites influence their purchases. Also, small businesses with websites can experience a growth in revenue ranging from 15% to 50%. 

However, building and maintaining a website may be beyond the budget of a small business. On average, developing a website can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $150,000, with monthly maintenance fees ranging from $35 to $5,000, not to mention the time and effort required. A more cost-effective option would be a DIY solution, also known as a website builder, which allows you to create your business website in a few hours. For example, with a website builder like Workee, you can have your website up and running in five minutes or less.

But with a wide range of website builders available, it can be overwhelming to find the right one. To make your search easier, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best website builders offering unique advantages and features to fit your needs. Don't settle for a generic website template when you can have a professional and customized web presence that reflects your brand and engages your audience.

Things to consider before choosing a website builder for your small business

First off, many website builders are out there, and finding the right one can be overwhelming. You want your small business website to be functional, visually appealing, and user-friendly. So, let's talk about the key factors you should consider:

• Ease of use: A user-friendly interface is essential. You probably don't have many technical skills, so you'll want a website builder that doesn't require a PhD in web design. Look for drag-and-drop features and intuitive navigation.

• Customization: Your business is unique, so your website should reflect that. Check if the website builder allows you to customize templates, fonts, colors, and layouts to match your brand identity. The best website builder for small businesses should offer ample customization options.

• Mobile responsiveness: With a growing number of smartphone users accessing websites, your site must look and function well on mobile devices. Most top website builders offer mobile optimization, but it's crucial to test it.

• SEO friendliness: Your website won't do much good if people can't find it. Ensure the website builder provides SEO tools and features like meta tags, alt text, and easy URL customization to improve your website's ranking.

•  E-commerce capabilities: If you plan to sell products or services online, choose a website builder with robust e-commerce features. 

• Scalability: Think about your long-term plans. Will the website builder be able to grow with your business? Ensure it offers scalability and the ability to add more features as your business expands.

•  Pricing: Different website builders have different pricing models. Some offer free plans with limited features, while others have monthly or yearly subscription fees. Consider your budget and the features you need when evaluating the cost.

• Customer support: Reliable customer support is essential. Look for website builders that provide various support channels like chat, email, or phone support, especially if you're not tech-savvy.

• Third-Party integrations: Depending on your business needs, you may want to integrate third-party tools like payment processors, email marketing, or analytics. Make sure the website builder supports these integrations.

• Reviews and recommendations: It's always a good idea to read reviews and ask other small business owners for recommendations. Hearing about real experiences can give you valuable insights.

• Security: Ensure the website builder offers security features such as SSL certificates and regular backups to protect your and your customer's data.

If you’re an independent professional, you should check this post on the best personal website to give you some ideas on how to get started.

Best website creators

Below is a brief description of the best website builders for small businesses. Each of these platforms offers distinctive features that cater to specific business requirements. Therefore, it is essential to identify the one that aligns with your business objectives and preferences.

1. Workee

Workee is known for its user-friendliness, making it the best easy website builder for those without technical skills. It offers a drag-and-drop interface that lets you easily design and customize your site. Whether you're a tech-savvy entrepreneur or starting, this smart builder provides a smooth and intuitive experience.

What makes it stand out is that it is not just a website builder. It offers a complete business management solution with support tools to optimize your experience. This user-friendly platform makes it incredibly easy to create a personalized website with various functionalities, including booking, scheduling meetings, payment integrations, video calls, and even a CRM. 

What sets Workee apart is that it is not simply a website builder. It also offers a comprehensive business management solution with various support tools to enhance your experience. This easy-to-use platform makes it incredibly simple to create a website with various features, such as booking, scheduling meetings, payment integrations, video calls, and even a CRM.

In other words, it’s the perfect website builder for small business owners and independent professionals looking for a versatile business management platform.

Key features

• Scheduling and booking: Workee is the ideal website builder for you as a business owner who operates by appointment. It has a booking and scheduling feature enables you to handle your business appointments effectively. This tool allows you to configure your preferred working hours and time zone, making it simple for customers to view your availability and schedule appointments accordingly.

• Client management:  Workee helps you simplify your client management process by consolidating your client information in one place. You can integrate your Google Contact to enable you to access the contact information of each client and their project history. This way, you can efficiently keep track of all your clients in a more organized manner.

• Website customization: Workee has got you covered if aesthetics matter to you. It offers customizable templates and design tools, allowing you to personalize your website.

• Payment and invoicing: This tool allows you to create and send invoices to your clients. Workee's integration with PayPal and Stripe allows you to receive direct payments to your account without any additional fees.

• Integrations: You can sync your Workee website with your favorite tools like Google Contacts, Calendar, Stripe, PayPal, Zoom, etc. This gives you access to the functions of these tools right from your website.

Pricing

• Workee offers a free tier with limited functionality and restricted access to pro features.

• The Workee Pro is billed at $29 a month, or $290 annually. You save 20% on the annual subscription.

