Best Website Builders for Small Business Owners

You’re a small business owner, and you know you need a website. But where do you even start? Choosing the best website builders for small business owners can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options out there. Let’s cut through the noise and get straight to what matters.

Why Choosing the Right Website Builder is Crucial for Small Businesses

Look, in today’s digital world, not having a website is like not having a business card. But it’s more than that—it’s your storefront, your brand’s home, and often the first impression potential customers get. So, picking the right website builder is crucial.

The best website builders for small business owners offer an easy-to-use interface, customisation options, and scalability. Whether you’re a tech wizard or a complete beginner, the right platform can make or break your online presence.

Key Features to Look for in a Website Builder

1. Ease of Use

If you’re like most small business owners, you don’t have time to learn how to code. You need a platform that’s user-friendly, where you can drag and drop your way to a professional-looking website.

• Drag-and-Drop Editors: Builders like Wix and Weebly offer intuitive drag-and-drop editors that let you design your site without touching a single line of code.
• Pre-Made Templates: These save you time and give you a head start with professional designs you can customise.

2. Customisation Options

Your website should reflect your brand, not a cookie-cutter template. The best website builders for small business owners offer customisation options to make your site truly yours.

• Custom Domains: A personalised domain name, like yourbusiness.com, is essential for brand credibility.
• Flexible Templates: Platforms like WordPress and Squarespace allow for extensive customisation, so your website can look exactly how you envision it.

3. E-commerce Capabilities

If you’re selling products or services online, your website needs to handle transactions smoothly.

• Online Store Integration: Shopify is the go-to for e-commerce, with robust tools for managing inventory, payments, and shipping.
• Payment Gateways: Look for platforms that integrate with popular payment options like PayPal, Stripe, or credit card processors.

4. SEO and Marketing Tools

A beautiful website is useless if no one sees it. The best website builders for small business owners include SEO and marketing tools to help your site rank on search engines and attract visitors.

• SEO Tools: Builders like Wix and WordPress offer built-in SEO features, like meta tags, sitemaps, and analytics, to boost your visibility.
• Marketing Integrations: Look for email marketing tools, social media integration, and Google Analytics compatibility to track and grow your audience.

5. Support and Resources

Let’s face it, things go wrong. Having solid customer support can save you hours of frustration.

• Customer Support: Platforms like GoDaddy offer 24/7 support, so help is always available when you need it.
• Tutorials and Forums: Check if the platform has an active community or a library of tutorials to help you troubleshoot issues on your own.

Top Website Builders for Small Business Owners

Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into the best website builders for small business owners.

1. Wix: The Go-To for Ease of Use

Wix is one of the most popular website builders for a reason. It’s incredibly user-friendly, with a drag-and-drop editor that makes creating a website as easy as pie.

• Best For: Beginners who want a simple, intuitive platform with plenty of design flexibility.
• Key Features: Hundreds of templates, an extensive app market, and built-in SEO tools.

2. WordPress: Ideal for Customisation

WordPress is the powerhouse of website builders. It’s perfect for those who need a high level of customisation and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve.

• Best For: Users who want full control over their website’s design and functionality.
• Key Features: Thousands of plugins, themes, and extensive SEO capabilities.

3. Shopify: E-commerce Powerhouse

If you’re serious about selling products online, Shopify is your best bet. It’s built specifically for e-commerce, making it easy to manage everything from products to payments.

• Best For: Small business owners focused on e-commerce.
• Key Features: Comprehensive e-commerce tools, payment processing, and inventory management.

4. Squarespace: The Designer’s Choice

Squarespace is known for its stunning templates and design-first approach. If aesthetics are important to your brand, this is the platform for you.

• Best For: Businesses that need a visually appealing, professional website without the hassle.
• Key Features: Beautiful templates, built-in e-commerce tools, and robust blogging capabilities.

5. Weebly: The Budget-Friendly Option

Weebly offers a simple, straightforward platform that’s perfect for small business owners on a budget. It’s easy to use and has enough features to get your site up and running quickly.

• Best For: Beginners who need an affordable, no-frills website builder.
• Key Features: Drag-and-drop editor, basic e-commerce capabilities, and responsive templates.

6. GoDaddy: All-in-One Solution

GoDaddy isn’t just about domains—it’s also a strong website builder, especially if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution.

• Best For: Business owners who want to keep everything—domain, hosting, and website—under one roof.
• Key Features: Simple editor, built-in marketing tools, and 24/7 customer support.

7. Carrd: The Minimalist’s Dream

Carrd is a fantastic choice if you need a simple, one-page website. It’s perfect for small businesses that don’t need a complex site but still want something that looks professional.

• Best For: Small business owners who need a quick, simple, and cost-effective website.
• Key Features: Ultra-simple editor, beautiful templates, and affordability.

