Best Website Builders 2024

1. Duda.com

Why we picked it: Duda stands out for its user-friendly interface and robust features tailored for web design professionals and agencies. It offers a 14-day free trial with unlimited storage and bandwidth, making it ideal for content-rich websites and high-res images.

Key Points:

• Designed for Agencies: Duda excels in handling multiple client projects with powerful collaboration tools and customizable templates.
• Speed and Efficiency: Modern, SEO-optimized templates and reusable designs enhance productivity and ensure high-performance websites.
• Client Management: Features like permissions settings, client billing, and white-label options streamline interactions and project management.
• Automation Tools: Tools like auto-publishing and page duplication simplify workflow and enhance efficiency.

Ideal for: Design agencies needing efficient project management and customizable design options.

Pricing: Plans start at $19 per month, with more advanced features available in Agency and White Label plans starting at $25 per month. E-commerce features are available as add-ons.

Pros:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
• Mobile optimization and a variety of modern templates.
• Efficient client management tools.

Cons:

• Learning curve for advanced features.
• Higher pricing compared to some competitors.
• Limited third-party app integrations.

Who should use it: Design agencies or businesses managing multiple website projects will benefit most from Duda’s robust features and client management capabilities. If you prioritize data analytics and personalized user experiences, Duda provides the tools to achieve your goals effectively.

2. Wix.com

Why Choose Wix for Your Website: A Beginner’s Guide

Wix stands out as an excellent choice for beginners looking to create a website with ease. Here are the key reasons why:

1. Intuitive Website Building Wix offers an intuitive drag-and-drop editor that makes it simple to design and customize websites without needing technical expertise. With over 800 templates available, users can choose designs tailored to their needs.

2. Extensive Features and Tools The platform provides a wealth of tools including e-commerce solutions, app widgets, and AI-powered design aids. These features help in creating visually appealing and functional websites suitable for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

3. Pros and Cons

Pros:

• User-friendly interface and intuitive editor
• Wide selection of over 800 templates
• Integrated e-commerce capabilities for selling products directly from your site

Cons:

• Changing templates requires starting over
• No free trial available
• Some templates may have limitations and technical issues

4. Pricing Flexibility Wix offers a range of pricing options to cater to different budget levels:

• Free plan available with basic features and ads
• Paid plans starting at $17/month, with higher-tier plans offering advanced features like unlimited storage and priority customer care

5. Who Should Use Wix? Wix is ideal for beginners due to its user-friendly interface, but it also serves advanced users looking for extensive customization options and integrations. Businesses looking to quickly establish a professional online presence will find Wix beneficial.

6. Additional Features

• Integration and Marketing: Wix integrates seamlessly with email marketing tools and offers features for managing digital marketing campaigns directly from the dashboard.
• AI Text Creator: Users can generate website copy using an AI-powered tool, simplifying the process of creating compelling content.
• SEO and Analytics: Detailed SEO tools help optimize websites for search engines like Google, while built-in analytics provide insights into site performance and visitor behavior.
• Domain and Hosting: Free sites come with a domain ending in “.wixsite.com,” but users can connect their own domains for a personalized web address.

7. Design and Customization Wix’s design capabilities include advanced features like video backgrounds, gradients, and animation effects, allowing users to create dynamic and visually striking websites. The platform also offers a wide array of pre-designed templates suitable for various industries, ensuring a strong starting point for creative projects.

8. App Market and Integration Wix boasts an extensive App Market where users can add business tools and applications without any coding knowledge. This marketplace enhances website functionality with options for social media integration, e-commerce tools, and more.

In conclusion, Wix remains a popular choice among website builders for its ease of use, extensive features, and customizable templates. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional looking to expand your online presence, Wix offers the tools and flexibility to create a robust and visually appealing website.

3. WordPress.com

WordPress.com stands out as a top choice for website building due to its balance of accessibility and extensive customization options. Here’s why it’s highly regarded:

1. Varied Plans for Different Needs WordPress.com offers diverse plans tailored to various requirements. The Entrepreneur plan ($70/month, cheaper with annual billing) is ideal for businesses aiming to expand digitally. It provides a solid foundation for showcasing products and services, utilizing a vast plug-in library to enhance and scale operations.

2. Considerations for Small Businesses

Pros:

• Scalable for businesses of different sizes
• Extensive plug-in ecosystem for added functionality
• Wide range of themes for customization

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for new users
• Costs can add up with premium plug-ins
• Limited customer support options

3. Who Should Use It WordPress.com is perfect for small to medium-sized businesses planning for growth and seeking a customized online presence. It’s particularly beneficial for businesses anticipating future needs, thanks to its scalability and adaptable plug-in options. The Entrepreneur plan emphasizes e-commerce, making it suitable for carving out a digital market space.

4. Additional Features

• Security Plugins: Plugins like Wordfence and Sucuri bolster site security.
• Regular Updates: WordPress regularly updates with security patches.
• Community Support: A large community ensures ongoing support and security awareness.

WordPress.com offers a hosted platform with robust features and customization options, making it a preferred choice for businesses looking to establish and expand their online presence effectively. While it may require some learning initially, its scalability and extensive tools ensure it remains a powerful tool for diverse web projects.

