Alright, you’ve got that brilliant business idea, your branding is on point, and you’re ready to take the world by storm. The only thing left? Building that website and getting your products into the hands of your soon-to-be adoring customers. Easy, right? Well, not so fast. Choosing the right website platform can be a bit of a minefield.
There are heaps of options out there—from all-inclusive website builders to dedicated eCommerce platforms and even some “free” ones (spoiler: nothing’s ever truly free). So, which one’s going to be the Beyonce of your business and help you shine the brightest?
Let’s break it down, shall we?
First Things First: Know Your Biz
Before you even think about picking a platform, you need to get super clear on a few things:
- Are you a product-based business, a service provider, or a mix of both?
- Are you hiring a web developer, or are you rolling up your sleeves for some DIY magic?
- How much time can you realistically devote to building and maintaining your website (now and in the future)?
- What’s your budget—both for setup and ongoing maintenance?
Once you’ve got answers to those, you’ll be in a much better place to make the right choice.
The Big Players: Website Platforms You Need to Know
1. Shopify
If you’re all about selling products, Shopify is your BFF. It’s built specifically for eCommerce, and it makes running an online shop a breeze—from payment processing to inventory management.
Pros:
- Tailor-made for eCommerce and product-based businesses.
- Drag-and-drop builder makes DIY setup easy.
- Great customization options for a professional look.
- SEO-friendly and integrates with Afterpay and more.
- All-in-one hosted solution—no need to worry about tech stuff.
- Beautiful free and paid themes available to make your store stand out.
Cons:
- Mostly for eCommerce; not ideal for blogs or service-based sites.
- Costs can skyrocket with themes, apps, and premium features.
- Migrating to another platform is tricky.
- Backend setup can be time-consuming.
Cost: $29 to $299/month, plus themes ($180) and possible app fees.
Best for: eCommerce stores, product-based businesses.
Want more reasons to fall in love with Shopify? Check out my podcast episode: 10 Reasons You Should Have a Shopify Website for all the juicy details!
2. Squarespace
Squarespace is the cool, artsy cousin of website builders. Known for its stunning templates and ease of use, it’s perfect for creatives, photographers, and anyone wanting a beautiful, functional site without the hassle.
Pros:
- Over 100 gorgeous, mobile-friendly templates.
- Great for blogs, portfolios, and even small eCommerce shops.
- All-in-one: includes hosting and domain.
- Easy to update on-the-go with mobile apps.
Cons:
- Not as feature-rich as WordPress.
- You’re tied to the platform; moving your site later is tough.
- Slower page load speeds (which can affect SEO).
- Limited third-party integrations.
- Navigation isn’t ideal for larger, more complex sites.
Cost: $16 to $52/month (includes domain and SSL).
Best for: Creatives, solopreneurs, bloggers, photographers.
3. WordPress.org (Self-Hosted)
Ah, WordPress—the OG of website platforms. Used by nearly a third of all websites on the internet, it’s versatile, powerful, and super customizable. Perfect for bloggers, service-based businesses, and those who like to tinker with all the bells and whistles.
Pros:
- Open-source: you own your content and can move it anywhere.
- Thousands of themes and plugins for ultimate customization.
- Built-in SEO tools to help your site rank.
- Cost-effective if you stick with free themes and plugins.
Cons:
- Not ideal for purely product-based businesses (ahem, Shopify does it better).
- Steep learning curve if you’re not tech-savvy.
- You’ll need to manage updates, backups, and security.
- Customization often means digging into code.
- Costs can add up with hosting, premium themes, and plugins.
Cost: $0 to start, but factor in hosting ($8-$100/month), domain ($15/year), SSL ($70/year), and any premium add-ons.
Best for: Service-based businesses, blogs, membership sites, forums.
4. Showit
Showit is the dream platform for creatives who want total design freedom without having to touch a line of code. It’s a drag-and-drop website builder that integrates beautifully with WordPress for blogging, giving you the best of both worlds.
Pros:
- Complete creative control with a true drag-and-drop interface.
- No coding required.
- Integrates with WordPress for powerful blogging capabilities.
- Stunning design templates, including those from Tonic Shop.
- Built-in SEO settings.
Cons:
- More expensive than other platforms.
- Learning curve for the design interface.
- Not ideal for large eCommerce stores.
Cost: $24 to $39/month.
Best for: Photographers, designers, creatives, and service-based businesses that need a gorgeous online presence.
5. Wix
If you’re a total newbie and want to DIY your website yesterday, Wix is a great place to start. With hundreds of templates and an intuitive drag-and-drop builder, it’s the definition of user-friendly.
Pros:
- Super easy drag-and-drop site builder.
- Hundreds of free templates.
- Access to Wix App Market for added functionality.
- Quick setup with zero tech skills required.
- Affordable for startups.
Cons:
- Once you pick a template, you can’t switch without starting over.
- Hard to transfer your site elsewhere.
- Some templates aren’t mobile-responsive—choose carefully!
- Slower load speeds can hurt SEO.
- Free plans come with Wix ads.
Cost: Free to $23/month (includes domain and SSL).
Best for: Startups, solopreneurs, bloggers, small creatives.
6. Weebly
Similar to Wix, Weebly offers drag-and-drop simplicity with a focus on affordability and ease of use. Great for small businesses and side hustlers looking to get online fast.
Pros:
- Affordable and intuitive for DIYers.
- App center for extra functionality.
- Easy to switch templates without losing content.
- Mobile-optimized.
- Create members-only areas.
Cons:
- Limited design customizations.
- You’re locked into Weebly’s hosting.
- SEO limitations could affect rankings.
- 3% transaction fee on eCommerce sales (unless you upgrade).
Cost: Free to $46/month + transaction fees.
Best for: Startups, freelancers, bloggers, creatives.
7. GoDaddy Website Builder
Known for domains and hosting, GoDaddy also has a website builder that’s perfect for beginners who want everything in one place. It’s simple, affordable, and mobile-optimized.
Pros:
- Pre-loaded blocks make layout building a snap.
- Affordable plans.
- Integrated photo library from Getty.
- Get your domain, hosting, and website all in one place.
- SEO wizard helps boost online visibility.
Cons:
- Basic blog features (no RSS feed).
- Limited layout options.
- No app store for extra functionality.
- Higher plans required for eCommerce.
- Hard to move your site elsewhere.
Cost: $12.95 to $29.95/month (domain not included).
Best for: Solopreneurs, photographers, simple service-based sites.
So, Which Platform Should You Choose?
At the end of the day, it all comes down to what your business needs.
- Selling products? Shopify’s your go-to. It’s got everything you need to grow your eCommerce biz.
- Want a stunning, hassle-free site for your brand or creative business? Showit or Squarespace will have you looking fab in no time.
- Running a service-based biz or blog? WordPress gives you total flexibility.
Remember, no platform is one-size-fits-all. Choose the one that’ll help you build not just a website, but a profitable business. Because at the end of the day, that’s what we’re here for—right?
Need help figuring out what’s best for your biz? I’m here for it! Whether it’s website tips, marketing strategies, or getting your product-based business to the next level, you know where to find me. 💡
Check out my Roadmap to Profit program to get the clarity you need to build a business that’s as profitable as it is fun to run!
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