In 2023, 91% of consumers searched online for local businesses, making a compelling website not just a luxury but a necessity. In this digital age, your website isn’t merely a brochure; it’s your storefront, your customer service rep, and your brand ambassador, all rolled into one. A well-designed website can elevate your small business from local gem to a nationally recognized contender.
Yet, the reality is that 53% of small businesses still need a website. Reasons? Often, it boils down to budget limitations, lack of technical know-how, and the fear of getting lost in a sea of options. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll cut through the noise and present you with the top 10 web design platforms tailored for small businesses in 2024. No matter your budget, skill level, or industry, you’ll discover the perfect platform to craft a website that looks professional and helps you achieve your business goals.
Top 10 Web Design Platforms to Elevate Your Small Business in 2024
Here’s the comparison table for the top 10 web design platforms for small businesses in 2024:
Platform | Pros | Cons | Pricing | Best For |
Wix | Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface, 500+ customizable templates, 50+ payment gateways, integrated marketing tools, AI-powered features, 24/7 customer support | Limited customization compared to WordPress, higher pricing tiers, steeper learning curve for beginners | Free plan; Paid plans: $17-$159/month | Small businesses, startups, entrepreneurs with limited technical expertise |
Squarespace | Intuitive drag-and-drop editor, 160+ high-quality templates, seamless ecommerce integration, Acuity Scheduling tool, built-in analytics and email marketing tools, access to Squarespace Extensions | Limited scalability, higher pricing tiers, limited multilingual support, subpar site speed | Personal: $16/month, Business: $23/month, Commerce Basic: $28/month, Commerce Advanced: $52/month | Creatives, beginners, businesses offering bookable services |
Shopify | Intuitive interface, extensive template library, robust ecommerce integrations, seamless integration with social media and POS system, secure hosting, wide range of apps | Higher pricing tiers, limited customization for advanced users, learning curve for advanced features | Free trial; Paid plans: from $29/month | Beginners, small to medium-sized online stores, service-based businesses |
WordPress.org | Extensive library of themes and plugins, scalable, active community support, flexible for various website types | Requires technical knowledge, complex setup for hosting and domain, ongoing maintenance | Free software; Hosting and domain: from $5/month | Experienced users, businesses needing advanced functionality, bloggers, ecommerce stores |
Webflow | Intuitive drag-and-drop interface, extensive templates and design elements, sophisticated design features, integrated CMS, robust ecommerce capabilities, seamless third-party integrations | Steeper learning curve, limited customization compared to CMS like WordPress, higher pricing for advanced features | Free plan; Paid plans: $14-$74/month | Small to medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, freelancers, ecommerce businesses, agencies |
GoDaddy | User-friendly interface, mobile-responsive templates, integrated ecommerce, comprehensive marketing tools, 24/7 customer support, affordable pricing | Limited customization options, some less robust features, less flexibility than coding from scratch | Free plan; Paid plans: $9.99-$29.99/month | Small businesses, individuals, service-based businesses, small online stores |
Weebly | Ease of use, responsive templates, e-commerce capabilities, comprehensive customer support, competitive pricing | Limited design flexibility, Weebly branding on lower-tier plans, no autosave feature, limited app store | Free plan; Paid plans: $12-$38/month | Beginners, small online stores, service-based businesses |
Zyro | Intuitive drag-and-drop builder, AI-powered tools, heatmap feature, integrated e-commerce, frequent updates, 24/7 customer support | Limited customization, inability to change template after creation, potential complexity with custom domains | Website plan: $2.90/month, Business plan: $4.90/month | Beginners, small businesses, service-based businesses |
Duda | Intuitive interface, AI tools, SEO optimization, e-commerce integration, white label options, advanced features | Higher pricing tiers, limited customization options, learning curve for advanced features | Basic: $19/month, Team: $29/month, Agency: $59/month | Agencies, businesses managing multiple websites, freelancers |
Bubble | Intuitive interface, extensive template library, scalability, cost-effective, vibrant community support | Limited customization, responsiveness requires practice | N/A | Businesses and entrepreneurs creating interactive web applications |
1. Wix
Wix is a comprehensive website builder platform that offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, making it an attractive option for small businesses looking to establish an online presence. It provides a wide range of customizable templates, powerful ecommerce features, and a suite of marketing tools to help businesses grow their audience and drive sales.
