Building a website can be a daunting task, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. Fortunately, website builder platforms have made it easy for anyone to create a website without the need for coding skills or technical knowledge. With so many website builder platforms available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we’ll discuss the best website builder platforms, including Strikingly, Wix, Squarespace, WordPress.com, Shopify, and Weebly.
Strikingly
Strikingly is an all-in-one website builder platform that allows users to create a professional-looking website in minutes with zero code or design skills required. The platform offers a range of features, including a drag-and-drop editor, mobile-responsive templates, eCommerce capabilities, and social media integration. Strikingly also provides a built-in analytics tool that allows users to track their website’s performance.
One of the standout features of Strikingly is its simplicity. The platform is incredibly easy to use, making it perfect for those who are new to website building. The drag-and-drop editor is intuitive and straightforward, allowing users to create a website without any technical knowledge.
Strikingly offers a free plan that includes unlimited bandwidth, 500MB of storage, and a Strikingly.com domain name. Paid plans start at $8 per month and include features such as custom domains, eCommerce capabilities, and more storage.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor
- Mobile-responsive templates
- Built-in analytics tool
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Limited customization options compared to other platforms
- Limited storage on the free plan
Wix
Wix is one of the most popular website builder platforms, offering a range of features and customization options. The platform boasts a drag-and-drop editor, hundreds of templates, and a range of integrations and add-ons. Wix also offers eCommerce capabilities, allowing users to sell products and services directly from their website.
Wix’s drag-and-drop editor is one of the most intuitive on the market, allowing users to create a website without any technical knowledge. The platform also offers a range of customization options, including the ability to add animations, videos, and more.
Wix offers a free plan that includes limited features and a Wix.com domain name. Paid plans start at $14 per month and include features such as custom domains, more storage, and eCommerce capabilities.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Hundreds of templates and customization options
- eCommerce capabilities
- Range of integrations and add-ons
Cons:
- Some features require additional payment
- Limited storage on the free plan
Squarespace
Squarespace is a website builder platform designed for businesses and creatives. The platform offers a range of features, including a drag-and-drop editor, eCommerce capabilities, and a range of templates and designs. Squarespace also provides a range of SEO features, making it easy for users to optimize their websites for search engines.
Squarespace’s templates and designs are some of the most visually appealing on the market, making it a popular choice for creatives. The platform also offers a range of customization options, including the ability to add custom CSS and JavaScript.
Squarespace offers a 14-day free trial, after which users can choose from a range of paid plans starting at $16 per month. Paid plans include features such as custom domains, eCommerce capabilities, and more storage.
Pros:
- Visually appealing templates and designs
- Range of customization options
- eCommerce capabilities
- SEO features
Cons:
- Limited free trial period
- Slightly more expensive than some other platforms
Shopify
Shopify is a popular website builder platform designed specifically for eCommerce websites. The platform offers a range of features, including a drag-and-drop editor, customizable templates, and secure payment options. Shopify also provides a range of marketing and analytics tools to help users grow their online store.
Shopify’s drag-and-drop editor is intuitive and easy to use, allowing users to create a professional-looking eCommerce website without any coding or technical knowledge. The platform also offers a range of customization options, including the ability to add custom CSS and JavaScript.
Shopify offers a 14-day free trial, after which users can choose from a range of paid plans starting at $29 per month. Paid plans include features such as custom domains, more storage, and advanced eCommerce capabilities.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for eCommerce websites
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor
- Customizable templates
- Secure payment options
- Range of marketing and analytics tools
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some other platforms
- Some features require additional payment
Weebly
Weebly is a popular website builder platform that offers a range of features, including a drag-and-drop editor, eCommerce capabilities, and a range of templates and designs. Weebly also provides a range of SEO features, making it easy for users to optimize their websites for search engines.
Weebly’s drag-and-drop editor is intuitive and easy to use, allowing users to create a professional-looking website without any coding or technical knowledge. The platform also offers a range of customization options, including the ability to add custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Weebly offers a free plan that includes limited features and a Weebly.com subdomain. Paid plans start at $6 per month and include features such as custom domains, eCommerce capabilities, and more storage.
Pros:
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor
- eCommerce capabilities
- SEO features
- Range of templates and designs
- Customization options
Cons:
- Limited features on the free plan
- Limited storage on some plans
WordPress.com
WordPress is one of the most popular website builder platforms available, powering over 40% of all websites on the internet. WordPress.com is the hosted version of the platform, offering users a range of features, including a drag-and-drop editor, customizable templates, and a range of plugins to add additional functionality to their website.
WordPress.com’s drag-and-drop editor, called the Block Editor, is intuitive and easy to use, allowing users to create complex layouts and designs without any coding knowledge. The platform also offers a range of customization options, including the ability to add custom CSS and JavaScript.
WordPress.com offers a free plan that includes a WordPress.com subdomain and limited features. Paid plans start at $4 per month and include features such as custom domains, more storage, and access to premium templates and plugins.
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- A large range of plugins and templates are available
- Intuitive Block Editor
- SEO-friendly features
- Free plan available
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
- Limited support on the free plan
- Can become expensive with additional plugins and features
Monetization features are available to all users on all tiers
WordPress.com now allows Free plan users to monetize their websites without upgrading. Monetization features are available to all users on all tiers, with varying fees based on the user’s plan. Self-hosted WordPress users have free plugin options, but WordPress.com’s offering targets creators who want to make money online without maintaining and updating their own sites. The company aims to become a one-stop shop for websites, especially as it competes with Google. (Source)
Conclusion
Choosing the right website builder platform depends on your specific needs and requirements. Strikingly is an excellent choice for those who want a simple and straightforward platform that requires zero code or design skills. Wix, Squarespace, WordPress.com, Shopify, and Weebly all offer a range of features and customization options, making them suitable for a range of different websites. By considering the pros and cons of each platform, you can choose the best one for your needs and create a professional-looking website in no time.