The Service Business Guide: Best Website Builder for Small Business

Think of your website as your business’s digital storefront. It’s open 24/7, ready to welcome potential customers from all over the world. That kind of visibility is hard to beat, especially for a small business. 

Want to be found on Google and other search engines? A website is key for that (that’s where SEO comes in).

A website also helps you build trust. It gives customers a place to learn about your business, your values, and what makes you different. Plus, having your own website lets you control how your brand looks and feels. You can tailor the experience perfectly to your customers.

You’re ready to launch your dream business but need a website. The problem is, where do you even start? 

There are many different website builders out there, and it’s easy to feel lost. I’ll help you make sense of it all. 

Even if you aren’t gifted in web design, these tools can make you feel like a pro.

First, you need to know that not all website builders are created equal. So, before you even attempt to begin, there are a few key things to think about:

Ease of Use

Do you want something super simple? Many website builders use drag-and-drop interfaces, so you can arrange text, images, and other features without any coding. 

Templates give you a headstart. You pick a layout and customize it for your own website. Look for a builder that feels intuitive and doesn’t have a steep learning curve.

Core Features

What do you need your website to DO? If you want to sell online, you’ll need ecommerce features. Want to start a blog to share your expertise? 

Look for built-in blogging tools. Some website builders even offer email marketing or SEO tools to help you reach more customers.

Room To Grow

As your small business takes off, you might need more from your website. Can the website builder scale with you? Can you add more features or easily upgrade your plan for more storage and bandwidth?

Help When You Need It

Even the best website builders can sometimes leave you scratching your head. Does the company offer good customer support? Is there a helpful knowledge base or tutorials? You don’t want to get stuck.

Some builders are great for basic websites, and others handle complex online stores. Website templates give you a starting point, but can you make them your own? Look for customization options.

Be sure to check to see whether upgrades are possible. Adding a new room (like an online store) down the line should be doable with the right builder.

Now, it’s time to review some of the best website builders. Remember to consider your specific needs and what’s important to your small business.

1. Wix

• Pros: Versatile, drag-and-drop builder, great for beginners, lots of website design choices, good built-in features.
• Cons: So many options can be a bit overwhelming at first. And they can get pricey with advanced features.

Wix is quite possibly the best website builder around, and for good reason. It’s known for being super easy to use. You pick a template (they have hundreds), and their drag-and-drop builder lets you move things around to make the site your own.

Want to add text, images, a contact form, or even a video? Just drag and drop them in place. Whether you need a simple website or an online store, Wix has the tools to make it happen.

2. Squarespace

• Pros: Stunning designs, good for showcasing visual work, easy to make your website look polished.
• Cons: Slightly trickier to use than Wix, fewer overall features, can get expensive.

If you run a photography studio, design firm, or another creative business, Squarespace could be your perfect match. Their website templates are the most elegant and stylish you’ll find.

They make it easy to create a website that looks like a professional designer made it. Squarespace is perfect if you want people to say “wow” when they see your site.

3. Shopify

• Pros: Powerful ecommerce features, easy to get started, lots of tools for online selling, integrates with other selling platforms.
• Cons: Not as flexible for other website types, transaction fees with some payment options.

Planning to sell products online? Shopify is the king of ecommerce. It was made specifically to help businesses set up online stores, and it shows.

Adding products, taking payments, even handling things like shipping options – they make it straightforward. If selling online is your main focus, Shopify should be at the top of your list.

4. GoDaddy

• Pros: Very beginner-friendly, affordable plans, great if you need something quick.
• Cons: Limited templates and customization options, best for simple sites.

Need a website up and running fast? GoDaddy sports high-speed functionality to get you up and running in record time. What’s more, it’s incredibly simple to use, which means you can get a basic website online in record time. If you don’t want to fuss over tons of design choices, GoDaddy can be a great solution.

5. Weebly

• Pros: Cheap ecommerce plans, easy to use, good starting point for online stores.
• Cons: Not as powerful as Shopify, fewer advanced features.

Weebly is the budget-conscious choice for small businesses looking to sell online. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of Shopify, but it gives you the basics of setting up an online store.

Weebly has some nice features for beginners, like their mobile app that lets you work on your site even when you’re offline. If that kind of thing is important to you, this one’s worth looking into.

You’ve chosen your site builder – now let’s optimize. Here are a few extra things to consider for a top-notch small business website:

• Custom Domain Name: Ditch that generic web address and get a custom domain (like www.yourbusiness.com). It adds a professional touch.
• SSL Certificate: An SSL certificate keeps your customers’ data safe. This security feature is often included in paid plans.
• Mobile-First Design: Ensure your website looks great on phones and tablets. Most website builders have tools to optimize for mobile devices.
• Integrations Power Up: Can your site connect with email marketing, social media, or even your CRM? These integrations streamline your workflow. Think ahead about the tools you might want to use.
• Extra Perks (Plugins & More): Explore your website builder’s app store or check if they support plugins. These add-ons can unlock cool features like FAQs, custom fonts, or even advanced ecommerce tools.

The best website builders make the process a breeze. Look for drag-and-drop editors that let you customize without needing to code. Many providers offer free trials or free plans – perfect for testing the waters.

Don’t get overwhelmed. Start with a simple but polished website. You can always expand, tweak, and add more features as your business grows. That’s the beauty of scalability.

A fantastic website is an essential tool for any entrepreneur. It boosts credibility, lets you showcase your products or services, and helps you connect with customers 24/7. Picking the right builder takes the stress out of website building.

The best part? With the right website builder, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Ready to see your business shine online? Sign up for the Founder OS newsletter or apply for the Founder OS Program.