✅ Pros
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop website builder with an intuitive interface
- Offers over 500 customizable templates across various industries and design styles
- Supports 50+ payment gateways and advanced ecommerce capabilities, including inventory management and multichannel selling
- Integrated marketing tools, such as email marketing, social media management, and SEO optimization
- AI-powered features like a business name generator and logo maker to help with branding
- 24/7 customer support and a comprehensive knowledge base
❌ Cons
- Limited customization options compared to more advanced platforms like WordPress
- Higher pricing tiers can be more expensive for small businesses on a tight budget
- The extensive feature set and customization options may have a steeper learning curve for beginners
Pricing
- Free plan available with limited features and ads.
- Paid plans range from $17 to $159 per month (billed annually).
- The recommended “Core” plan is $29 per month, which includes e-commerce features and a marketing suite.
Who It's Best For
Wix is an excellent choice for small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs looking for an easy-to-use website builder with robust e-commerce and marketing capabilities. It’s particularly well-suited for businesses that are just starting out or have limited technical expertise, as the platform’s AI-powered features and intuitive interface make it simple to create a professional-looking website.
2. Squarespace
Squarespace is a popular website builder known for its user-friendly interface, high-quality templates, and robust ecommerce capabilities. It caters to a wide range of users, from beginners looking to create simple websites to businesses aiming to establish a strong online presence with advanced features.
✅ Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor for easy website customization.
- Over 160 aesthetically-pleasing templates covering various industries.
- Seamless integration of ecommerce functionality for online selling.
- Acuity Scheduling tool for managing appointments and services.
- Built-in website analytics and email marketing tools.
- Access to Squarespace Extensions for additional functionality.
❌ Cons
- Limited scalability for larger online stores compared to dedicated e-commerce platforms like Shopify.
- Higher pricing tiers compared to some competitors like Wix.
- Limited support for multilingual sites and international expansion.
- Some SEO features may not be as advanced as other platforms.
- Site speed performance may be subpar in comparison to other website builders.
Pricing
- Personal Plan: $16 per month for basic personal websites.
- Business Plan: $23 per month for advanced analytics and basic ecommerce features.
- Commerce Basic Plan: $28 per month for ecommerce with no transaction fees.
- Commerce Advanced Plan: $52 per month for advanced ecommerce features.
- No free plan available, but a 14-day free trial is offered.
Who It's Best For
Squarespace is best suited for:
- Creatives looking to build design-focused websites with high-quality templates.
- Beginners due to its easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor and seamless user experience.
- Businesses offering bookable services or appointments through the Acuity Scheduling tool.
- Small online stores looking to sell products and services online without transaction fees.
Squarespace is an ideal choice for individuals and businesses seeking a visually appealing website with integrated ecommerce functionality, making it a versatile platform for various online needs.
3. Shopify
Shopify is an all-in-one commerce platform designed for independent business owners to start, run, and grow their businesses online and in-store. It offers a wide range of features to create and customize online stores, sell across multiple channels, manage products, payments, and shipping, as well as execute and analyze online marketing campaigns. Shopify caters to businesses of all sizes and stages, providing flexibility and scalability for growth.
✅ Pros
- Intuitive interface with a user-friendly experience.
- Extensive template library for creating visually appealing online stores.
- Robust e-commerce integrations for managing products, inventory, payments, and shipping.
- Seamless integration with social media, mobile, and brick-and-mortar sales channels.
- Secure and reliable hosting with unlimited bandwidth on all plans.
- Access to a wide range of apps in the Shopify App Store for added functionality and customization.
❌ Cons
- Higher pricing tiers compared to some competitors.
