To grow your business, you need the best website builders, not just any website. Look for one that is attractive, functional, and easy to navigate. According to Arun Arora, a senior partner at McKinsey & Company, a slow website that offers a poor user experience will make visitors leave without looking back.
The good news is that you no longer need to hire a designer to create a great website. You can do it yourself, even if you’re a beginner. The best website builders are affordable, easy to use, offer a wide range of visually appealing templates, and allow you to expand your online presence as your business grows.
In this article, we’ll analyze and compare the ten best websites on the market to help you choose the one that best suits your needs.
Our Best Website Builders in 2023:
- GoDaddy: The Best Website Builder for Beginners
- Web.com: The Best for Design Flexibility
- Squarespace: Ideal for image-heavy websites
- Network Solutions: Best for fast connections
- IONOS: Best for starting an online store
- Jimdo: Best for those looking for guided help
- SITE123: Best for building a simple website
- HostGator: Best for business owners on a budget
- Fiverr: Best for affordable outsourcing services
- Elementor: Best for WordPress beginners
A Closer Look at the Top 10 Website Builders
GoDaddy’s website builder is a versatile option that’s suitable for users of all skill levels. You shouldn’t have any trouble using its intuitive editor, and it has a lot of additional tools to help you grow your website, from powerful online marketing and booking tools to an online store builder.
GoDaddy has an excellent help center and a basic user dashboard that lets you manage all of your GoDaddy products in one place. Its editor lacks design flexibility, its SEO tools are somewhat rudimentary, and there are only 22 templates available. However, its competitive pricing and wide range of tools make it a great choice for everyone, from beginners building their first website to advanced webmasters looking to set up an online store.
Why we chose GoDaddy: It works wonders for mobile websites.
PROS
- Easy to set up and use.
- Includes advanced marketing tools.
- Integrations with eBay, Etsy, Facebook, and more.
CONS
- You can’t add custom code.
- You can’t export content.
Web.com is an American company that offers web development, domain registration, and web hosting services to small and medium-sized businesses. It has been in business since 1999, making it one of the leaders in its field. Web.com’s website builder is intuitive and easy to use for beginners (though it lacks customization options) and offers over 150 industry-specific templates so you can get online quickly, even if you’re new to website building.
According to Abhishek Shah, founder of Testlify, Web.com’s strength is its ability to offer a variety of services beyond website creation, such as SEO and PPC, web security solutions, and hosting.
Its plans include free hosting, domain registration, and basic marketing features. Plus, with Web.com, you get one hour of free dedicated support from experienced web designers.
Why we chose Web.com: We like its simplicity and ease of use, which makes it a great choice if you want to get online quickly.
Our experience. Web.com is a great choice for beginners, although its editor can seem complicated until you get the hang of it. We especially liked the variety of templates available.
PROS
- Well-designed templates
- Free images and photos
Professional web design support within an hour
CONS
- Limited customization options
- No free trial
Squarespace is one of the best options for a visually beautiful website thanks to its fantastic variety of templates. With Squarespace, you can access advanced SEO features, powerful e-commerce capabilities, unlimited bandwidth, responsive design, and much more. It’s one of the more expensive website builders, but it offers flexible pricing options with its personal and business plans.
The intuitive and powerful Fluid Engine, Squarespace’s new and improved drag-and-drop editor, offers tons of customization options, simplifies website creation, and delivers incredible results.
Why we chose Squarespace: We were impressed by the quality of Squarespace’s templates and the variety of design styles. The templates seem to have a unique structure.
Our experience: The Fluid Engine editor is easy to use. The grid allows you to rearrange elements and even add animations. We were able to quickly switch between the desktop and mobile versions of the site and customize the layout at the same time.
Read the Squarespace review
PROS
- Over 100 templates with attractive designs
- All templates are optimized for mobile devices
- Powerful SEO and blogging features
CONS
- Only suitable for sites with a flat navigation structure
- No phone support
With Network Solutions, you can quickly create a simple website. It offers a wide range of templates, an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, a dedicated email address, free web hosting, and a domain name.
However, Network Solutions’ pricing structure is not very transparent. While the first month’s subscription fee is quite affordable (starting at $2.95), subsequent months are significantly more expensive (starting at $14.95 for the most basic plan).
Additionally, many customers are happy with the efficiency of Network Solutions’ technical support team and their ability to quickly resolve complex issues. The quality of customer service was an important factor for us when compiling this list. Business owners need speed and efficiency when dealing with technical issues, and Network Solutions delivers on that.