How to Choose the Best Website Builder for Your Small Business

1. Assess Your Needs

Start by asking yourself what your website needs to do. Do you need a simple informational site, or are you setting up an online store? Your answer will guide your choice.

• Informational Sites: If you just need a place for customers to learn about your services, a platform like Wix or Squarespace might be perfect.
• E-commerce Sites: For online stores, Shopify or WordPress with an e-commerce plugin like WooCommerce would be ideal.

2. Consider Your Budget

Budget is always a consideration, especially for small businesses. Compare the pricing plans of different platforms and see what fits your financial situation.

• Free Trials: Many platforms offer free trials. Take advantage of these to test out the features before committing.
• Hidden Costs: Look out for extra costs, like premium plugins, themes, or transaction fees on e-commerce platforms.

3. Test Drive the Platforms

Don’t just take my word for it—test drive these platforms yourself. Most of the best website builders for small business owners offer free trials or demos.

• Usability: Is the platform intuitive? Can you easily find the features you need?
• Design Options: Do you like the templates and design flexibility?

4. Look for Scalability

Your business will grow—at least, that’s the plan. Make sure your website builder can grow with you.

• Upgrading Plans: Check if the platform offers scalable plans that you can upgrade to as your business expands.
• Add-Ons and Extensions: Look for platforms that support third-party plugins or have an app market to extend your site’s functionality.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Website Builder

1. Optimise for SEO

SEO isn’t just for big businesses. Use your website builder’s built-in SEO tools to improve your site’s ranking on Google.

• Keywords: Include relevant keywords in your titles, meta descriptions, and content.
• Sitemaps: Make sure your site has a sitemap and that it’s submitted to search engines.

2. Focus on Mobile-Friendliness

More people are browsing on their phones than ever before. Ensure your site is responsive and looks great on all devices.

• Responsive Design: Choose a template that automatically adjusts to different screen sizes.
• Test on Multiple Devices: Check how your site looks on a phone, tablet, and desktop.

3. Utilise Analytics

Don’t just set it and forget it. Use analytics to track your site’s performance and make data-driven decisions.

• Google Analytics: Integrate Google Analytics with your site to monitor traffic, bounce rates, and more.
• Regular Reviews: Set a schedule to review your analytics and adjust your strategy accordingly.

4. Update Content Regularly

Keep your website fresh by updating your content regularly. This not only engages visitors but also helps with SEO.

• Blogging: If your platform has a blogging feature, use it. Regular blog posts can drive traffic and improve SEO.
• New Products or Services: Always update your site with the latest offerings to keep customers informed.

5. Seek Ongoing Support

Even the best website builders for small business owners can be overwhelming at times. Don’t hesitate to use the support resources available to you.

• Customer Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to customer support when you hit a snag. Platforms like GoDaddy offer 24/7 support, while others like Wix have extensive help centres and live chat options.
• Community Forums: Join the platform’s community forums or Facebook groups where other users share tips, tricks, and solutions to common issues.
• Tutorials and Webinars: Many website builders provide tutorials and webinars that can help you get the most out of the platform. WordPress, for example, has a vast library of guides and how-tos that cover everything from basic setup to advanced customisation.

And that’s how you can make the most out of the best website builders for small business owners. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, choosing the right platform and leveraging its features to the fullest will help you build a website that not only looks professional but also drives your business forward.

Maximising the Potential of the Best Website Builders for Small Business Owners

You’ve chosen your platform, and your website is live. Now what? The journey doesn’t end when you hit “publish.” Let’s talk about how you can truly maximise the potential of the best website builders for small business owners to drive growth, engage customers, and build your brand.

Enhancing Your Website’s SEO

1. Mastering On-Page SEO

If you’ve got a website, you need it to be found. SEO, or search engine optimisation, is how you make that happen. The best website builders for small business owners come with built-in SEO tools, but knowing how to use them is key.

• Keywords: Start with the basics—research keywords relevant to your business. Use these in your page titles, headings, and throughout your content. For example, if you’re a local bakery, terms like “best bakery in [your city]” should be sprinkled throughout your site.
• Meta Descriptions: These are the snippets that show up under your page title in search results. Make them engaging and include your primary keyword to boost click-through rates.
• Alt Text for Images: Search engines can’t “see” images, but they can read text. Always add descriptive alt text to your images, which also helps with accessibility.

2. Leveraging Off-Page SEO

Off-page SEO involves actions taken outside your website to impact your rankings within search engine results.

• Backlinks: The more reputable sites that link to yours, the better. Reach out to industry blogs or local news sites to see if they’ll feature your business and include a link to your website.
• Social Signals: Engage on social media. While the direct impact on SEO is debated, there’s no denying that strong social signals (likes, shares, comments) can boost your visibility and drive traffic to your site.