- Limited customization options for advanced users compared to platforms like WordPress.
- Learning curve for utilizing advanced features and settings.
Pricing
- Offers a 3-day free trial with no credit card required, followed by plans starting at $29 per month.
- Monthly plans are available for most subscriptions, with discounts for yearly commitments.
- Shopify Plus available on 1- or 3-year terms for enterprise-level businesses.
Who It's Best For
Shopify is best suited for:
- Beginners looking to start an online store with ease
- Small to medium-sized online stores seeking a comprehensive e-commerce solution
- Service-based businesses looking to expand their online presence and manage appointments or bookings
- Businesses aiming to sell products both online and in-person, utilizing Shopify’s POS system
- Shopify’s versatility and range of features make it an ideal platform for businesses looking to establish a strong online presence, manage sales across various channels, and grow their e-commerce operations effectively.
Shopify’s versatility and range of features make it an ideal platform for businesses looking to establish a strong online presence, manage sales across various channels, and grow their e-commerce operations effectively.
4. WordPress.org
WordPress.org is an open-source content management system (CMS) that powers millions of websites worldwide. It offers a highly customizable platform for building websites, blogs, and online stores. WordPress.org is self-hosted, meaning users need to obtain their own domain and web hosting to use the platform.
✅ Pros
- Extensive library of free and paid themes for customizing the look and feel of your website.
- Thousands of plugins available to extend functionality and add new features.
- Scalable and suitable for websites of all sizes, from personal blogs to large enterprises.
- Active community of developers and users providing support and resources.
- Flexible and suitable for a wide range of website types, including ecommerce stores.
❌ Cons
- Requires more technical knowledge compared to website builders like Wix or Squarespace.
- Setting up hosting and domain can be more complex for beginners.
- Ongoing maintenance and updates needed to keep the platform secure and optimized.
Pricing
- WordPress.org software is free to download and use.
- Hosting and domain costs vary depending on the provider, with plans starting around $5/month.
- Premium themes and plugins may require additional purchases.
Who It's Best For
WordPress.org is ideal for:
- Experienced users and developers looking for a highly customizable platform
- Businesses that require advanced functionality and scalability
Bloggers and content creators who want full control over their website - Ecommerce stores that need a flexible platform for selling products online
While WordPress.org offers more flexibility and customization options compared to website builders, it requires more technical expertise to set up and maintain. However, its vast ecosystem of themes, plugins, and community support makes it a powerful choice for businesses looking to build a professional, feature-rich website.
5. Webflow
Webflow is a powerful website development platform that empowers users to create professional-looking websites without the need for extensive coding knowledge. It offers a visual, drag-and-drop interface that allows users to design, build, and launch responsive websites with a range of advanced features and customization options.
✅ Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes website building accessible to users of all skill levels.
- Extensive library of pre-built templates and design elements to jumpstart the website creation process.
- Sophisticated design features like parallax scrolling, animations, and micro-interactions to create visually stunning websites.
- Integrated content management system (CMS) for easy content creation and management.
- Robust ecommerce capabilities, including product management, inventory tracking, and secure payment processing.
- Seamless integration with various third-party tools and services for enhanced functionality.
❌ Cons
- Steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with web design and development concepts.
- Limited customization options compared to fully-fledged content management systems like WordPress.
- Pricing can be higher than some website builders, especially for advanced features and enterprise-level plans.
Pricing
- Free plan available with limited features and Webflow branding.
- Paid plans range from $14 to $74 per month, depending on the features and ecommerce capabilities required.
- Startup discount available, providing 100% off the first year of a CMS site plan.
Who It's Best For
Webflow is an excellent choice for:
- Small to medium-sized businesses looking to create professional, visually-appealing websites without extensive coding knowledge.
- Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creatives who require a flexible and customizable platform to showcase their work.
- Ecommerce businesses seeking a user-friendly platform to build and manage their online stores.
- Agencies and web design professionals who want to offer their clients a powerful, yet accessible, website development solution.
