Choosing the right website platform is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when building an online presence for your business. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start when looking for the best website builder. The right platform should align with your business goals, budget, and technical expertise.

Here’s a breakdown of what to consider when selecting the best website platform for your needs.

1. Understand Your Business Needs to Choose the Right Website Builder

Before choosing a platform, ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the purpose of your website? (E.g., blog, e-commerce, portfolio, service-based business)
• Do you need specific features such as online booking, a store, or a membership area?
• Will you need to update content regularly, or is it more static?
• What is your budget for building and maintaining your site?

Consider if a Business Website Builder plan is necessary to unlock advanced features like ecommerce capabilities and various AI tools.

Having clear answers will help you narrow down your choices to platforms that meet your specific requirements.

2. Understanding Website Builders

What is a website builder?

A website builder is a powerful tool that allows you to create and manage your own website without needing any coding skills. These platforms are designed to be user-friendly, often featuring a drag-and-drop editor that makes it easy to customize your site. Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or someone looking to establish an online presence, a website builder can help you create a professional website quickly and efficiently.

Benefits of using a website builder

Using a website builder comes with numerous benefits. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to use, making them accessible to individuals with no technical background. Most website builders offer a variety of website templates, allowing you to choose a design that suits your brand. Additionally, these platforms are cost-effective, often providing a range of pricing plans to fit different budgets.

Website builders also come equipped with essential features like SEO tools, integrated marketing tools, and ecommerce features. These tools can help you optimize your site for search engines, run marketing campaigns, and even set up an online store. This makes it easier to attract visitors, engage with your audience, and drive sales.

Types of website builders: free, paid, and online store builders

There are several types of website builders to choose from, each catering to different needs. Free website builders offer basic functionalities and are a great starting point for those on a tight budget. However, they often come with limitations such as ads and restricted features. Paid website builders, on the other hand, provide more advanced tools and greater flexibility, making them suitable for growing businesses.

If you’re looking to set up an online store, specialized online store builders are your best bet. These platforms are designed with ecommerce in mind, offering features like payment processing, inventory management, and customizable product pages. Whether you need a simple site or a full-fledged online store, there’s a website builder out there to meet your needs.

Consider Ease of Use with a Drag and Drop Editor

If you have no coding experience, you’ll want a user-friendly website builder that offers drag-and-drop functionality. Some platforms are more beginner-friendly than others. Additionally, an AI website builder can be a powerful tool, allowing users to create personalized, business-ready sites in a matter of minutes with features like a conversational interface, extensive template libraries, and customization options:

• Easiest to Use: Wix, Squarespace, Shopify
• Moderate Learning Curve: WordPress, Webflow
• Requires Technical Skills: Custom-built websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

3. Compare Customization & Flexibility

Your website should grow with your business. Some platforms offer more design and functionality customization than others:

• Highly Customizable: WordPress, Webflow
• Moderate Customization: Shopify, Wix
• Limited Customization: Squarespace, Weebly

Connecting a custom domain significantly enhances your website’s professional appearance and credibility, and many platforms include this feature for free during the first year of premium plan purchases.

If you need a unique design or specific features, go for a platform that allows for extensive customization.

4. Evaluate Templates & AI-Generated Websites

Many platforms offer pre-designed templates, making it easier to create a visually appealing site without extensive design knowledge. However, some free site builders provide a few free templates, which can simplify the process for beginners, unlike Webflow’s limited templates that may pose challenges for novice users without coding experience.

• Best Template Variety: WordPress, Wix, Squarespace
• Limited but Polished Templates: Shopify, Webflow

Additionally, AI-generated website builders like Wix ADI and Bookmark’s AI software can create a site based on your inputs.

Pros of AI-Generated Websites:

• Quick and easy setup. An AI website builder allows users to create personalized, business-ready sites in a matter of minutes.
• Minimal design effort required
• Great for beginners or businesses needing a fast launch
  

Cons of AI-Generated Websites:

• Limited customization options
• Generic-looking designs
• Less flexibility for future growth and changes

If you need more control over design and branding, a template-based or fully custom approach may be a better choice.

5. Evaluate E-Commerce Capabilities

If you plan to sell products or services online, choosing an e-commerce-ready platform is crucial. Consider:

• Best for Online Stores: Shopify, WooCommerce (WordPress), BigCommerce
• Good for Service-Based Businesses: Squarespace, Wix (with booking options)
• For Digital Products & Memberships: Kajabi, Teachable, Gumroad
  

Many of these platforms offer a free trial, allowing you to test their features and capabilities without any financial commitment.

6. Assess SEO Tools & Performance

A well-optimized website ranks better on search engines, leading to more organic traffic. Utilizing a free website builder with built-in SEO tools can significantly enhance your site’s visibility. Key SEO considerations include:

• SEO-Friendly Platforms: WordPress, Webflow, Shopify
• Limited SEO Control: Wix, Squarespace
• Page Speed & Mobile Optimization: Ensure the platform supports fast load times and mobile responsiveness.

7. Review Cost & Scalability

Your budget will impact your choice of platform. Here’s a general pricing comparison:

• Budget-Friendly (Free or Low Cost): Wix (Free plan available), WordPress.org (requires hosting)
• Mid-Range: Squarespace ($16+/month), Shopify ($29+/month)
• High-End/Custom: Webflow, custom-built websites (can be thousands of dollars)

Compared to other website builders, these platforms offer different pricing structures and features that cater to various needs.

If you expect your business to grow significantly, choose a platform that can scale with you.

8. Support & Community

Reliable customer support and an active user community can save you headaches down the road. Choosing the right website builder with good support is crucial to ensure you have the help you need when you encounter issues.

• Best Support: Shopify, Squarespace (24/7 customer service)
• Large Community & Resources: WordPress, Webflow
• Limited Support: Free website builders (Wix free plan, Weebly free plan)

9. Security

Are website builders secure?

Security is a critical consideration when choosing a website builder. Most reputable website builders come with built-in security features such as HTTPS and SSL protocols, which ensure secure communication between your website and its visitors. These features are particularly important for protecting sensitive information like personal details and credit card data.

However, the level of security can vary between different website builders. It’s essential to check what security measures are offered by your chosen platform. In addition to the built-in security features, you can take extra steps to enhance your website’s security. This includes using strong, unique passwords, keeping your software up to date, and regularly monitoring your website for any suspicious activity.

By choosing a secure website builder and implementing additional security practices, you can protect your website and its visitors, ensuring a safe and trustworthy online presence.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right website platform depends on your business goals, technical skills, and budget. If you need a simple, user-friendly solution, Wix or Squarespace may be ideal. For a highly customizable and scalable site, WordPress or Webflow are great options. If e-commerce is your focus, Shopify is a top contender. Additionally, you can explore comprehensive lists and rankings of the best website builders for 2025 to find the most suitable platform for your needs.

Still unsure which platform is right for you? At Ravenscrest Consulting, we offer a free consultation to help you choose the best fit for your business.

Let us guide you to the perfect website solution. Contact us to get started, and check out these additional resources:

• The Small Business Guide to Website Design
• 7 Easy and Essential SEO Tips for Boosting Your Website’s Visibility