Did you know that 75% of consumers judge a company's credibility based on its website design?" This startling statistic underscores the critical importance of having a well-designed website in today's digital age.
In this post, we'll explore the top website builders of 2024, comparing their features, ease of use, pricing, and more to help you find the perfect platform for your needs.
From user-friendly options for beginners to powerful tools for advanced customization, we've got you covered.
Read on to learn which website builder is right for small business and how custom Webflow designs can increase your online presence.
Criteria for Evaluation
Ease of Use
How user-friendly is the platform? We'll assess the learning curve and the intuitiveness of the interface. A good website builder should be accessible to users of all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned developers.
Features
What tools and functionalities are available? We'll look at the range of templates, design options, integrations, and unique features each platform offers. This includes everything from drag-and-drop editors to advanced coding capabilities.
Pricing
Cost comparison and value for money. We'll break down the pricing tiers, what each plan includes, and whether the platform offers a free trial or a money-back guarantee. Affordability is key, but so is getting the best bang for your buck.
Customer Support
Availability and quality of support. We'll evaluate the customer service options, including live chat, email support, phone support, and community forums. Good support can make a huge difference, especially when you're facing technical issues.
Customization
Flexibility in design and functionality. We'll examine how much control you have over the look and feel of your website. Can you customize templates? Add custom code? Create unique layouts? The more customizable the platform, the better.
SEO Capabilities
How well does the platform support search engine optimization best practices? We'll look at the built-in SEO tools, such as meta tags, alt text for images, URL customization, and more. A good website builder should help you optimize your site for search engines to drive organic traffic.
By following these criteria, you'll be able to make an informed decision about which website builder best suits your needs. Stay tuned as we dive into the top contenders and reveal why custom Webflow designs might be the game-changer you've been looking for.
Best Overall Website Builder
Wix
Wix is a popular website builder known for its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, extensive template library, and robust app market. It caters to a wide range of users, from small business owners to individuals looking to create personal websites.
Founded in 2006, Wix has grown to serve over 210 million users worldwide, making it one of the most widely used website builders on the market.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: Wix's intuitive drag-and-drop editor allows users to easily customize their websites without any coding knowledge. You can move elements around the page, add new sections, and adjust layouts with ease.
- Templates: Wix offers over 900 professionally designed templates covering various industries and purposes, from business and ecommerce to photography and personal blogs.
- App Market: The Wix App Market provides a wide range of third-party applications and integrations to enhance your website's functionality. This includes tools for SEO, social media, ecommerce, and more.
- Mobile Optimization: All Wix websites are mobile-friendly, ensuring a seamless experience for visitors on any device.
- SEO Tools: Wix includes built-in SEO tools to help optimize your website for search engines. Features like meta tags, alt text for images, and URL customization are available to improve your site's visibility.
- Customer Support: Wix offers 24/7 customer support through various channels, including live chat, phone support, and a comprehensive help center.
Pros and Cons:
Use Cases:
Wix is ideal for small businesses, personal websites, and individuals who want to quickly and affordably create an attractive website with a lot of functionality. It is particularly well-suited for content-driven sites, small ecommerce stores, and portfolios.
Ready to build your website with Wix?
Try Wix today and take advantage of its user-friendly interface, extensive template library, and powerful app market to create a stunning online presence. Whether you're a small business owner or an individual looking to showcase your work, Wix has the tools you need to succeed.
Best for Beginners
Squarespace
Squarespace is a highly regarded website builder known for its sleek, modern templates and ease of use. It is designed to help users create professional-looking websites without needing any coding skills.
Squarespace offers an all-in-one solution that includes hosting, domain registration, and a variety of built-in tools for SEO, ecommerce, and more. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners who want to get their websites up and running quickly and efficiently.
Key Features:
- Templates: Squarespace offers over 160 beautifully designed, responsive templates that cater to various industries and purposes. These templates are highly customizable, allowing users to create unique and visually appealing websites.
- Integrated Hosting: Squarespace provides integrated hosting, which means users do not need to worry about finding a separate hosting provider. This simplifies the process and ensures that the website runs smoothly.
- SEO Tools: Squarespace includes built-in SEO tools to help users optimize their websites for search engines. Features like customizable meta tags, alt text for images, and automatic sitemaps are available to improve search engine visibility.
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: The intuitive drag-and-drop editor allows users to easily add and arrange content on their websites without any coding knowledge.
- Ecommerce Capabilities: Squarespace offers robust ecommerce features, including product management, payment processing, and inventory tracking, making it suitable for small online stores.
- Customer Support: Squarespace provides 24/7 customer support through live chat and email, as well as a comprehensive knowledge base with tutorials and guides.