Webflow’s combination of design flexibility, ecommerce features, and no-code/low-code approach makes it a compelling choice for small businesses and entrepreneurs seeking to establish a strong online presence without the need for extensive technical expertise.
6. GoDaddy
GoDaddy is a comprehensive web hosting and website building platform that caters to small businesses and individuals looking to establish an online presence. It offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of customizable templates, and a suite of tools to help users create, manage, and grow their websites.
✅ Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop website builder with a simple, beginner-friendly interface.
- Extensive library of mobile-responsive templates across various industries and design styles.
- Integrated ecommerce features, including online store creation, inventory management, and secure payment processing.
- Comprehensive suite of marketing tools, such as email marketing, social media integration, and SEO optimization.
- 24/7 customer support and a knowledge base to assist users of all skill levels.
- Affordable pricing plans that offer good value for money.
❌ Cons
- Limited customization options compared to more advanced website builders like WordPress or Webflow.
- Some features may be less robust or feature-rich than dedicated ecommerce or marketing platforms.
- The website builder may not offer the same level of flexibility and control as coding a website from scratch.
Pricing
- Free plan available with limited features and GoDaddy branding.
- Paid plans range from $9.99 to $29.99 per month, billed annually.
- The “Online Store” plan, which includes ecommerce features, starts at $19.99 per month.
Who It's Best For
GoDaddy is an excellent choice for:
- Small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to establish an online presence quickly and easily.
- Individuals and freelancers who need a simple, yet professional-looking website.
- Service-based businesses, such as consultants, coaches, or local service providers.
- Small online stores or businesses selling physical or digital products.
GoDaddy’s user-friendly interface, affordable pricing, and comprehensive suite of tools make it a popular choice for small businesses and individuals who want to create a professional website without extensive technical expertise.
7. Weebly
Weebly is a comprehensive website builder platform designed for individuals and small businesses to create professional-looking websites without extensive technical expertise. It offers a user-friendly interface, a wide range of customizable templates, and robust e-commerce features to help users establish an online presence effectively.
✅ Pros
- Weebly is known for its intuitive drag-and-drop editor, making it easy for users to create and customize websites without coding knowledge.
- Weebly’s responsive templates are praised for their professional design and adaptability to different devices, ensuring a consistent user experience across various platforms.
- Weebly’s integrated e-commerce tools allow users to create online stores and manage products, inventory, and shipping with ease.
- Weebly offers comprehensive customer support through multiple channels, including email, live chat, and phone support, as well as a detailed Help Center and educational resources.
- Weebly offers competitive pricing with a free plan available, making it accessible to small businesses and individuals on a budget.
❌ Cons
- Some users find Weebly’s design customization options to be restrictive compared to other website builders, limiting their ability to create unique designs.
- Users on the Free and Connect plans are required to display Weebly branding on their websites, which may detract from their site’s professionalism.
- The lack of an autosave feature in Weebly’s editor can be inconvenient and frustrating for users who lose progress due to technical issues.
- Weebly’s app store, while offering some useful integrations, is not as extensive as those of other website builders, which may limit the functionality of the platform.
Pricing
- Free plan: Available with limited features and Weebly branding on the website.
- Paid plans: Range from $12 to $38 per month, depending on the features and e-commerce capabilities required.
Who It's Best For
Weebly is ideal for:
- Beginners: Weebly’s user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop editor make it an excellent choice for those new to website building or with limited technical skills.
- Small online stores: Weebly’s e-commerce features and competitive pricing make it suitable for small businesses looking to establish an online presence.
- Service-based businesses: Weebly’s blogging platform and design flexibility make it suitable for service-based businesses looking to create a professional website and blog.
Weebly’s ease of use, responsive templates, and e-commerce capabilities make it a popular choice for small businesses and individuals looking to create professional websites without extensive technical expertise.
8. Zyro
Zyro, now integrated with Hostinger, is a comprehensive website builder platform that offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, AI-powered tools, and a range of features to help individuals and small businesses create professional-looking websites quickly and easily.