Why we chose Network Solutions: Network Solutions makes website creation simple, even for beginners. This is a great option for small businesses looking to establish their online presence.
Our experience: We liked that Network Solutions offers web development services. It has a team of web designers who can create your website for a fee (the price is not transparent, but you can talk to a professional to get a quote). You can then access your site from the standard editor to make changes if necessary.
PROS
- Easy-to-use editor
- Over 150 templates for different industries and use cases
Domain name, web hosting, and SSL certificate included in all plans
CONS
- Unclear pricing structure
- Limited customization options
IONOS is a reliable e-commerce website builder designed for small business owners. Creating a website with IONOS is very simple, even if you’ve never done it before. You can effectively cross-sell and resell products on individual product pages to increase your profits and get full abandoned cart recovery functionality (not all website builders offer this). With IONOS, it’s easy to expand your business and even sell on social media and popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google Shopping, and Amazon. Although it has a limited number of templates (19), they are all well-designed and optimized for mobile devices.
Why did we choose IONOS? IONOS is the best option for quickly setting up an online store. Its subscription prices (even for premium plans) are affordable, especially for the first 6-12 months. After that, subscription prices increase, but IONOS is transparent about its pricing, with no nasty surprises.
Our experience: The IONOS dashboard, or Presence Suite, is an intuitive system for managing your website and online presence. Plus, the website builder is designed for beginners, making it easy to understand.
PROS
- Powerful e-commerce features at an affordable price
- Mobile-optimized templates
Keep track of your competitors’ activity on Google and social media
CONS
- Limited number of templates
- Only ten pages with the premium plan
Jimdo is a German website builder specifically aimed at freelancers, helping them boost their growth and thrive. “They are the backbone of the economy.”
Small business owners looking for help creating a website will find Jimdo Dolphin helpful, with customizable photos and content.
Why we chose Jimdo: Jimdo is a great option if you want to automate and simplify the website design process as much as possible. How easy was it to create our website with Jimdo Dolphin?
Our experience: We had to answer a few questions about our business, the types of websites we use, and our preferred style and colors. We also offer social media features. Jimdo Dolphin then offered us several websites to choose from.
PROS
- Fast and easy web design
- Good SEO tools
- Permanent free plan available
CONS
- Limited design flexibility
- Email-only customer support
SITE123 is one of the most intuitive and straightforward website builders, ideal for beginners. It offers a complete solution for all your website building needs, including an intuitive no-code editor, free hosting, powerful SEO tools, and responsive templates.
Setting up an online store is also very simple. With limited e-commerce features, it might be the best option if you plan to expand your business quickly. It’s useful if you’re looking for an easy way to sell online.
We chose SITE123. SITE123 is a simple and beginner-friendly platform that will help you get your website up and running quickly. It also offers a free trial that you can try before committing.
Our experience: Compared to other website builders we tested, SITE123 was the easiest to use. We had to choose the type of website we wanted to create, the name we wanted to use, and our preferred template.
PROS
Free version with 250 MB of storage
Hundreds of mobile-optimized templates to choose from
24/7 live chat support and a knowledge base with numerous tutorials
CONS
Basic customization options
Can’t export the website
HostGator is an affordable website builder with everything you need to get started. All plans include over 200 templates, an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, and powerful email marketing tools. Depending on the plan you choose, you can get three, five, or ten email campaigns per month.
HostGator’s editor is incredibly versatile, considering its price. It offers two options: an AI-powered design wizard or a customizable template.
Why did we choose HostGator? HostGator is an affordable option with excellent hosting. Their responsive website builder (included with all plans) is ideal for creating your website with minimal effort.
In our experience, we found HostGator’s control panel very easy to navigate, and you can even create your own logo with LogoMaker. We found the AI website builder’s customization options a bit limited, but it’s still ideal if you want to get your website up and running quickly.
PROS
- All plans include an AI design wizard.
- Affordable introductory plans.
- Powerful marketing tools, including HostGator’s LogoMaker.
CONS
- No free plan
- Limited number of products, except for the premium plan
Marketplaces like Fiverr are invaluable resources for those looking for a custom website and a talented web designer or developer. Fiverr stands out for its transparent pricing, excellent user interface, and ease of finding the right web design professional.
Here are some things to consider before hiring someone on Fiverr:
- The type of website you want to create (e.g., an interactive website, a large online store, a portfolio website, etc.)
