How to Choose a DIY Website Builder
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In today's digital age, having a professional and polished website is essential for businesses and individuals alike. With the plethora of DIY website builders available, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of choosing the perfect DIY website builder for your needs.
If you are new here, we need to first tell you that we love and use Squarespace for ALL of our web designs. Everything you see is built on Squarespace – we even developing a range of Squarespace templates to make the process easier still!
Why DIY Website Builders?
Before we dive into the comparison, let's explore the benefits of using a DIY website builder. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, drag-and-drop functionality, and customizable templates, making it easy for anyone to create a professional-looking website without the need for coding or design skills.
PLUS they come at only the fraction of the cost of a custom \-built, bespoke website and if you are just starting out in the business world we know how important those budget savings are!
Ok, let’s jump in.
1. Squarespace:
Ok so you know we love Squarespace but let me tell you why! Known for its sleek design templates, Squarespace offers a wide range of stylish and responsive designs suitable for various industries. With its intuitive interface and robust features, Squarespace is an excellent choice for small businesses, bloggers, and creatives looking to showcase their work.
Who is it made for:
service-based businesses
small businesses
Pros:
All in one platform
Super user-friendly
Built in SEO tools
Cons:
E-commerce could be better, businesses with big inventories could find limiting.
No free plan
2. Shopify
Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform designed for businesses of all sizes. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for setting up and managing online stores, including customizable themes, secure payment processing, and inventory management features. While Shopify excels in e-commerce functionality, its website design options may be more limited compared to Squarespace for non-commerce websites.
Who is it made for?
E-commerce stores
Pros:
Tailored for e-commerce
Extensive App Store integrations
Cons:
Steeper learning curve
Higher transaction fees on payment gateways
3. Wix
Wix is another popular DIY website builder known for its versatility and ease of use. It offers a vast selection of templates and allows for extensive customization options. While Wix is more beginner-friendly than Squarespace, some users find its interface to be less intuitive.
Who is it made for?
Beginners requiring a customised web solution.
Pros:
Large number of templates.
Affordable pricing plans including a free option.
Cons:
SEO limitations
WIX branding
3. WordPress
WordPress is a powerful platform favored by bloggers and businesses alike. While it offers unparalleled flexibility and customization options, it requires a steeper learning curve compared to other builders. Additionally, WordPress users are responsible for hosting and maintaining their websites, which may require additional technical knowledge.
Who is it made for?
Those needing significant customisation for their sites.
Pros:
Open-source platform with a huge amount of users and developers
Unlimited design customisation
Cons:
Requires regular maintenance and updates
Learning curve may be too much for many beginners and require the assistance of a web developer
When choosing a DIY website builder, it's essential to consider factors such as:
ease of use
design options
features
customer support.
While Squarespace stands out for its sleek designs and robust features, other builders like Wix, WordPress, and Shopify offer their own unique strengths. It is important to choose a website builder that suits the needs of your business.
Ready to get started? If you think Squarespace might be the right option for you then be on the lookout for our upcoming release of Squarespace templates to get you on your way!