✅ Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop website builder with a simple, grid-based layout for easy page design.
- AI-powered tools, including a content generator, logo creator, and business name generator, to streamline the website creation process.
- Heatmap feature that provides insights into user behavior and engagement on the website.
- Integrated e-commerce capabilities, including multiple payment options, inventory management, and order processing.
- Frequent platform updates and a roadmap that allows users to stay informed about new features and improvements.
- 24/7 customer support and a comprehensive knowledge base to assist users.
❌ Cons
- Limited customization options compared to more advanced website builders like WordPress or Webflow.
- Inability to change the chosen template after the website has been created, which can be restrictive for some users.
- Potential complexity in connecting custom domains, which may be challenging for less tech-savvy users.
Pricing
- Website plan: Starts at $2.90 per month (with a two-year commitment).
- Business plan: Starts at $4.90 per month (with a two-year commitment).
- Both plans include a free domain for the first year, free web hosting, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Who It's Best For
Zyro is an excellent choice for:
- Beginners and individuals looking to create a professional-looking website quickly and easily.
- Small businesses and entrepreneurs seeking a user-friendly platform to establish an online presence, including the ability to sell products or services online.
- Service-based businesses, such as consultants, freelancers, or local service providers, who need a simple yet effective website to showcase their offerings.
Zyro’s combination of an intuitive interface, AI-powered tools, and integrated e-commerce features make it a compelling option for small businesses and individuals looking to create a professional website without extensive technical expertise.
9. Duda
Duda is a professional website builder platform designed for businesses, freelancers, designers, and agencies to build and manage high-converting websites at scale. It offers a range of features, including an intuitive website builder, AI tools, SEO optimization, and e-commerce capabilities, making it a versatile solution for various users.
✅ Pros
- Create beautiful websites using a drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible to users without extensive coding knowledge.
- Boost efficiency with built-in AI tools that streamline the website creation process.
- Build sites that rank higher in search engine results to increase visibility.
- Sell products online and offline with integrated e-commerce features.
- Fully own your customer experience with white label options, including custom branding and support portal.
- Includes advanced features like dynamic pages, client management, and team collaboration, making it suitable for agencies and businesses managing multiple client websites.
❌ Cons
- Pricing may be higher compared to some competitors, especially for advanced features and enterprise-level plans.
- Some users may find customization options restrictive compared to more advanced platforms like WordPress or Webflow.
- Advanced features may require some learning for users unfamiliar with web design concepts.
Pricing
- Basic Plan: $19 per month (billed annually) for one website, including essential features like AI Assistant and SEO optimization.
- Team Plan: $29 per month (billed annually) for one website, including additional features like client management and team collaboration.
- Agency Plan: $59 per month (billed annually) for four websites, including advanced features like dynamic pages and custom domains.
- Custom Plan: Available for businesses requiring more advanced features and personalized support, with pricing available upon request.
Who It's Best For
Duda is ideal for:
- Agencies: Managing multiple client websites and requiring advanced features like white label options and client management.
- Businesses: Managing multiple websites and needing features like dynamic pages, client management, and team collaboration.
- Freelancers: Offering website services to clients and requiring a platform with advanced features and white label options.
Duda’s comprehensive feature set and white label options make it a suitable choice for businesses and agencies managing multiple client websites.
10. Bubble
Bubble is a no-code platform that empowers users to build web applications without writing code. It offers a visual drag-and-drop interface, a vast library of pre-built components and plugins, and scalable architecture to support growing user bases and evolving business needs. Bubble is designed for businesses and entrepreneurs who want to create interactive web applications quickly and efficiently, without the need for extensive programming knowledge.
✅ Pros
- Intuitive Interface: Create applications using a visual drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible to users without extensive coding knowledge.
- Extensive Template Library: Choose from a variety of pre-built templates and plugins to customize your app and fit specific needs.