Pros and Cons:
Use Cases:
Squarespace is ideal for artists, bloggers, and small businesses who want a simple and aesthetically pleasing website. It is particularly well-suited for:
- Artists and Designers: The visually stunning templates are perfect for showcasing portfolios and creative work.
- Bloggers: The platform's blogging tools and SEO features make it easy to create and manage a blog.
- Small Businesses: Squarespace's ecommerce capabilities and integrated hosting make it a great choice for small businesses looking to establish an online presence.
Expert Opinion:
Ready to build your website with Squarespace?
Try Squarespace today and take advantage of its user-friendly interface, beautiful templates, and powerful built-in tools to create a stunning online presence. Whether you're an artist, blogger, or small business owner, Squarespace has everything you need to succeed.
Best for Ecommerce
Shopify
Shopify is a leading ecommerce platform designed to help businesses of all sizes create and manage online stores. Founded in 2006, Shopify has grown to support over 1.7 million businesses worldwide, offering a comprehensive suite of tools to facilitate online sales, inventory management, and customer engagement.
Its user-friendly interface and extensive app ecosystem make it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced ecommerce entrepreneurs.
Key Features:
- Ecommerce Tools: Shopify provides a robust set of ecommerce tools, including product management, order processing, and customer relationship management. These tools are designed to streamline the entire sales process, from listing products to fulfilling orders.
- Payment Gateways: Shopify supports multiple payment gateways, including its own Shopify Payments, which allows merchants to accept credit card payments directly. It also integrates with third-party payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, and more.
- Inventory Management: Shopify offers advanced inventory management features, allowing businesses to track stock levels, manage multiple locations, and automate restock alerts. This ensures that businesses can efficiently manage their inventory and avoid stockouts.
- Customizable Themes: Shopify provides a wide range of free and paid themes that are fully customizable, enabling businesses to create a unique and professional online store.
- App Store: The Shopify App Store offers thousands of apps and plugins to extend the functionality of your store. These apps cover various needs, including marketing, SEO, customer service, and more.
- Mobile Optimization: All Shopify themes are mobile-responsive, ensuring that your store looks great and functions well on any device.
- SEO Tools: Shopify includes built-in SEO features to help improve your store's visibility on search engines. This includes customizable meta tags, alt text for images, and automatic sitemaps.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Shopify provides round-the-clock customer support through live chat, email, and phone, ensuring that help is always available when you need it.
Pros and Cons:
Use Cases:
Shopify is ideal for online stores and large-scale ecommerce operations. It is particularly well-suited for:
- Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: Shopify's ease of use and comprehensive features make it a great choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking to establish an online presence.
- Large Enterprises: Shopify Plus, the enterprise version of Shopify, offers advanced features and scalability for large businesses with high sales volumes.
- Dropshipping: Shopify's extensive app ecosystem includes many dropshipping apps, making it easy to start a dropshipping business.
- Retailers with Multiple Sales Channels: Shopify supports selling across various channels, including online stores, social media, and physical retail locations, making it a versatile platform for multi-channel retailers.
Expert Opinion:
Ready to build your online store with Shopify?
Try Shopify today and take advantage of its powerful ecommerce tools, extensive app ecosystem, and user-friendly interface to create a successful online business.
Whether you're a small business owner or a large enterprise, Shopify has everything you need to succeed in the world of E-commerce.
Best for Customization
Webflow
Webflow is a powerful website builder that combines the ease of a visual design tool with the flexibility of custom code. It is designed to give users complete control over their website's design and functionality, making it an ideal choice for designers, developers, and businesses that require highly customized solutions.
Webflow allows users to create professional, responsive websites without needing to write code, although it also supports custom code for advanced customization.
Key Features:
- Visual Design Tools: Webflow's visual design tools allow users to design websites using a drag-and-drop interface. This includes the ability to create complex layouts, animations, and interactions without writing code.
- Custom Code: For users who need more control, Webflow supports custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This allows for advanced customization and the ability to add unique features to your website.
- Responsive Design: All Webflow websites are fully responsive, ensuring they look great on any device. The platform provides tools to customize the design for different screen sizes.
- Content Management System (CMS): Webflow's CMS allows users to create and manage dynamic content, such as blogs, portfolios, and product listings. The CMS is integrated into the design tool, making it easy to create custom content types and templates.
Pros and Cons:
Use Cases:
Webflow is ideal for designers, developers, and businesses that need custom solutions. It is particularly well-suited for:
- Designers and Developers: The platform's flexibility and support for custom code make it a favorite among professional web designers and developers.
- Businesses Needing Custom Solutions: Companies that require unique, highly customized websites will benefit from Webflow's capabilities.