- Your specific needs and requirements
- Your budget and timeframe
- Your preferences for the platforms and tools you’d like the web designer to use (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Figma, WordPress, or a website builder like Wix or Squarespace)
- The services you need (responsive design, prototyping, etc.)
Then, go to the web design category and use the search box to find the right person. Once you’ve selected a few promising freelancers, you can browse their portfolios, reviews, and suggested packages to find the perfect candidate.
Why we chose Fiverr: On Fiverr, you can find professional web designers who can create anything you need, usually at very competitive prices. You can also use Fiverr Pro to find carefully selected professionals who offer excellent quality and service.
Why we chose Fiverr: We found Fiverr easy to navigate. Choose the type of service you need and use the search and filters to narrow down the options. Reviewing the top results in a specific category was much faster than trying to browse hundreds of results in broad categories like web design.
PROS
- A global marketplace that gives you access to talented professionals
- Outsource your website creation for a truly custom design
- Easy-to-use search engine
CONS
- Quality can vary depending on the person you choose.
- Custom designs are more expensive.
Elementor is a popular WordPress page builder with advanced editing features. It can be used with existing WordPress websites, making it a great option for making small modifications without having to start from scratch.
Plus, Elementor has an excellent free version and several competitively priced premium versions. It’s easy to use, offers excellent customization, and integrates with various third-party apps and programs.
PROS
- It includes a convenient and feature-rich editor.
- It offers excellent design flexibility across the board.
- It works with all WordPress themes.
CONS
- Getting started can be a bit tricky.
- It requires a hosting account and a WordPress website.
What is a Website Builder?
A website builder is an easy-to-use platform that allows you to quickly create and launch a website, even if you’re a beginner with no programming or tech knowledge. Most website builders include an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, a selection of pre-built templates that you can customize, an e-commerce suite, and SEO tools.
How Do Website Builders Work?
Website builders include built-in editors that convert your design into code. These editors allow you to create your website, control its appearance, add various elements (photos, content, contact forms, etc.), and create new pages.
Most website builders have extensive template libraries. You can choose the design that best suits your brand image and vision. Then, you can customize it and add images and content.
The Advantages of Website Builders
Website builders offer many advantages to entrepreneurs who want to quickly create an online presence without spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Easy to Use: Website builders are intuitive, and most don’t require any special computer knowledge or technical skills.
Customization Options: Website builders typically offer a wide selection of professionally designed templates that you can customize to create a website that fits your vision.
Affordability: Hiring a web designer can cost thousands of dollars. Website builders are a much more affordable solution, starting as little as $1 per month with a builder like IONOS.
Easy Maintenance: Using a website builder makes it easy to maintain and grow your website. You can create new pages, list new products, add more content, and change any design element directly from the platform.
How to Choose the Best Website Builder for Your Needs?
5 Questions to Help Determine Your Website Builder Needs
Choosing the best option depends on your needs. Here are five questions to help you decide.
- What type of website do you plan to create? (Portfolio, blog, online store, etc.)
- Will you be selling products or services?
- What is your annual budget? Are you willing to pay more for the features you need?
- Do you need a platform with many customization options, or do you prefer to create a simple website and get up and running quickly?
- Are you comfortable learning a new platform?
For example, let’s say you’re launching your first clothing brand and want to quickly create an online store. You have no prior experience in web design, which leads you to prefer simpler solutions, and your budget is limited. In this case, look for an affordable and easy-to-use website builder with full e-commerce features, such as IONOS or HostGator.
On the other hand, Squarespace or Wix may be a better option if you have a larger budget and lots of product photos.
9 Key Features of the Best Website Builders
The best website builders have a few things in common. These are the key features to consider when choosing a platform.
- Variety of high-quality templates. A good website builder will offer a wide range of high-quality templates to make it easy to create a visually appealing website.
- Design flexibility. Website customization options are important if you want to create something that feels like your own.
- Adequate storage space and bandwidth. Consider the storage space you need. Websites that contain photos and text will likely require less storage space than those with a lot of videos.
- E-commerce capabilities. Pay special attention to the website builder you choose for your e-commerce store. Some are more suitable than others, especially if you plan to expand.
- SEO tools: Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential if you rely on organic traffic to grow your business. The website builder you choose should provide the SEO features you need to be visible in search engines.
- Google Analytics Integration: Google Analytics allows you to analyze your website’s performance and visitor demographics.