- Scalability: Bubble’s scalable architecture ensures your app can handle increasing user traffic and data volume without significant performance degradation.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to traditional coding, Bubble offers significant cost savings by eliminating the need for expensive developers and lengthy development cycles.
- Community and Support: The Bubble community is vibrant and supportive, offering a wealth of resources, tutorials, and forums to help users navigate the platform and overcome any challenges.
❌ Cons
- Limited Customization Options: Depending on the complexity of the application, it may not perform as well as a code-based application.
- Responsiveness: While Bubble allows for responsive web apps, it requires some practice to master the subject, and having an expert assist can be beneficial.
- Risk of No-Code Tools: Using no/low-code tools carries some level of risk, but Bubble’s promise to release user data if they cease operations provides some reassurance.
- No Code Export or Migration: Bubble is a proprietary platform, making it difficult to export code or transition to another no-code platform if needed.
Pricing
- Free Plan: Available with limited features and a free trial option to test all available services.
- Paid Plans: Pricing varies depending on the specific features and services required, with options for businesses and entrepreneurs.
Who It's Best For
Bubble is ideal for:
- Businesses: Creating interactive web applications to streamline processes, enhance customer engagement, and drive business growth.
- Entrepreneurs: Building MVPs for new business ideas and testing them with customers before investing significant resources.
- Startups: Developing web applications quickly and efficiently, without the need for extensive programming knowledge.
Bubble’s unique strengths, such as its intuitive interface, extensive template library, and scalability, make it an excellent choice for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to create interactive web applications without extensive coding knowledge.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Web Design Platform
Choosing the right web design platform is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your online presence and overall business success. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors to consider:
1. Ease of Use:
If you’re not a tech wizard, prioritize platforms with intuitive drag-and-drop editors and user-friendly interfaces. This will save you time and frustration, allowing you to focus on your content and business growth.
2. Customization Options:
Strike a balance between pre-designed templates and the flexibility to personalize. Templates provide a quick start, but ensure you can modify them to reflect your unique brand identity.
3. Pricing:
Web design platforms offer various pricing models, including free plans, tiered subscriptions, and one-time fees. Carefully evaluate the features included in each tier and choose one that aligns with your budget and requirements.
4. Scalability
Your business is bound to evolve, so choose a platform that can scale alongside it. Look for options that allow you to add functionalities, expand your product catalog, or accommodate increased traffic as your business grows.
5. SEO Friendliness:
A visually appealing website is pointless if no one can find it. Opt for platforms with built-in SEO features like customizable meta tags, SEO-friendly URLs, and sitemap generation to boost your visibility on search engines.
6. Customer Support:
When technical issues arise, responsive customer support is invaluable. Prioritize platforms that offer comprehensive help resources, live chat, or email support to address your concerns promptly.
7. E-commerce Integration:
If you plan to sell products or services online, seamless integration with popular e-commerce platforms is essential. Ensure the platform you choose supports your preferred payment gateways and offers secure checkout processes.
8. Mobile Responsiveness:
With the majority of web traffic now coming from mobile devices, your website must adapt to various screen sizes. Choose a platform that automatically optimizes your site for mobile viewing, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Web Design Platforms for Small Businesses: Build Your Brand Online with Fun Studio
In 2024, a powerful online presence is non-negotiable for small businesses. Whether you’re drawn to Wix’s simplicity and vast template library, Squarespace’s artistic flair, Shopify’s e-commerce prowess, or WordPress’s unmatched customization, there’s a platform perfectly suited to your needs.
Remember, your website is an investment, not an expense. A professional-looking, well-functioning site can attract customers, build trust, and ultimately drive sales.
If the thought of building a website still feels daunting, don’t hesitate to seek help. At Fun Studio, we specialize in creating exceptional websites that align with your brand and business goals. Let us handle the technical details so you can focus on what you do best – running your business.
Take the first step towards elevating your small business in the digital world. Explore the platforms we’ve highlighted, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation.
Your dream website is just a click away!
