Over the years, working as a professional SEO, I have had the opportunity to create websites from the ground up for several clients and small businesses.
Thanks to website builders, I could create and run a website without requiring professional help or knowledge of coding.
In this article, I share my expert opinion on the best website builders for small businesses I have worked with.
If you’re interested in a specific builder, click the links below to go straight to it:
Best Website Builder for Small Business
- Self-Hosted WordPress: Best Website Builder for Small Business Overall
- Hostinger Website Builder: Best AI-Powered Website Builder
- HubSpot Website Builder: Best for Marketing Automation
- Wix: Best Quick Business Website Creator With Simple Templates
- GoDaddy Website Builder: Best for Simple Websites
- Gator Website Builder: Best Affordable Website Builder
- Weebly: Best for Beginners
- Squarespace: Best for Design-Centric Businesses
How We Do Reviews at OptinMonster
OptinMonster reviews are based on in-depth testing and unbiased analysis. Our experts thoroughly evaluate plugins for features, usability, and performance. We value transparency and trust, so our recommendations are impartial and reflect the author’s experience.
Overview of the Top 5 Website Builders for Small Business
| Website Builder | Best For | Pros | Cons | Pricing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WordPress.org (Self-Hosted) | Best Overall | Flexible, scalable, SEO-friendly, large community | Requires manual backups and updates | Free (requires domain name and hosting) |
| 2 | Hostinger Website Builder | Best for AI-Powered Creation | Quickly create website with AI, drag-and-drop editor | Limited customization compared to WordPress.org, fewer integrations | Starts at $2.99/month |
| 3 | HubSpot Website Builder | Best for Marketing Automation | Marketing automation tools, CRM integration | Simpler than WordPress.org, might not be ideal for complex websites | Free plan with limited features, premium plans available |
| 4 | Wix | Best for Quick & Easy Creation | Drag-and-drop builder, many templates, SEO tools | Absolute positioning (not ideal for all screen sizes), difficult to move site away from Wix | Free plan, premium plans start at $16/month |
| 5 | GoDaddy Website Builder | Best for Creating Simple Sites | Easy to use, drag-and-drop editor, built-in marketing tools | Fewer features than some builders, not ideal for content-rich websites | Starts at $10.99/month |
The best website builders for small businesses are discussed in detail below.
With OptinMonster, boost your small business store’s conversion rate.
Instantly grow your email list, get more leads and increase sales with the best lead generation and customer acquisition software in the market.
Want to see it in action for yourself? Create your risk-free OptinMonster account today!
1. Self-Hosted WordPress: Best Website Builder for Small Business Overall
I’d be remiss not to mention WordPress. While not technically a website builder in the same vein as the others, it’s an incredibly popular platform for a reason. With WordPress, you have near-infinite customization options and a vast ecosystem of plugins and themes. However, it requires more technical know-how compared to other options.
There are two versions of WordPress: WordPress.org and WordPress.com. WordPress.org is self-hosted and free, while WordPress.com has a variety of pricing levels.
Tons of brands use WordPress. Some big names include TechCrunch, The New York Times Company, and Microsoft News.
I’ve seen WordPress work wonders for clients with complex websites or those who need a high degree of control over their online presence. But for those who just want a simple, hassle-free site, it might be overkill.
Pros:
- It’s is open-source, so it’s available on most web hosting platforms including Bluehost.
- It offers thousands of pre-made, customizable WordPress themes for every niche.
- Drag-and-drop interface WordPress builders give you more control over your small business website.
- Thousands of plugins including customizable web and contact forms plugins, eCommerce plugins, Google analytics plugins, online courses plugins, page builder plugins, and SEO plugins.
- Ensures your site is search engine-friendly.
- Integrates with almost every online platform or tool.
- Popular, huge helpful community and plenty of resources.
Cons:
- Requires manual site back up, updating WordPress and plugins. One way to solve this is with managed WordPress hosting. This option lets someone else look after the technical aspects of running your site.
Pricing:
Self-hosted WordPress is free.