Shortcomings

• The mobile version is not available

2. Wix

Wix is often touted as one of the best website builders for small businesses, and for good reason. It offers a highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface, allowing you to create a professional-looking website quickly. With a wide range of customizable templates and a robust app marketplace, Wix is suitable for various industries. However, its free plan displays Wix ads, and some users might find its pricing slightly higher than other options.

Key Features:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop editor.

• A vast library of customizable templates.

• Extensive app marketplace for added functionality.

• Reliable hosting and security features.

Pricing

Wix offers various categories and price points; you can explore them here 

Shortcomings

• Limited SEO customization compared to some competitors.

3. Squarespace

Squarespace is renowned for its stunning design templates and elegant aesthetics, making it ideal for businesses that prioritize visual appeal. Its responsive designs ensure your site looks great on any device. However, it may not be as beginner-friendly as some other website builders, and the pricing can be a bit steep for small businesses.

Key Features:

• Beautiful, professionally designed templates.

• Robust e-commerce features.

• Integrated blogging platform.

• Excellent mobile responsiveness.

Shortcomings:

• Limited third-party integrations.

• Features available on the free plan are quite limited compared to other alternatives.

• Slightly higher pricing.

4. Weebly

Weebly is a straightforward website builder known for its simplicity and ease of use. It offers a variety of pre-designed layouts and a user-friendly drag-and-drop builder. While it may lack some advanced features in other platforms, it excels in helping small businesses establish an online presence quickly.

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use drag-and-drop builder.

• Mobile-responsive templates.

• Affordable pricing plans.

• Solid e-commerce capabilities.

Shortcomings:

• Fewer template options compared to competitors.

• Limited scalability for larger businesses.

5. WordPress.com

WordPress.com, not to be confused with the self-hosted WordPress.org, is a user-friendly platform that combines the power of WordPress with simplicity. It's an excellent choice if you want more control over your website's design and functionality. However, customization might require technical know-how, and it's not as user-friendly as other website builders.

Key Features:

• Extensive plugin library for customization.

• Blogging capabilities.

• SEO-friendly options.

• Scalable for growing businesses.

Shortcomings:

• Learning curve for beginners.

• Limited design flexibility without coding.

6. Shopify

If your small business focuses on e-commerce, Shopify is the go-to website builder. It offers a comprehensive suite of e-commerce tools, making setting up and managing an online store easy. However, it's primarily tailored for online selling, so you might find it less suitable if you're not selling products.

Key Features:

• Advanced e-commerce functionality.

• User-friendly interface.

• Secure and reliable hosting.

• Extensive app store for additional features.

Shortcomings:

• Monthly fees for transaction processing.

• Limited non-e-commerce features.

• Costs can add up with premium apps.

7. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is another top-notch e-commerce website builder designed to help small businesses succeed online. It offers robust features and customization options for online stores. However, its pricing may be higher for small businesses with limited budgets.

Key Features:

• Powerful e-commerce features.

• Flexible design customization.

• Secure and reliable hosting.

• Excellent SEO capabilities.

Shortcomings:

• Higher pricing compared to some competitors.

• Learning curve for beginners.

• Limited template selection.

8. Webflow

Webflow is popular among designers and developers for its powerful design capabilities. It allows for precise control over every aspect of a website's design and interactions. However, it has a steeper learning curve and may not be the best option for those without design or development experience.

Key features

• Allows you to create responsive websites that adapt to different screen sizes and devices.

• Offers a robust CMS that allows you to create dynamic content-driven websites

• Advanced users can add custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to their Webflow projects.

• Offers a library of pre-designed elements templates.

Shortcomings

• While there is a free plan, Webflow can become relatively expensive for premium features.

• It can be a little complex, especially for beginners with no technical skills.

• Does not have as many features as dedicated e-commerce platforms.

9. Jimdo

Jimdo is a user-friendly website builder that focuses on simplicity. It's a solid choice for small businesses that need a basic online presence without the complexity of other platforms. However, its templates might not be as visually appealing as some competitors offer.

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use drag-and-drop builder.

• Affordable pricing plans.

• Reliable hosting and security.

• Mobile-responsive designs.

Shortcomings:

• Limited template selection.

• Fewer advanced features.

• It is not ideal for businesses with complex needs.

10. GoDaddy

GoDaddy Website Builder is a user-friendly platform that comes with domain registration services. It offers a variety of templates and features, like a built-in photo library and SEO tools. On the downside, its design flexibility is limited compared to some competitors, and it may not be the best choice for highly customized websites.

Key features

• Intuitive drag-and-drop editor.

• Mobile-responsive templates.

• Built-in SEO tools.

• Reliable hosting and 24/7 customer support.

Shortcomings:

• Limited template customization compared to some competitors.

• Fewer design options for advanced users.

Conclusion

Choosing the best website builder for your small business depends on your needs, budget, and technical proficiency. Each website builder has its strengths and shortcomings, so take the time to evaluate which one aligns best with your business goals and objectives. Remember that your website is essential to your brand's online identity, so choose wisely to make a lasting impression.