- Agencies and Freelancers: Webflow is a great tool for agencies and freelancers who need to create custom websites for clients.
Expert Opinion:
Ready to build a custom website with Webflow?
Try Webflow today and take advantage of its powerful visual design tools, flexible customization options, and integrated CMS to create a stunning online presence.
Best for Custom Code and Flexibility
WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a popular website builder and content management system (CMS) that offers a flexible and powerful platform for creating websites. Unlike its self-hosted counterpart, WordPress.org, WordPress.com provides a hosted solution, making it easier for users to get started without worrying about server management.
It is known for its extensive customization options, thanks to a vast library of plugins and themes, as well as support for custom code.
This makes it an ideal choice for bloggers, developers, and businesses that require a high degree of flexibility and control over their website's design and functionality.
Key Features:
- Plugins: WordPress.com offers access to thousands of plugins that extend the functionality of your website. These plugins cover a wide range of needs, including SEO, social media integration, ecommerce, security, and more.
- Themes: Users can choose from hundreds of free and premium themes to customize the look and feel of their website. Themes are highly customizable, allowing users to adjust layouts, colors, fonts, and more.
- Custom Code: For advanced users, WordPress.com supports custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This allows for extensive customization and the ability to add unique features to your website.
- Content Management: WordPress.com provides a robust CMS that makes it easy to create, manage, and organize content. This includes support for blogs, portfolios, and other content types.
- SEO Tools: Built-in SEO tools help optimize your website for search engines. Features include customizable meta tags, alt text for images, and XML sitemaps.
- Ecommerce Integration: WordPress.com supports ecommerce through plugins like WooCommerce, enabling users to create and manage online stores.
- Mobile Optimization: All themes are responsive, ensuring that your website looks great on any device.
- Customer Support: WordPress.com offers various support options, including live chat, email support, and a comprehensive knowledge base.
Pros and Cons:
Use Cases:
WordPress.com is ideal for bloggers, developers, and businesses that need custom solutions. It is particularly well-suited for:
- Bloggers: The robust CMS and extensive customization options make it a favorite among bloggers.
- Developers: The ability to add custom code and access to a wide range of plugins and themes make it a powerful tool for developers.
- Businesses: Companies that require a flexible and scalable platform for their website will benefit from WordPress.com's capabilities.
Expert Opinion:
Try WordPress.com today and take advantage of its powerful plugins, customizable themes, and support for custom code to create a unique and professional online presence.
Best for Professional Portfolios
Adobe Portfolio
Adobe Portfolio is a specialized website builder designed to help creatives showcase their work in a professional and visually appealing manner. It is included with any Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, making it an accessible option for those already using Adobe's suite of creative tools.
Adobe Portfolio is particularly well-suited for photographers, designers, and artists who need a straightforward way to create a polished online portfolio without extensive technical knowledge.
Key Features:
- Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud: Adobe Portfolio seamlessly integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications like Photoshop, Lightroom, and Behance. This allows users to easily import and manage their creative assets.
- Customizable Templates: The platform offers a variety of responsive templates that are designed to highlight visual content. These templates are customizable, allowing users to adjust layouts, colors, fonts, and more to match their personal or professional brand.
- No Coding Required: Adobe Portfolio is designed for ease of use, with a no-code interface that allows users to build and customize their websites without needing to write any code.
- Unlimited Pages and Galleries: Users can create multiple pages and galleries to organize their work, making it easy to showcase different projects or categories.
- Domain Name Integration: Users can connect their own custom domain names to their Adobe Portfolio sites, enhancing their professional appearance.
- SEO Tools: Basic SEO tools are included to help improve the visibility of your portfolio on search engines.
Pros and Cons:
Use Cases:
Adobe Portfolio is ideal for photographers, designers, and artists who need a professional and easy-to-use platform to showcase their work. It is particularly well-suited for:
- Photographers: The integration with Adobe Lightroom makes it easy for photographers to manage and display their photo collections.
- Designers: Graphic designers can benefit from the seamless integration with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, allowing them to showcase their design projects effectively.
- Artists: Visual artists can use Adobe Portfolio to create a polished online gallery of their work, with customizable templates that highlight their creative style.
Expert Opinion:
Try Adobe Portfolio today and take advantage of its seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud, customizable templates, and user-friendly interface to create a stunning online portfolio.
Best for Blogging
Blogger
Blogger is a free blogging platform owned by Google, designed to provide an easy-to-use interface for creating and managing blogs. Launched in 1999 by Pyra Labs and acquired by Google in 2003, Blogger has become one of the most popular platforms for personal blogs and hobbyists.