That said, registering your own domain name and using shared hosting come with fees, and this is the way most truly professional websites go.
I recommend Bluehost, where you can get started for $1.99 per month with a free domain for the first year. It also comes with professional email, free SSL certificate, and more.
Get started with WordPress today!
2. Hostinger Website Builder: Best for Automatically Creating a Website
Hostinger Website Builder has impressed me with its affordability and ease of use. If budget is a primary concern for your small business, this is definitely a contender. The drag-and-drop interface is intuitive, and the selection of templates is decent for basic websites.
The AI-powered website builder will automatically build you a website, including SEO-friendly content and relevant images, based on your answers to a few simple questions.
It’s a great option for startups or businesses just getting started online.
If you need to make customizations, you can easily do so with the drag-and-drop editor. Hostinger is also one of the top web hosting providers with affordable pricing.
Pros:
- AI-powered website builder and an easy drag-and-drop editor to make customizations.
- Built-in library of ready-made website templates designed by professionals.
- Powerful ecommerce tools to manage an online store and sell up to 500 products.
- The cheapest plan includes web hosting, a free domain name, free business email address, and more.
Cons:
- It’s difficult to switch to a different website template after you’ve chosen one.
- Compared to website builders like WordPress.org, it lacks 3rd-party integrations and addons.
Pricing:
- Premium: $2.99 per month ($7.99 per month upon renewal)
- Business: $3.99 per month ($8.99 per month upon renewal)
- Cloud Startup: $8.99 per month ($19.99 per month upon renewal)
Get started with Hostinger Website Builder today!
3. HubSpot Website Builder: Best for Marketing Automation
HubSpot Website Builder is more than just a website builder; it’s a comprehensive marketing platform. If you’re looking to grow your business beyond a simple website, HubSpot could be a good fit. The platform offers robust features for SEO, email marketing, and CRM.
A unique feature of the HubSpot website builder is its adaptive testing. This lets you choose up to 5 different versions of a web page. HubSpot monitors and determines the best website for your small business.
I’ve implemented HubSpot for clients in the B2B space and seen positive results. However, the learning curve can be steeper compared to other options, and the pricing can be higher.
Pros:
- Integration with its CRM. This lets you use customer data to create a personalized experience for each visitor.
- All content is on one platform. So, you don’t need to jump around to different places to make everything work.
- Though HubSpot is simple, it’s also comprehensive. It has features like email marketing, live chat, and adaptive testing, which many don’t.
Cons:
- If you want an online store or a complex business website, a platform like WordPress.org could be better. HubSpot is a bit simpler.
- Beginners might find the extra features a bit intimidating. Decide if you need marketing automation features before buying.
Pricing:
Begin your journey with the free website builder from HubSpot! They provide a range of packages, including free options with limited features and premium plans offering advanced capabilities and dedicated support.
For pricing plans, feel free to contact their sales experts.
Get started with HubSpot Website Builder today!
4. Wix: Best Quick Business Website Creator With Simple Templates
Wix is probably the most well-known website builder on the market and arguably the best free website builder for small business. It offers a wide range of templates, a flexible drag-and-drop interface, and a decent app market. I’ve used Wix for numerous clients, from restaurants to online stores.
While Wix is user-friendly, I’ve found that the design customization can sometimes be limited. Additionally, switching templates after building a site can be challenging.
Wix made my list of the top website builders because of its Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI). ADI digs through the web for information on your business.
Pros:
- Offers over 800 templates, clip art, icons, and an app market in the free version. You can add access to more apps, videos, and more at higher levels.
- This platform also has SEO, email capture and marketing, social posting, and Facebook ad tools.
- Hundreds of customizable templates available. These templates let you create your own website in minutes.
- Some versions of Wix also allow you to translate your site into different languages.
Cons:
- Wix uses absolute positioning (as opposed to responsive design). This means elements don’t always adjust to different screens. So, it isn’t the best for different sizes of screens or SEO.
- If you move your site away from Wix, it can be pretty complicated to make it happen.