4. Shopify

Shopify is a top choice for entrepreneurs diving into e-commerce due to its straightforward tools and user-friendly interface. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Easy to Use Shopify offers simple yet robust tools that make it easy for anyone, even with minimal tech knowledge, to set up and manage an online store. It includes a three-day free trial and no limit on the number of products, making it ideal for businesses testing the waters of online selling.

2. Scalability It’s a scalable platform that grows with your business. Shopify provides functionalities suitable for businesses of various sizes and needs. It guides beginners through essential tasks like inventory management and tax settings, backed by 24/7 support via live chat and email.

3. Considerations

Pros:

• User-friendly interface for setup and management
• 24/7 support available on all plans
• Versatility with extensive app integrations

Cons:

• Starting cost: Basic e-commerce plan starts at $39/month
• Advanced features may require paid third-party apps
• Limits on highly specific customization

4. Who Should Use It Shopify is perfect for small to medium-sized businesses entering e-commerce, whether selling exclusively online or expanding to multiple channels. Its robust features, like express checkout and a wide array of payment plans, provide a strong foundation. The platform’s vast app marketplace offers over 8,000 extensions, enhancing store functionality to meet diverse e-commerce needs.

5. Additional Features

• Payment Integration: Supports over 100 payment gateways for easy customer transactions.
• Order Management: Enables efficient order tracking, fulfillment, and management tasks.
• Marketing Tools: Includes tools for email campaigns, discount codes, and social media integration to promote your online store.

Shopify is rated highly for e-commerce websites, starting at $39/month. It offers a drag-and-drop editor for easy customization and extensive app options to expand your store’s capabilities.

5. GoDaddy

GoDaddy offers a quick and easy experience for building websites, making it ideal for small businesses and personal websites. Here’s why it’s a good choice:

1. Ideal For Small businesses and individuals who need a fast and straightforward way to set up a website.

2. Pros

• Easy to Use: GoDaddy’s builder is designed for simplicity, allowing users to create a professional-looking site without needing design skills.
• Fast Setup: You can quickly choose a theme, edit content, and publish your site.
• Integrated Marketing Tools: Includes tools for email marketing and eCommerce features like multiple payment options.

3. Cons

• Limited Customization Options: Templates are somewhat inflexible, with limited choices for fonts and layout adjustments.

4. Key Features

• Web Design Services: Offers professional consultation and web design services, suitable for beginners.
• Email Marketing: Tools for creating and sending targeted email campaigns.
• eCommerce Tools: Supports various eCommerce features, including payment options like PayPal and Apple Pay.

GoDaddy’s website builder is straightforward to use, with a low learning curve similar to Wix or Squarespace. It guides you through a simple 3-step process: choosing a theme, editing content, and publishing your site. However, its focus is more on creating static sites rather than dynamic blogs or content-heavy platforms.

6. Strikingly

Strikingly stands out in the website builder market for its focus on quickly creating sleek, one-page websites. Here’s a breakdown of why it’s a great choice:

1. Ideal For

• Users who need simple, stylish one-page sites.

2. Pros

• User-Friendly Tools: Easy-to-use site-building tools.
• Responsive Templates: Over 200 attractive templates that look great on both desktops and mobile devices.
• Free Plan Available: Offers a free plan, with premium options starting at $8 per month.

3. Cons

• Limited Customization: Site customization capabilities are restricted, especially on lower-priced plans.
• Premium Subscription Needed for More Features: Essential features may require a premium plan.
• Page Limit: Free and lower-tier plans limit sites to a maximum of five pages.

4. Key Features

• One-Page Websites: Specializes in one-page websites that are easy to navigate.
• Quick Setup: Efficient website creation process with minimal setup needed.
• Basic eCommerce and SEO: Includes basic tools for selling products and optimizing site performance.
• Templates: Intuitive sections for about info, services, portfolio, and contact details.

5. Who Should Use It Strikingly is best for businesses and individuals who want a straightforward, engaging online presence without the need for extensive customization. It’s perfect for entrepreneurs looking to convey their value proposition, showcase products, or host a brief portfolio with minimal navigation and management.

7. ClickFunnels

Why We Picked ClickFunnels

Ideal For

• Entrepreneurs and SMBs focused on lead conversion and sales.

Why ClickFunnels Stands Out ClickFunnels is a straightforward solution for creating sales funnels without needing technical expertise. It offers predesigned templates that allow for quick setup and easy integration with email systems and payment processors. This simplicity makes it a powerful tool for small businesses with limited resources.

Key Features

• Sales Funnels: Acts like an automated sales representative, guiding potential customers through the buying process.
• Websites: Allows for the creation of customizable websites.
• Online Courses: Enables the creation and sale of online courses.
• E-commerce Store: Facilitates online product sales.
• Membership Sites: Supports building membership sites for recurring revenue.
• Marketing & Blog: Includes tools for engaging with the audience and blogging.

Pros

• User-friendly with simplified sales funnel creation.
• 24/7 lead conversion via automation.
• Comprehensive toolset (email marketing, website builder, sales funnel creator, etc.).