It offers seamless integration with other Google services, making it a convenient choice for users who are already familiar with the Google ecosystem.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-Use Interface: Blogger's user-friendly interface allows users to create and manage blogs without any technical expertise. The platform provides a straightforward dashboard where users can write posts, customize their blog's appearance, and manage settings.
- Integration with Google Services: Blogger integrates seamlessly with various Google services, including Google Analytics, Google AdSense, and Google Search Console. This integration allows users to track their blog's performance, monetize their content, and improve their search engine visibility.
- Customizable Templates: Blogger offers a range of customizable templates that users can modify to suit their personal style. The platform also supports HTML and CSS for advanced customization.
- Built-in Analytics: Blogger includes built-in analytics tools that provide insights into blog traffic, audience demographics, and popular posts. This helps users understand their audience and optimize their content strategy.
- Free Hosting and Domain: Blogger provides free hosting and a Blogspot subdomain (e.g., yourblog.blogspot.com). Users can also connect a custom domain if they prefer.
Pros and Cons:
Use Cases:
Blogger is ideal for personal blogs and hobbyists who want a simple and free platform to share their thoughts, experiences, and creative work. It is particularly well-suited for:
- Personal Blogs: Individuals looking to share personal stories, opinions, and experiences.
- Hobby Blogs: Enthusiasts who want to blog about their hobbies, such as travel, cooking, or photography.
- Beginner Bloggers: New bloggers who want an easy-to-use platform to get started without any costs.
Expert Opinions:
Try Blogger today and take advantage of its user-friendly interface, seamless Google integration, and customizable templates to create a blog that reflects your personal style.
Best for Small Businesses
Weebly
Weebly is a website builder designed to help small businesses and startups create professional websites with ease. Founded in 2006 and acquired by Square in 2018, Weebly offers a range of features that cater to the needs of small business owners, including a drag-and-drop builder, ecommerce tools, and SEO features.
Its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing make it an attractive option for businesses looking to establish an online presence.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-Drop Builder: Weebly's intuitive drag-and-drop builder allows users to create and customize their websites without any coding knowledge. Users can easily add and arrange elements such as text, images, videos, and forms.
- Ecommerce Tools: Weebly provides robust ecommerce features, including product management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and shipping options. This makes it easy for businesses to set up and manage online stores.
- SEO Features: Weebly includes built-in SEO tools to help improve website visibility on search engines. Features such as customizable meta tags, alt text for images, and automatic sitemaps are available to enhance SEO performance.
- Mobile Optimization: All Weebly websites are mobile-responsive, ensuring that they look great and function well on any device.
- Integrated Marketing Tools: Weebly offers integrated marketing tools, including email marketing, social media integration, and analytics, to help businesses promote their websites and track performance.
- Customer Support: Weebly provides customer support through live chat, email, and phone, as well as a comprehensive help center with tutorials and guides.
Pros and Cons:
Use Cases:
Weebly is ideal for small businesses and startups that need an easy-to-use platform to create and manage their websites. It is particularly well-suited for:
- Small Businesses: Weebly's ecommerce tools and integrated marketing features make it a great choice for small businesses looking to sell products online.
- Startups: The affordable pricing and user-friendly interface make Weebly an attractive option for startups that need to establish an online presence quickly.
- Service Providers: Businesses that offer services, such as consultants, freelancers, and agencies, can benefit from Weebly's customizable templates and contact forms.
Expert Opinion:
Try Weebly today and take advantage of its drag-and-drop builder, robust ecommerce tools, and integrated marketing features to create a professional online presence.
Final Recommendations
Choosing the right website builder depends on your specific needs and skill level:
- Beginners: If you're new to website building, Squarespace and Weebly are excellent choices due to their ease of use and comprehensive features.
- Small Business Owners: For those looking to establish an online store, Shopify offers the best ecommerce tools, while Weebly provides a cost-effective solution with integrated marketing features.
- Bloggers: Blogger is a great starting point for personal and hobby blogs, thanks to its simplicity and Google integration.
- Creative Professionals: Adobe Portfolio is ideal for photographers, designers, and artists who need a professional portfolio with seamless Adobe integration.
- Advanced Users and Developers: Webflow and WordPress.com are perfect for those who need extensive customization and are comfortable with custom code. Webflow, in particular, offers unparalleled design flexibility and control.
If you are serious about your business and want a high-converting website that can actually bring in business, we highly recommend getting a custom Webflow design.
Webflow offers unparalleled flexibility and customization, allowing you to create a unique and professional online presence that stands out from the competition.
A well-designed Webflow site can enhance user experience, improve SEO, and ultimately drive more conversions and sales.
Please contact us below to get started. Our team of experts is ready to help you create a high-converting website that meets your business needs and goals.