- Third-Party Plugins and Extensions: You may need to use a third-party plugin to add additional features (chatbots, forms, testimonials, etc.) to your website. Make sure you choose a website builder that supports this.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Nearly 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices, so…
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Website?
The cost of building a website varies depending on your needs. A simple website that you build yourself can cost around $100 per year if you choose the most affordable tools and subscription plans. However, the annual cost will increase if you want to add an online store or third-party apps.
For example, with the IONOS Starter plan, a website without an online store will cost $5 per month for the first six months and $9 per month thereafter. An online store will cost $5 per month for the first six months and $19 per month thereafter.
You’ll need to hire a professional web designer to create your website, where you’ll have control over every element of the design. This can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the complexity, number of pages, and your exact requirements.
Do You Need a Website Builder?
Website builders are ideal for entrepreneurs on a budget who are ready to build a website and willing to invest the time and effort into its creation.
Making Money From Your Website
Try some of these standard options to make your website profitable.
- Sell advertising space: Visitor attention is one of your most valuable resources, and you can monetize it by selling advertising space.
- Add products or services for sale: Creating an online store is another way to monetize your website traffic.
- Join an affiliate marketing network: Affiliate marketing accounts for 16% of e-commerce sales, making it an important marketing channel for brands.
- Create a membership program: Subscription-based memberships allow you to easily monetize a loyal fan base.
- Launch an online course: Global revenue from online education is expected to grow by about 10% annually over the next few years, so now is the ideal time to get started.
- Start an online course: Global online education revenue is projected to grow approximately 10% annually for the next few years, so now is the perfect time to get started.
- Publish sponsored content. If your website receives a lot of organic traffic, sponsored content can be a great way to monetize it. You can create almost any type of online presence with a website builder, from a portfolio to a restaurant website, an online store, or the website of a school, university, or nonprofit organization.
What Types of Sites Can You Create with a Website Builder?
- E-commerce platforms
- Bloggers
- Portfolio websites for artists or photographers
- Websites for musicians
- Websites for nonprofit organizations
- Websites for businesses such as mom-and-pop shops, SMBs, or large enterprises
- Daycare websites
- Entertainment websites
- Information websites
- Community forums
In short, the possibilities are almost endless. Need more help deciding? Below, we’ll help you narrow down your options and choose the website builder that best suits your needs.
The Best Website Builders for Photography
Squarespace and Web.com are two of the best website builders for photographers. Both make it easy to quickly and easily create and manage an attractive portfolio website, even if you have no web design knowledge.
The Best Website Builders for Small Businesses
Look no further: Wix and SITE123 are two of the best website builders for small businesses. Their editors are simple and intuitive, so you’ll have a professional-looking website for your small business in no time.
The Best Website Builders for SEO
You’ll rely on organic traffic to grow your business. WordPress.com and Jimdo are two of the best website builders for SEO. Both include all the SEO tools you need to get started, even without experience.
Jimdo has its own RankingCoach tool, which offers short SEO tasks to improve your site’s ranking, while WordPress.com has its own page structure editor to change your site’s appearance in search engines.
The Best Website Builders for E-Commerce
IONOS and HostGator are among the best eCommerce website builders. Both offer inventory and order management, easy online payments, and integrated shipping management.
The Best Website Builders for Blogs
If you’re looking for the best website builders for blogging, HubSpot and Network Solutions are your best options. They allow you to create a strong online presence, publish blog posts, and add your own content.
Other Website Builders Worth Considering
Our recommendations are the result of a rigorous research, review, and selection process. Although only 10 made the final list, we analyzed many more website builders, including:
- WordPress.com: Best for advanced blogging
- BoldGrid: Best for creating professional WordPress websites
- Weebly: Best for marketing and e-commerce features
- Zyro: Easy-to-use web design tools
- Hibu: Best for personal digital marketing services
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- 10 Web Design Examples for Party Venue Rental Websites (+ Free Templates)
- 10 Tips for Creating a Great Website for Your Daycare
Creating a Website Is Effortless With the Right Website Builder
Building a strong online presence is essential if you want to grow your business. To do this, you need the right tools. And we can confidently say that a website builder is the best way to create a professional-looking website and get online quickly.
We’ve thoroughly researched the best website builders and found the ten we feature here to be top picks and meet a wide range of needs. Our comparison of the best website builders has options for every taste, from all-in-one platforms like Wix to AI-powered web design assistants like Jimdo Dolphin.