Cons

• Occasional technical issues reported by users.
• Setting up third-party integrations can be challenging.
• Higher cost, with plans starting at $147 per month.

Pricing

• Free: 14-day trial
• Basic: $147 per month
• Pro: $197 per month
• Funnel Hacker: $297 per month

Conclusion ClickFunnels is perfect for entrepreneurs looking for a no-fuss solution to build sales funnels and convert leads. While it excels in sales funnel creation and automation, its higher cost and occasional technical challenges are considerations for potential users. Founded in 2014, ClickFunnels has received numerous accolades and remains a top choice for those aiming to turn website visitors into paying customers.

8. Squarespace

Why We Picked Squarespace

Ideal For

• Small and medium-sized businesses focused on creating visually appealing websites.

Why Squarespace Stands Out Squarespace is known for its beautiful designs and user-friendly platform. It offers over 200 responsive templates that look great on all devices. With e-commerce capabilities starting at $36/month, blogging tools, and custom code options, it’s a well-rounded choice for businesses needing both aesthetics and functionality.

Key Features

• Visually Stunning Templates: Over 200 responsive templates.
• E-commerce Tools: Sell digital and physical products, manage inventory, and calculate shipping and taxes.
• Blogging Tools: Schedule and manage blog posts.
• Custom Code Options: Add personalized features to your site.
• Fluid Engine: Easily resize and reposition content blocks.
• Member-only Areas: Monetize your site with subscription-only content.
• Professional Services: Hire experts to perfect your site.
• Extensions: Add marketing tools like Mailchimp, LiveChat, or Printful.
• Drag-and-Drop Editor: Build your site without technical skills.
• Analytics: Track your website’s traffic, sales, and engagement.
• SEO Features: Built-in tools to improve search engine visibility.

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Stunning, professionally designed templates
• Responsive and mobile-friendly designs
• Integrated hosting and domain services
• Built-in e-commerce functionality
• SEO-friendly features
• 24/7 customer support

Cons

• Cannot switch templates in the newest version, but workarounds exist
• No free plan
• Less intuitive than some competitors
• Pricing can be expensive
• Limited add-on options

Who Should Use It Squarespace is great for businesses that want a beautiful, professional-looking website. It’s especially useful for industries like photography, design, restaurants, and retail where visual impression matters. However, it might be a bit challenging for those with no website design experience.

Pricing

• Personal: $16/month (Billed annually)
• Business: $23/month (Billed annually)
• Commerce (Basic): $27/month (Billed annually)
• Commerce (Advanced): $49/month (Billed annually)

Conclusion Squarespace is an aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly platform perfect for small businesses and creative professionals looking to establish an online presence. Despite its higher cost and slight learning curve, its beautiful templates and integrated features make it a top choice for creating professional-looking websites.

9. Weebly

Why We Picked Weebly

Why We Like It Weebly is great for small businesses because it’s easy to use and has lots of features. With its drag-and-drop builder, anyone can create a professional-looking website without needing web design experience. It also offers tools for SEO, e-commerce, and various responsive templates for different business needs.

Key Benefits

• Ease of Use: Simple drag-and-drop website builder.
• Good Value: Offers a free plan and reasonably priced paid plans.
• E-commerce: Integrated tools for online stores.
• Templates: Variety of responsive templates for different businesses.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• User-friendly drag-and-drop builder
• Free plan available
• Integrated e-commerce tools in all plans

Cons:

• Advanced features need paid plans
• Support quality varies by plan
• Limited design flexibility unless you choose higher paid plans

Who Should Use It Weebly is perfect for small businesses and entrepreneurs on a budget. It’s especially good for those who want to create a website easily and may also want to sell products online.

Pricing

• Free Plan: Available
• Personal Plan: $10/month (billed annually)
• Professional Plan: $12/month (billed annually)
• Performance Plan: $26/month (billed annually)

Conclusion Weebly offers a user-friendly platform with a balance of functionality and ease of use. It’s ideal for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking for an affordable way to create a professional website. With its integrated e-commerce tools, it’s also great for businesses looking to sell products online. While the free plan is limited, the paid plans offer good value and advanced features.

After reviewing the top website builders—Duda, Wix, WordPress.com, Shopify, GoDaddy, Strikingly, ClickFunnels, Squarespace, and Weebly—it’s clear each offers unique strengths tailored to different needs.

• For flexibility and customization: WordPress.com stands out with its vast plugin ecosystem and open-source flexibility.
• For e-commerce: Shopify excels with powerful store management tools and extensive third-party integrations.
• For ease of use and design: Wix and Squarespace offer intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces and visually stunning templates.
• For small businesses: Weebly and GoDaddy provide affordable plans with essential features for getting online quickly.
• For focused sales funnels: ClickFunnels specializes in converting leads into sales with its streamlined funnel-building approach.
• For simplicity: Strikingly and Duda.com offer straightforward solutions for building clean, functional websites with minimal hassle.

Choosing the right platform depends on your specific requirements, whether it’s building a blog, launching an online store, or creating a professional portfolio. Consider your budget, technical expertise, and desired features to make the best choice for your online presence.