Pricing:
Wix offers a free plan and 5 different premium plans:
- Lite: $17 per month
- Core: $29 per month
- Business: $36 per month
- Business Elite: $159 per month
- Enterprise Plans: Customized to your needs
5. GoDaddy Website Builder: Best for Creating Simple Sites
GoDaddy has made significant improvements to its website builder in recent years. It’s a solid choice for small businesses looking for a straightforward solution. The interface is user-friendly, and the pricing is competitive.
I’ve used GoDaddy for several clients in the local service industry. While it’s a good option for basic websites, I’ve found that the design flexibility is somewhat limited compared to other builders.
Pros:
- No technical knowledge needed, pick one of their ready-to-use templates, fonts, and graphics and use the drag-and-drop editor to customize it.
- You can add contact forms, videos, and social media links.
- Also includes built-in marketing tools, including SEO and email marketing functions.
- This business website creator works on any screen, including your phone or tablet.
- The GoDaddy InSight tool gets insights and recommendations based on data from millions of users. You get an Insight Score to help you make your small business website even better.
Cons:
- Compared to some business website builders, GoDaddy Website Builder offers fewer features.
- It’s also not the best for content-rich websites. It’s better for building a simple site with a few pages.
- If you want to move your site from GoDaddy to a different platform in the future, it’s not easy to do.
Pricing:
- Basic: $10.99 per month ($12.99 per month upon renewal)
- Premium: $14.99 per month ($22.99 per month upon renewal)
- Commerce: $20.99 per month ($26.99 per month upon renewal)
Get started with GoDaddy Website Builder today!
6. Gator Website Builder: Best Affordable Website Builder
As a HostGator product, Gator Website Builder offers a similar level of affordability and ease of use. It’s a good option for small businesses that need a basic website without breaking the bank.
While I haven’t used Gator extensively, I’ve seen positive reviews from users. It seems like a solid choice for those who prioritize simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Pros:
- Gator Website Builder boasts no learning curve, with a library of themes and layouts to choose from. The drag-and-drop software makes it easy to add images, videos, Google Maps, and more.
- This platform includes free hosting, a domain name, analytics, and an SSL certificate. Those certificates keep your site secure and more SEO-friendly.
- If you already have a website, Gator Website Builder doesn’t make you start from scratch. They make transferring your site as easy as possible.
Cons:
- Gator Website Builder doesn’t have a ton of advanced features. If you want to open an ecommerce site or have lots of bells and whistles, this wouldn’t be the best choice for you.
- Additionally, you sign a 3-year contract up front. You can cancel before renewal, but there may be a fee. (That said, it’s still cheaper than many hosts when you add up the yearly prices.)
Pricing:
- Starter Plan: Starts at $3.46 per month
- Premium Plan: Starts at $5.39 per month
- Ecommerce Plan: Starts at $8.30 per month
Get started with the Gator Website Builder today!
7. Weebly: Best Freemium Website Platform for Small Business
Weebly is another popular website builder with a strong reputation. It offers a clean interface and a good selection of templates. While it’s not as feature-rich as some other options, it’s a reliable choice for small businesses.
I’ve used Weebly for a few eCommerce clients, and it handled the process well. However, I found the customization options to be somewhat limited compared to other platforms.
Pros:
- Allows you to use SEO and lead generation features. But, you may have to upgrade to a paid plan to gain full access.
- This platform allows your small business website to be mobile-friendly with responsive templates.
- Upgrading lets you use Weebly with your domain. Otherwise, you’ll have a domain including Weebly in the URL.
- You get site search, HD audio and video, and membership options with different plans.
Cons:
- The basic, free level has some rudimentary ecommerce functions. Still, the paid versions are likely to make customers far happier.
- Not everyone finds Weebly’s drag-and-drop builder easy to use.
- If you want to change website platforms later, you may have to re-create your site from scratch.
- It has an excellent app store.
Pricing:
- Personal: $10 per month
- Professional: $12 per month
- Performance: $26 per month billed
Get started with the Weebly Website Builder today!