Keeping Your Content Fresh

1. Blogging for Engagement

If your website builder includes a blog feature—like WordPress or Squarespace—use it. Regular blogging can be a goldmine for engagement and SEO.

• Relevant Topics: Write about topics that matter to your customers. If you run an online store, for example, you might blog about product care tips, trends in your industry, or the story behind your brand.
• Consistency is Key: Blogging once and forgetting about it won’t do much. Set a schedule—whether it’s weekly or bi-weekly—and stick to it. Regular updates signal to search engines that your site is active.

2. Update Existing Content

Content gets old—fact. Even if you’ve got great pages on your site, revisiting and refreshing them can keep your site relevant.

• Revisit Old Posts: Add new information, update stats, or refresh the images on older blog posts. This keeps the content relevant and can boost its performance in search rankings.
• Repurpose Content: Take a popular blog post and turn it into an infographic, a video, or a series of social media posts. This not only saves time but also reaches different audience segments.

Harnessing the Power of Analytics

1. Understanding Visitor Behaviour

If you’re not tracking how visitors interact with your site, you’re flying blind. The best website builders for small business owners often come with built-in analytics, but tools like Google Analytics can give you even deeper insights.

• Monitor Key Metrics: Pay attention to things like bounce rate (how quickly people leave your site), average session duration, and pages per session. These metrics tell you how engaging your site is.
• Identify Traffic Sources: Where are your visitors coming from? Is it organic search, social media, or direct traffic? Knowing this helps you understand where to focus your marketing efforts.

2. Adjusting Your Strategy Based on Data

Numbers don’t lie. Use the data from your analytics to make informed decisions about your website and marketing strategies.

• Refine Your Content: If a certain blog post is getting lots of traffic, consider writing more on that topic. If a particular product page has a high bounce rate, it might need better images or more detailed descriptions.
• Test and Learn: Use A/B testing to try out different headlines, images, or calls to action. See what resonates with your audience and leads to better engagement or sales.

Building a Strong Brand Identity

1. Consistent Visual Branding

Your website is an extension of your brand, so everything from the logo to the font choices should be consistent with your overall branding.

• Templates Matter: Platforms like Squarespace and Wix offer beautifully designed templates that can align with your brand’s aesthetic. Choose one that matches your brand’s look and feel.
• Custom Colours and Fonts: Don’t settle for the default options. Use your brand’s colours and fonts consistently across your website to create a cohesive experience.

2. Storytelling Through Content

Customers connect with stories. Use your website to tell the story of your brand—who you are, why you started, and what makes you unique.

• About Us Page: This is more than just a page—it’s where you make your first impression. Use it to share your journey, your mission, and your values.
• Customer Testimonials: While we’re avoiding formal case studies and testimonials here, incorporating subtle stories of customer success or satisfaction in your content can enhance credibility without feeling forced.

Expanding Your Online Presence

1. Integrating Social Media

Your website shouldn’t be an island. Integrate your social media platforms to create a seamless experience for your audience.

• Social Media Links: Make sure your website has clearly visible links to your social media profiles. Most website builders, like Weebly and GoDaddy, make this easy to do.
• Social Sharing Buttons: Encourage visitors to share your content by adding social sharing buttons to your blog posts and product pages.

2. Email Marketing Integration

Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience and drive repeat business.

• Sign-Up Forms: Use your website builder’s tools to add sign-up forms to your site. Offer a discount or a free resource to incentivise visitors to join your mailing list.
• Automated Campaigns: Platforms like Mailchimp or ConvertKit integrate with most website builders, allowing you to set up automated campaigns that nurture leads and keep your audience engaged.

Preparing for Future Growth

1. Scalability is Key

Your small business won’t stay small forever—at least, that’s the goal. Choose a website builder that can grow with you.

• Upgradable Plans: Many platforms offer scalable plans. For instance, Shopify has different pricing tiers depending on your business size and needs. Make sure the platform you choose can handle more traffic, more products, or more services as your business expands.
• Third-Party Integrations: As your business grows, you might need additional functionality like advanced analytics, CRM tools, or more robust e-commerce features. Platforms like WordPress and Wix offer extensive third-party integrations to support this growth.

2. Stay Updated with New Features

Website builders are constantly evolving. The best website builders for small business owners regularly roll out new features and updates that can help you stay competitive.

• Regularly Check for Updates: Keep an eye on updates from your website builder. New features can offer new ways to engage customers or streamline your operations.
• Experiment with New Tools: Don’t be afraid to try out new tools or features as they become available. Whether it’s a new SEO plugin, a social media integration, or an advanced analytics tool, staying ahead of the curve can give you a competitive edge.

And there you have it—how to take the best website builders for small business owners and use them to their full potential. By focusing on SEO, keeping your content fresh, harnessing analytics, building a strong brand, and preparing for future growth, you’ll not only create a professional online presence but also drive real results for your business.