8. Squarespace: Best Business Website Creator for Modern Designs
Squarespace is known for its stylish templates and high-quality designs. If visual appeal is a top priority for your business, this could be the perfect platform. While it’s more expensive than some other options, the investment often pays off in terms of website aesthetics.
I’ve used Squarespace for clients in the creative industries, such as photographers and designers. The platform excels at creating beautiful portfolios and online stores.
Pros:
- Squarespace aims to be manageable if you’re creating a website for your business for the first time.
- Its basic plan lets you set up a 20-page website.
- You can use Squarespace with a custom domain for free for the first year. Plus, it’s hosted, so Squarespace keeps your site updated.
- You also get free SSL certificate, analytics, and ecommerce features with that package.
- It also lets you sell unlimited products and accept donations.
- Other plans offer inventory management, accounting, checkout functions, cart recovery, and ecommerce reporting.
Cons:
- Some people find a learning curve, though Squarespace’s support can help solve issues.
- If ecommerce is essential to your business, you need one of the more expensive plans.
Pricing:
- Personal: $16 per month
- Business: $23 per month
- Basic Commerce: $28 per month
- Advanced Commerce: $52 per month
Get started with Squarespace today!
Note: There are many web builders not included in the list, such as Square, WordPress.com, Shopify, and others because I did not want to put our readers into decision paralysis. Rest assured, the tools mentioned are the best website builders for small businesses.
Key Features To Consider in a Website Builder
When selecting a website builder for your small business, several key features should be on your radar, but I highly suggest prioritizing the following four as the most important:
- User-friendly interface ensures fast and smooth navigation
- Customization options let you tailor your site to your brand
- Ecommerce capabilities are essential for online sales
- Responsiveness ensures your site looks great on mobile devices
Don’t forget the search engine optimization tools that boost your visibility on search engines.
What Comes After Picking a Website Builder?
Even if you’re still working on your business website, I recommend building your email marketing list and audience before launching your site.
The sooner you start building your list, the more leads and conversions you can see.
OptinMonster, a premium WordPress plugin, has advanced targeting features for effective marketing. Regardless of which website builder you choose, I want to help your business grow.
OptinMonster’s targeting features include:
- Exit-Intent Technology: Grabs visitors’ attention before they leave your small business website
- Page-level Targeting: Lets you create page-specific offers relevant to your customers
- Onsite Retargeting: Shows different offers to people who’ve seen previous marketing campaigns
OptinMonster also integrates with major ecommerce platforms and industry-leading email marketing services.
With its range of templates and themes, you can create a unique website for your business. OptinMonster lets you build high-converting marketing campaigns matching your company’s design.
Start Your OptinMonster Account Today!
30 days money back guarantee
FAQs
Q1. What Is the Best Website Builder for Small Business?
WordPress is my pick for the best website builder for small businesses. It’s flexible, scalable, and easy to use.
With four out of ten websites running on WordPress, there’s a huge community with resources and tutorials to provide help.
Q2. Can I create a business website for free?
Free business website creators often have limitations and don’t look professional.
Plus, many “free” website creators aren’t free when you look deeper. Using a free website platform for small businesses usually means:
- You can’t use your domain
- Your website has ads you can’t control
- You may have to pay for templates and add-ons
- You don’t have complete control over your site
- Having to pay for things you weren’t expecting
That said, I did include a few free options in my list of business website builders because “free” doesn’t always mean “bad.” Pay attention to what’s on offer and make sure your chosen business website creator fits your needs.
Q3: How much does it cost to build a website for a small business?
The cost of building a website for a small business owner can vary widely depending on factors like complexity, features, website design, bandwidth and the platform you choose. Using a DIY website building tool can start as low as $5 to $20 per month, while hiring a professional web developer might range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. Remember, investing in a quality website is an investment in your business’s online presence.
Q4: What is the best free website builder for small business?
Wix is generally considered the best free website builder for small businesses. It offers a great balance of user-friendliness, design flexibility, and features.
Add a Comment